How to answer - Application: Build, Complexion

[mogarbage]

By the Fitzpatrick classification, I am type IV.
My somatype (build) is mesomorph.

On the street, I'm your average Asian.

I might be over-analyzing the questions, but I'd rather be safe (unrestricted) than sorry (restricted).

Thanks

 

[Len-2A Training]

What they are looking for are one of the following:

- Light
- Medium
- Dark

What's funny is that on my most recent (few months ago) renewal, I came to that question, puzzled over it for a moment and left it blank. When I turned the form into the PD, I didn't realize that I still didn't answer that question. When the PD Secretary printed out the MIRCS form, I did an "A-B" comparison before signing and realized my mistake and she put down Medium for me. All was good.

You'd really be dealing with a terrible PD for them to deny/restrict because you left it blank because you couldn't personally analyze your skin color.

 

[mogarbage]

Thanks Len. After reading so many horror stories this simple little form has me thinking it's an SAT test.

 

[GSG]

You'd really be dealing with a terrible PD for them to deny/restrict because you left it blank because you couldn't personally analyze your skin color.

I agree, but could you imagine the poostorm that would result from a CLEO denying a minority a firearms license based on anything related to their skin color?

 

[mogarbage]

FWIW, Asian residents of Malden will be categorized as "Yellow."
Build, the options are small, medium, or large.


Obtaining a LTC – A, Unrestricted, (Individual)Outline

1. Pro 2A Organizations/Forums
a. http://www.northeastshooters.com
b. http://comm2a.org
c. http://goal.org
d. http://home.nra.org/#/home

2. Massachusetts Laws and Regulations
a. http://goal.org/masslawpages/masslaws.html
b. http://goal.org/masslawpages/masslawsfaq.html
c. http://goal.org/licensinginfo.html
d. http://goal.org/masslawpages/firearmsinfo.html
e. http://goal.org/masslawpages/ammo.html
f. http://goal.org/masslawpages/travelinfo.html
g. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/81-Massachusetts-Laws
h. http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html
i. http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopstopic&L=2&L0=Home&L1=Firearms+Registration+&+Laws&sid=Eeops

3. Certification
a. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/17-Training

4. Local Requirements (Individual)
a. http://www.maldenpd.com/newweb/FAQ/FAQ.htm#LTC

5. Local Ranges/Practice
a. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/29-Gun-Ranges-amp-Clubs

6. Competitive Shooting Clubs/Organizations
a. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/37-Pistol-Competition
b. http://uspsa.com/
c. http://www.idpa.com/

7. Equipment/Supplies
a. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/21-Gun-Shops-and-Reviews
b. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/20-Dealers-Ranges-Forum
c. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/12-Firearms
d. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/97-Equipment
e. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/forums/98-Ammunition
f. http://www.roachssportinggoods.com/
g. http://www.ravenconcealmentsystems.com/
h. http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=home
i. http://www.gunbroker.com/
j. http://www.brownells.com/
k. http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/

The Process (Individual)

Much like a college application, there is unfortunately, much legwork that needs to be done by an individual interested in obtaining their LTC Class A Unrestricted. This is a brief overview of what it was like for a 1st time applicant in a historically green city.

Section 1. I stumbled upon Northeastshooters.com (NES) while researching the necessary items needed to successfully be issued my requested license. Shortly thereafter, I donated (went green) as the community offers loads of wealth and information, some accurate, some fud, and some entertainment. That is when I also learned of Comm2A and Goal, two local groups working their collective ass off to further our cause. I gladly donated to them as well as became a lifetime member of the NRA through a generous discount being offered by a NES member.

Section 2. Outlines the mass amounts of information one must be at least familiar with to avoid jail and or fines. This was read and digested sparingly, as it is a lot to comprehend, especially when it seems you are constantly chasing your own tail. Nonetheless, familiarize yourself as much as possible. Ignorance is not an excuse with the court. Conversely, ignorance by the courts is.

Section 3. Straightforward enough, in order for me to start the process, I needed to complete one of the following

L.T.C. Basic Firearms Safety Courses Certification #
Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Basic Handgun Safety Course----------------LTC-001
NRA Basic Pistol Course----------------------------------------------------------------------LTC-002
NRA Personal Protection Course-------------------------------------------------------------LTC-003
SIG Arms Academy Handgun Orientation Course-------------------------------------------LTC-004
Smith & Wesson Academy Massachusetts Carry Permit Course---------------------------LTC-005
MCJTC Recruit Firearms Training Course----------------------------------------------------LTC-006
*NRA Home Safety Course-------------------------------------------------------------------LTC-007
Worcester Police Department Firearms Responsibility and Safety Program--------------LTC-008
Mass Sheriffs’Association’s Firearms Safety & Handling Course---------------------------LTC-009
B.F.S.I. Handgun Safety Course-------------------------------------------------------------LTC-010
Massachusetts State Police Recruit Firearms Training Program---------------------------LTC-011
SIG Arms Concealed Carry Pistol Course---------------------------------------------------LTC-012
USPSA Safe Handgun Competitor - MA Edition Firearms Course--------------------------LTC-013
CQB Arms LTC Course------------------------------------------------------------------------LTC-014
The Andover Police Department's Basic Firearms Safety Course--------------------------LTC-015
The MagPro Basic Firearms Safety Course--------------------------------------------------LTC-016
Massachusetts Certified Basic Pistol Course-------------------------------------------------LTC-017
CCW Point Blank Course----------------------------------------------------------------------LTC-018
The Liberal Gun Club--------------------------------------------------------------------------LTC-019

While the class itself wasn’t unbearable, some of the folks I was in there were. A few were dead set on derailing the MGL portion at the beginning, and kept interjecting (their interpretation of) NH law. I could give 6 pence less, as I will do my own research in regard to laws outside MA. I don’t care for what you heard or think or read somewhere. Having to sit there and listen to them was undoubtedly the most painful part of the application process.

Section 4. My city has the application process listed online. They didn’t ask for anything more, or anything less than what is posted. I can not say I agree with these steps, but for now, it is what it is. It took roughly 30 minutes to get the information entered, photograph, and fingerprints completed. No need for small talk, friendly conversation, formal attire, memorization of the first 30 presidents. In and out, and was told I would receive the license in the mail within 4 weeks. Feel free to PM me if you would like more pertinent information.

Section 5. No reason to apply for and be granted your license if you do not have any intention of shooting. Even if for CCW purposes, get out there and practice. I live in metro Boston and there are options available to me via the MBTA and luckily, within walking distance. Each club has it’s own personality. Find one that fits what you are looking for. Join multiple clubs if you need the best of both worlds, whatever they may be.

Section 6. Closely related to section 5. Many clubs offer competitive shooting. Even if not a member, you can still participate and join in on the camaraderie that shooting sports offer. Keep your calendar updated and more than likely you can find an event every weekend thoughout a majority of the year. I personally have not done any shooting of this sort, but look forward to it immensely.

Section 7. Have your finances in order and put yourself on a budget. Even with the handicap placed on us MA residents, it is easy to indulge for those with acquisition disorder. I suffer from AD, but knew I was walking a slipperly slope from the beginning so I went the practical route. Knowing I was going to conceal carry, log a good amount of range time, and try my hand at competitive shooting, I searched for multi-purpose equipment. This applied to my decision on holsters, the pistols, and the calibers. While there is no magical combination, there is a way to get quite a bit of overlay while utilizing the right gear. Also note, many quality companies with regard to holsters, mag pouches, and belts, have a lengthy lead time. It’s a good idea to schedule accordingly. When possible I do buy local. If prices and quality are near identical, I’ll always do so.