California and its draconian gun laws was more than I could take by 1988, so I voted with my feet and left the state. I live in the Northwest now and enjoy an easily obtained CCW that has no real restrictions on what type and how many guns you can use as CCW pieces. Most law enforcement administrators in our county are pro gun and trust that armed citizens weigh the balance in favor of the law abiding. Needless to say, it's a safe place to live.
One night, our police chief; now the county sheriff, put on a concealed carry class and had two of his officers bring guns for all the students to try out. The turnout was so great we filled the fire station's engine room floor and they had to add another class! His parting remarks were, "One of these days, I might be struggling on the roadside with an armed felon-it would be great to see a legally armed citizen help me out if I needed it!"
Think that will ever happen in California? Don't hold your breath.... Most likely, the local sheriff assumes, as a gun owner, you're more dangerous than a felon.
ironvic