Restrictions on Gun Sales

Your editorial concerning the opposition to concealed-weapon permits (Sept. 29) misses the mark. Given the epidemic proportions of crime and killings in Los Angeles, how can you state that the right to carry a handgun by law-abiding citizens “should be drastically limited”?

You state that “fewer than 300 Los Angeles County residents are believed to possess gun permits.” How many criminals possess guns and are more than willing to use them on unarmed law-abiding citizens? I’d bet more than 300! Strict gun laws do not reduce crime. Washington, for example, has the toughest gun laws of any city in the United States; it is also known as the country’s “murder capital.”

Instead of banning concealed weapons, there should be objective tests and criteria for permitting such permits.

DAVID P. GAYDOS

Manhattan Beach