• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

CCW permit Question

Iron Shield

Newbie
Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
6
Location
New Orleans
Hello all,
I've enjoyed reading posts on this board and decided to register, thanks for accepting my registration.
As a new handgun owner, I've been spending a lot of time trying to research and learn all I can about the laws that may effect me. I've searched the site for my question, but didn't find anything.

I understand that this site is dedicated to the topic of 'open carry', however, there seems to be a lot of knowledge about the Louisiana gun laws regarding CC and I was hoping to 'pick the brains' of those members.

I've scheduled my CC permit class for later this month. Looking over the application, I realized that I may have an issue. While I've never been arrested (much less convicted of anything). In fact, my last traffic stop was probably more than 20 years ago! The issue I 'may' have is the medical portion. I am currently taking medication for 'mild depression'. I'm fine, and even if I weren't, I would only be a danger to myself and I wouldn't need a CC permit to do anything about that. I've responded very well to the medication and have been fine for well over a year.

My question is; would this be considered grounds for an automatic denial?


I toyed with the idea of omitting that information, but I don't want to start this off on the wrong foot. The whole reason I'm doing this is to be part of the 'law abiding community' - if that makes sense. Plus, it's illegal to omit this information and I don't want to have that on my mind all the time.

The bigger issue that concerns me is, I've purchased 2 handguns recently with no problem or waiting period. Walked right out with the weapons. I don't want to be "on the grid" now for a negative reason which could cause issues with future gun purchases. I hope that doesn't sound paranoid.

The reason I'm even interested in CC is this; I'm a photographer (not full time, but I have sold some of my images), sometimes, being a photographer takes me to secluded areas either before sunrise or well after sunset. Plus, walking around with expensive camera equipment is something hard to miss. Anyone who lives near New Orleans knows that crime is exploding around here.

The story that pushed me to even purchase a firearm was this one from 10/04/2015;

"NEW ORLEANS —A man taking pictures Saturday morning was held up at gunpoint in Mid-City, police said.

The armed robbery was reported just before 11:30 a.m. near Palmyra Street and Jane Place, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

The 23-year-old man said he was taking photographs in the area when he was approached by an unknown gunman who demanded his belongings.

Police were told the robber ordered the victim to the ground. The robber left after patting down the victim and taking his belongings."


I could just open carry, but I feel that would only attract even more attention, and destroy the element of surprise. I don't want to ever need to use the gun, but "I'd rather have it and never need it, than to need it and not have it." Even with a CCW, I think I'll avoid the city and French Quarter as that could be seen as 'looking for trouble'. That's sad, but I have no desire to deal with what follows a shooting incident, even if justified. Being killed is only slightly worse than all the BS that takes place after a person defends themselves (from what I've been reading).

I apologize for the long post, I just wanted to fully explain my story. Just wondering if I should even go through with the CCW process or just cancel the class and avoid the scrutiny.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 

MSG Laigaie

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
3,239
Location
Philipsburg, Montana
Hello all,
1. I understand that this site is dedicated to the topic of 'open carry',

2. I toyed with the idea of omitting that information,

3. I could just open carry, but I feel that would only attract even more attention, and destroy the element of surprise. .

First.....Welcome to OCDO, I hope you enjoy your time here. I will look at you posting.

1. Yes!! The normalization of openly carried firearms in daily life.

2. Don't do that. We do not advocate or endorse breaking the law. Work within the system in order to own it.

3. We all open carry. It does NOT make you a target. You will avoid conflict by Open Carrying. your "element of surprise" is a fallacy kept alive by odd uninformed people.


Open carry your firearm. And Welcome to OCDO.
 

Iron Shield

Newbie
Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
6
Location
New Orleans
Wow, Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply.

Like I said, I 'toyed' with the idea, but I can't even lie on my taxes, so I knew I couldn't do it.

Is your advice then to NOT take the CC class and avoid it all together?

I do open carry in my vehicle with the gun in plain sight. Walking around with it on my side is going to take a little bit more 'guts' (I'll be nice) and I'm not sure I've worked up to that yet. I'm all about the 2nd and an NRA member (just to toss it out there), but I've been seeing some confrontation horror stories that I'd really like to avoid. I'm behind the cause, don't get me wrong, and I'll get there, just be overly careful I guess. :confused:
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Wow, Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply.

