Here are a few restaurant recommendations:
Katsu-ya sushi on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City. Good lunch spot, near the studios. Very high chance of spotting a celebrity there at lunchtime. If you get there when it opens at 11:30 a.m., they can usually seat you without a reservation; any later than call ahead first.
losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/321759/studio_city_ca/sushi_katsu_ya.htmlCafe Beujolais in Glendale. Not sure if you want to go to a French restaurant when you're in L.A., but this one is pretty good with reasonable prices, and the waiters will speak your language too.
losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/70967Langer's deli is a famous old restaurant near downtown L.A. that specializes in pastrami sandwiches. Outside it seems like you're in Mexico or some other third world country, but when you go into the restaurant it feels like you've stepped back in time in L.A. Very popular lunch spot for local businessmen, etc.; my dad used to take me there when I was a kid so I have good memories there. I wouldn't want to spend too much time in the surrounding neighborhood after dark, though. You can take the metro there (Red Line) or park in a lot a block away.
losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/86323/los_angeles_ca/langer_s.htmlAs far as shopping goes, try the Grove:
www.thegrovela.com/index.phpThis is a newer outdoor shopping center that's actually very well done. It's right next door to the Farmer's Market which is a famous old L.A. landmark. You will pay full retail here though. Good people watching and a decent selection of chain restaurants.
My wife really likes the Carlsbad outlets, we usually go there when we take our kids to Legoland:
www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=66Carlsbad is about a 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive from L.A.
The only spot I can think of to shop for tactical gear is Botach Tactical; they have a bad rep for internet sales but I believe you can buy stuff directly at their warehouse. It's in South Central L.A. which is not the best neighborhood:
www.botac.com/info.htmlWeather is kind of unpredictable around the time you'll be here. Make sure you bring rain gear to your carbine course. Although it could be hot and sunny; bring sunscreen too.
That's all that I can think of at the moment in the immediate L.A. area!! Have fun in your carbine class.
Edited to add: If you're near the airport at LAX and have some time to kill, have some burgers at In 'n Out burger, which is right next to the runway at LAX, sit outside, and watch the planes land:
www.in-n-out.com/location_details.asp?id=117The South Bay beaches are close to there (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach); both Manhattan and Hermosa have bars, single women, etc., Hermosa is probably a better choice for that.