TexasCHLforum.com

I am new here. Been following the forum for awhile. I hope to learn all I can prior to applying for my CHL. I love to bird hunt but time does not allow me to hunt as much as I'd like. I am 62 and have lived my life free of trouble and never felt the need to arm myself outside my home. I have always been observant of what is happening around me and been fit enough to pose a threat to those who have question it.

Now in my thinking I can't fight anymore, won't run from a fight, so I am forced to rely on a gun. I never dreamed the day would come where I felt it necessary to protect myself with a gun. I never dreamed our nation and our citizens could pose a significant risk to me and my family. I have always been prepared too protect my home but never felt the need to do so outside the home. Back in the day the police were here to protect and serve. IMO today they are more of a law enforcement agency and I worry about them protecting the public.

Today we have the Mexican drug lord to our south, drug gang member growing daily, ISIS activist living in our home land, and way, way too many wackos shooting up theaters, schools, and malls. Unsupervised and mislead kids watching the news and repeating stupid acts. Our current leaders are being force to take action and many believe in gun control as a way to relieve the problem. Guys you can't fix stupid.

My long guns can and have provided me with food. All I have killed have been eaten. A hand gun by design was made to kill people and I never saw the need to eat a person. My hand gun is for protecting myself in a life threating situation, only! I don't plan to use it to protect my property, property can be replaced. I am not law enforcement and never intend use a weapon to prevent a crime.

I have many friends who have a CHL they went out bought their first weapon and got licensed. To many have never shot and killed an animal and seen what the bullet does to flesh. Several have not fired their weapon enough to be able to hit a target or have enough education to even properly clean the gun. I ask them where their gun is and they answer at home.

My plan of action is to first become a responsible CHL person, learn and understand (not just read) all the laws, learn how to avoid and prevent a threat, have a clear understanding of using deadly force and the potential outcome. Practice gun safety, gun storage, and gun handling to where it is second nature. Currently I have practiced enough to be able to hit my target, hit a moving target, move and shoot, and dump a mag on target. However, I know I am not prepared enough mentally to perform effectively in a real world situation.

So in closing say a prayer for me as I begin the journey to CHL.'dom