Like I said, I 'toyed' with the idea, but I can't even lie on my taxes, so I knew I couldn't do it.

Is your advice then to NOT take the CC class and avoid it all together?

I do open carry in my vehicle with the gun in plain sight. Walking around with it on my side is going to take a little bit more 'guts' (I'll be nice) and I'm not sure I've worked up to that yet. I'm all about the 2nd and an NRA member (just to toss it out there), but I've been seeing some confrontation horror stories that I'd really like to avoid. I'm behind the cause, don't get me wrong, and I'll get there, just be overly careful I guess. :confused:

Many of us here also have CC permits - doing so just expands the options.

The more you OC, the easier it will become.

Recommend having a good digital recorder and carry it 24/7 always on when you are out and about. Simply good insurance.
 

HeroHog

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
628
Location
Shreveport, LA
I suffer from depression and at the time I applied for my CHP was under the care of the Psychiatry department of the VA hospital (not as an inpatient or anything that severe, just for meds and evaluation to make sure I didn't have PTSD). I had my psychiatrist wright up a letter on letterhead and fill out the form from the State Police CHP department, turned in the paperwork where an arrest for disorderly conduct in the 70's was no longer on the books and I received my CHP so don't be afraid to tell the truth. My Doc's letter noted that I was no danger to myself or anyone else and my depression was under control with medication. As a side note, I have been completely released from all psychiatric care and my GP prescribes my meds now.
 

HeroHog

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
628
Location
Shreveport, LA
PS: I have held CHPs in Louisiana before "Shall Issue" back when they were MUCH tougher to get, in Arkansas, and Virginia as a resident and in New Hampshire as a Non-Resident and again in Louisiana when we moved back. I obviously had the arrest and claimed it on every one and it was never an issue. Once I was diagnosed with depression, I claimed it. That hasn't been an issue. The degree, case, doctor and people evaluating the case make the difference. If you lie and get caught, you have branded yourself from that point forward and are forever tainted. If you tell the truth, you stand a chance of fighting it should you be denied IMHO.
 
Last edited:

Iron Shield

Newbie
Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
6
Location
New Orleans
Thank you so much herohog, that is exactly the advice I was looking for. I called the permit class instructor and he advised me to forward the medical form to the Dr for his 'sign off' (as you've stated). I plan to do just that. One thing I have no idea about is the Doctor and his personal belief where guns are concerned. That 'shouldn't' matter, but people all have strong opinions where guns are involved.

Like I said, I toyed with the idea, just because I don't like the thought of that information being 'out there'. I couldn't lie however. It was never really an option. I would have just cancelled the class rather than take that route.

@ bernymac, I suppose the more correct expression would be "not to draw too much attention."

Here's the thing; Walking around with camera equipment that is clearly on the pro level is attention getting enough. It's worth a lot more than a cell phone, and you know what has been done to people just to get those. Add a visible gun to the mix and, I feel, (perhaps incorrectly), that I'd be getting even more unwanted attention.

Some may say; "If you don't want unwanted attention, just stay home then." I feel like I should be able to go out and take photographs (wherever it's legal - that's a whole other issue loaded with BS and misinformation) as I'd like. I just don't want to be a victim, as other photographers have, while doing it.

I hope to never, ever, need to use the gun in self defense. However, I also know that I won't hesitate if I have to.

Thanks again for your replies. I know you all don't 'know' me ,even in the internet sense, so I appreciate you taking the time.
 

Iron Shield

Newbie
Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
6
Location
New Orleans
You should do more research on that "element of surprise" mantra.

I think that came out wrong. I just don't want to attract more attention with a gun strapped to my side. I would rather have it concealed until / unless it was needed.
I'm not looking to 'surprise' anyone or 'ambush' them or anything like that. I apologize if I wasn't clear.
 

HeroHog

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
628
Location
Shreveport, LA
Prior to my CHP's I was a full Blown FFL so my "cover" has been "blown" as a gunner to the Feds et al for a WHILE now so, meh, why not go full bore? :p
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Did that once. Launched a drive shaft across the high school parking lot. My dad was not amused.
Wow - you needed bullet proof U-joints.

Spicer heavy duty units contributed to my scattering the third member, making that the weak link. :(
 

skidmark

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
10,444
Location
Valhalla
Getting back to the OP, and probably getting myself branded a heretic around here -

One of the big parts of self defense is "situational awareness" - having your head and eyes on a swivel, seeing what's happening around you and being able to interpret in terms of threat risk. Another part is being aware of your avenues of evasion/escape - the best gun fight is the one you don't get into.

