Getting Started

[Spartacus1882]

I just wanted to share that I am finally taking the steps to getting my license. Im excited.

I just filled out and submitted the online app and have scheduled my L-1 appointment for Thursday.

Now all I have to do is get a little practice in (which I am doing Thursday) and find a class.

[Middle Age Russ]

Hi. Welcome to the forum. There is a bunch of good information and sharing to be had here.

If you'll let us know what area you are in, I am sure you'll get some recommendations for instructors.

[Spartacus1882]

Thanks. I have been reading here for months now.

I am located in Dallas. I have been seeing good things about Red River in Sherman.

[RoyGBiv]

Welcome, Congratulations and Be Safe.!

In addition to range practice, another good thing to do before your class is to read the TX CHL bible...
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetFo ... CHL-16.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Read it (all of it), highlight it, make notes in the margins and bring your questions to class.

[strider67]

Welcome to the forum!

Keep taking advantage of all of the knowledge here. I do!

[johnson0317]

I just wanted to share that I am finally taking the steps to getting my license. Im excited.

I just filled out and submitted the online app and have scheduled my L-1 appointment for Thursday.

Now all I have to do is get a little practice in (which I am doing Thursday) and find a class.

Change that to "a lot of practice". Add in a lot of reading, a lot of video watching, a lot of forum reading, a lot of deep thought, more practice, more reading, more videos and a heck of a lot more introspection into what it means that you may have to kill another human being at some point in life.

Then read some more, practice some more, and so on. Then, consider taking an actual gun course from someone like TacPro, GunSight, Thunder Ranch, or the like. Then you will understand that it is not about just practicing shooting, it is about tactics, anticipation, and so much more. If you can not make it to a good class, then there are some really decent videos out there that cover the basics. The PDN (Personal Defense Network) has some good stuff. If you are a member of the NRA, and why would you not be, then they have a deal on the PDN videos. You can then practice some of the techniques shown. It is not about shooting at paper. It is about recognizing danger, being able to draw and shoot under many conditions, tactical reloading, movement...and the all important reality of what you need to do after the shooting.

I am also excited for you! I well remember when I started this journey. The interesting, and exciting, thing is that I can see no horizon in the distance. This whole concept of carrying a gun for self-defense is a constant culture of doing, learning, and teaching. Read as deeply as you can into this forum. I have adopted it as my CHL home secondary to the good information you can get here, and the relative ability of most of the members to keep the heads dislodged from places the sun has no idea about.

Support the people who are the vanguard for your second ammendment rights. Become a member of the NRA. Become a member of whichever state organization you believe is doing the best work. I am a member of the Texas Concealed Handgun Association. I am also a member of the Second Ammendment Foundation which has done yeoman's work in landmark legal cases. It all costs a lot of money to keep ahead of Bozos like the Brady people, the MSM, and our highest elected officials.

Most of all, have fun! Appreciate your life, and the opportunities placed in front of you. It is a really cool thing you are embarking upon.

RJ

[Spartacus1882]

Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it.

As you can see I joined this group over a year ago and was reading it for months before that. I just dont post much. I have read this site almost daily since coming across it.

I used to be a member of the NRA but let my membership lapse a few years ago. I had other things I had to worry about at the time. I will be joining again at the first of the year.

Thanks again for the incouraging words of advice and things to look at.

[RoyGBiv]

I used to be a member of the NRA but let my membership lapse a few years ago. I had other things I had to worry about at the time. I will be joining again at the first of the year.

No need to wait.!!
Bass Pro will cover your 1-year enrollment fee...

https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/sign ... id=4487688" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

1-Year NRA Enrollment = $25
Bass Pro gift card = $25
Net cost = $0

[Spartacus1882]

Thats cool. I didnt know that. I will sign back up.

Thanks.