CHL class Dec. 19
Online app Dec. 21st
Email confirm. Dec. 21st
Prints Dec. 30th
Plastic March 8
Here are some things I wish I would have done differently or known before I received plastic. I'm sure you guys know this stuff already, but if not, hopefully you will find it helpful.
I did finally break down and call the offices on March 1st. The lady was extremely nice but very unhelpful. Not only was she unhelpful, but she mentioned that my application "had not even been sent to background check yet". So you can only imagine my frustration after having waited so long. Now that I have plastic in hand only a week after that call, I realize what she told me was obviously not true. Maybe she was just looking at bad info or maybe she was trying to discourage me from calling back soon by making me think it's going to be a long wait, I don't know, but either way I wish I would've just not called. The info we get is so sketchy from call to call, I'm not sure its worth the frustration. I know I was.
Secondly, and now that I have been carrying for a couple weeks, I wish I would've practiced more around the house. I find myself wanting to "adjust" my EDC a lot more than I anticipated. I practiced carrying around the house some, but I should've practiced every day scenarios that play out throughout my day. Getting in and out of the car frequently, where to carry in my vehicle, bending over, carrying my kids, sitting at my desk, or whatever. The goal is to already be comfortable with your EDC when you get your plastic, not merely familiar with how it feels. I wish I would've done it more.
I'm sure you guys have already done this but if you haven't already found a holster, get one asap and try it out before you get that plastic. It makes a difference know the "ins" and "outs" of how you holster feels when drawing or walking. I'm shocked at how much mental space I've been giving to "am I printing, and I walking funny, is my gun secure in my holster, is it flush in there, can I access my weapon quickly from here" and on and on. Lesson learned, I should've practiced more.
Lastly and this one is a big one, make a list of all the places you frequent throughout your week and make a conscious effort to go and read if you're allowed to carry at those places. I didn't do this and I regret it. I've had to walk back to my vehicle several times because I got up to the entrance and noticed a 30.06 posted. Some places (convenience stores especially) have so many signs posted, sometimes you have to stand there for a second just to see all of them. Save yourself some time and stress and scout beforehand.
Thanks for a great community, I really enjoy lurking here. Hope you guys get good news soon.