Situational awareness is darned near impossible while you are looking through a viewfinder/at a screen. Bobbing up from your viewfinder like a turtle getting a gulp of air is not going to give you much real awareness of what's going on around you.

Whether carrying OC or CC it's difficult to draw and beat a gun (or lead pipe or knife) already out and aimed at you. You may be put in the position of having to choose between defending you equipment and risk serious injury or give it over to keep from getting hurt. IMHO insurance is a lot less that hospital bills.

All that being said, there are some professional photographers/videographers who post here, and they regularly carry. I don't recall any of them getting into any trouble - well, except for the one who had his backpack full of equipment mistaken for a possible terrorist bomb.

This is one of those times when I highly recommend taking self defense/personal protection classes. Not just one class but several, as I am not aware of any that by themselves will give you the familiarization with the skills you might need. I also recommend that after you get a class or two under your belt you find an instructor that will let you show up with your usual load-out of photography gear so you can learn how to work with/work around it.

stay safe.
 

Resto Guy

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2008
Messages
223
Location
right here
Wow - you needed bullet proof U-joints.

Spicer heavy duty units contributed to my scattering the third member, making that the weak link. :(

Ah yes, no hollow cross shaft with grease fittings. Those are quite tough. So what brand third member was it that you destroyed? Ford? Mopar? As a youth I once side-stepped the clutch in the Goat and swiftly broke both engine mounts. It felt like the car jumped straight up and left the ground. That 8.2 rear always took the abuse.

Gun smoke and tire smoke both smell divine to me.
 

Iron Shield

Newbie
Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
6
Location
New Orleans
Getting back to the OP, and probably getting myself branded a heretic around here -

One of the big parts of self defense is "situational awareness" - having your head and eyes on a swivel, seeing what's happening around you and being able to interpret in terms of threat risk. Another part is being aware of your avenues of evasion/escape - the best gun fight is the one you don't get into.

Situational awareness is darned near impossible while you are looking through a viewfinder/at a screen. Bobbing up from your viewfinder like a turtle getting a gulp of air is not going to give you much real awareness of what's going on around you.

Whether carrying OC or CC it's difficult to draw and beat a gun (or lead pipe or knife) already out and aimed at you. You may be put in the position of having to choose between defending you equipment and risk serious injury or give it over to keep from getting hurt. IMHO insurance is a lot less that hospital bills.

All that being said, there are some professional photographers/videographers who post here, and they regularly carry. I don't recall any of them getting into any trouble - well, except for the one who had his backpack full of equipment mistaken for a possible terrorist bomb.

This is one of those times when I highly recommend taking self defense/personal protection classes. Not just one class but several, as I am not aware of any that by themselves will give you the familiarization with the skills you might need. I also recommend that after you get a class or two under your belt you find an instructor that will let you show up with your usual load-out of photography gear so you can learn how to work with/work around it.

stay safe.

Thank you for your comments. You're right that being aware of my surroundings would be very difficult while focused on photography - no pun intended. The situations I'm most concerned about is not so much during the taking of the images, but the travel to the locations. If I get to the location, I'll probably be fine and I'll hear anyone who may approach. It's difficult to explain, but I'm usually out in the very early morning, when it's very quiet. Being seen and perhaps followed to the next location, for example, is also a concern. I don't usually venture very far from my vehicle if at all possible. I certainly do agree with your suggestion of self defense instruction and personal defense training as well. I don't think I can just grab a gun and "everything will be fine." I assure you of that! :)

I'm not sure if the national news reports any of this, but New Orleans, and the surrounding area, is a very dangerous place. There have been 2 recent incidents where people have been approached, attempted to be robbed. When the victims announced to the would be robber that they had nothing on them (one was actually homeless) they were still shot!
I suppose just out of aggravation?! There are shootings, and / or carjackings (often multiple) ever day here. I won't go into the city anymore - even with a gun! No street or time of day is safe. People just open fire on a crowded street, no warning. If my whole family didn't live here, I'd be happy to move elsewhere. I know it's seen as a 'party town' across the country (and the world), but should anyone visit, be VERY careful. I wouldn't recommend it actually. A New Orleans street is the last thing a great many tourist have seen, sadly.
 
Top