CHL Basic Steps

[Droshi]

Can anyone give me a quick list of the basic steps that is now needed for a CHL? My guess based on reading is something like this:

1) Fill out electronic application here: https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/txapp/txdps/chl/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2) Go somewhere? (L-1 or some place like that?) to get electronic fingerprinting done.
3) Take class

I would assume it could vary a bit, but would that be the recommended order to do everything for fastest and most efficient processing of the CHL application to get the card back quickest? And just for reference each step should cost about: (1) $130 (2) $10 (3) $100 ..... so $240 total?

I've been wanting to start this process, but to be honest it seems looking for the gun, holster and SD ammo is so much easier and more fun. :) If even confusing in it's own way...

Thanks for any help, and I apologize if it's been asked before, I see the sticky about the electronic application, but it didn't really answer my entire question, although maybe I read it incorrectly or not completely.

[Crossfire]

We are all a bit confused by the ever changing process. What you have posted is as good as any to get it done. You can also take the class first, then do either the online or paper application, and then get fingperprinted.

[Droshi]

Thanks! Good to know it isn't all that complex.

However I must admit that carrying a weapon is a much more expensive undertaking than I initially estimated. The reasons are many fold, but in case anyone else is interested, I estimated something like: Handgun + state fee (figured around same as driver's license) + a bit extra. Actuality is something like:

1) Handgun
2) Handgun
3) Sell one of the above, then repeat to another handgun
4) Holster (repeat as above, but many more times)
5) Belt
6) ~$240 for all fees for actual CHL (which should have been done FIRST btw as per the long wait...giving me now nothing to do while waiting for the card)
7) SD Ammo
8) Target ammo and range fees on a somewhat regular basis
9) Cleaning equipment (I started from zero...dad has all his stuff that I usually used when I hunted with him...no reason until now to have my own)

Have I forgotten anything? Just to throw out a figure, my first estimate was based on a Bersa 380, and was about $300 + lets say another $100 in my mind for CHL and extra things. It now turned out to be:

1) $300 (bersa)
2) $650 (H&K P7 PSP)
3) -$240 (bersa selling...if I can)
+$400 (Micro Desert Eagle...for pocket carry when needed)
4) $145 (TT Gunleather)
5) $90 (TT Gunbelt)
6) $240
7) $45 (.380 and 9mm...20 rounds each)
8) estimated about $40 per month (range fees and 50 rounds per month...not sure what this will actually be)
9) $80 (surprising to me, but included a bit of trial and error, and I'm not sure I'm done yet)

Total: $1710 + $40 per month for the forseeable future (not to mention some extra for the yet unforseeable expenses)

Now, I don't consider myself a cheap person, or that my life isn't worth some arbitrary dollar amount...all I'm saying, is that I didn't expect it. Now this is also the legal and best way as per my research, meaning I could sacrifice and just use inferior weapons, ammo, carry methods, or mess with legality to cut costs substantially. But when people say they can't afford to carry, I really see where they are coming from. And yes, I'm sure there are legal and arguable good ways to cut a bit of cost, but when each thing is a few dollars more to get a lot more quality...I usually went for the quality.

Hope I didn't offend anyone here, or suggest that we are all a bit short-sighted. Usually I make a huge spreadsheet for any under taking to estimate all these costs, but for some weird reason, in this case I thought it was just too easy to need such a thing...guess I was wrong. :)

[UpTheIrons]

No offense taken. It is good to think ahead about this stuff. Of course, you could spend that same amount of money at the Kwik-E-Mart on lottery tickets and beef jerky, or at Sonic on burgers and cherry limeades, but which purchases will be more fulfilling and longer lasting?

I'm not knocking the Kwik-E-Mart, I'm just trying to put some perspective on the financial commitment of a CHL. I think a lot of us don't see the full cost of carrying concealed when we first start the process, but we (at least on this forum) would agree that it is money well spent.

Just like fire or life insurance - we never hope to use it, but we're glad the premiums are paid, just in case.

[jamisjockey]

In reality, many of us are already gun owners and shooters before we decide to take the CHL plunge, which means that the cost of firearm ownership is already something we account for in our personal budgets.


Oh, and if you don't mind, I'd like to make a couple suggestions to help you drop the cost.

For pocket carry, a Kel-tec is where its at. Way cheaper than the Baby Eagle, reliable, good little guns. My P3AT has been dead reliable. You can get almost any of their models for under $300. Go with the PF9 so you don't need two kinds of ammo. I think 9mm is cheaper than .380 right now, too.
Holster and belt.....
Gunleather is nice and pretty, but I found I prefer a 5.11 trainer belt ($30) and I'm loving my comptac. They have several models, my minotaur was $80. I know they have several less expensive models. Interchangable shells, if you buy another gun, you can just buy a new shell! Slick.

Looks like I've saved you about $500

[NTexas_V-Star]

Droshi, depending on where you are, there are some ranges that do all inclusive classes.

Red River Firearms in Sherman TX does everything at their facility. Class, shooting qualification, fingerprinting, the whole enchilada.

[sjfcontrol]

The cost for the license (if you don't qualify for any of the discounts) is $140, not $130. Many classes (i.e. Crossfire's) include rolled fingerprints for no extra charge -- at least until 3/1/2011 when L1/FAST will be required for prints.

[xdfanatic]

Droshi, welcome to the forum and hopefully soon CHL'ing. I also recommend the MTAC for the conceal-ability it provides along with being comfortable and with being able to change the sleeve for the weapon it makes it a good alternative to spending lots of money on different holsters. They're also made right here in Texas which is nice as well. Also picking weapons of the same caliber can help keep your costs down in the beginning but you will soon see how shooting, customizing, and carrying becomes "addictive" while being somewhat expensive. As for electronic versus rolled prints I think they usually take about the same time to be put into the system you just need to make sure that whoever does them has a high success rate. Back when I did mine they were rolled on the card and took about as long as my fiance's who had hers done by FAST. Good luck finding "the weapon" that works for you!
Xd

[wally775]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
This is a great place to learn and to ever tweak your knowledge.

I think you nailed it on your thoughts in your OP and I would
not disagree on any of the responses.

Everyone is different and it is good to be concerned with
the expense aspect especially in today’s economy.

Not to equate CHL to a hobby or a sport but if you were going to suddenly
take up golf the initial outlay would seem staggering and the amount of money just to get started would dissuade most people before the first club was bought.

If you have made the decision to get your CHL then MHO would be to get the license
first thing. As far as equipment everyone here has individual ideas on what floats their boat. These are my opinions and opinions only but here is my list.

1. Handgun – Lots of good working defensive handguns can be had for $350.00
2. Holster - Lots of good holsters can be had for less than $80.00
3. Ammo - Use just one type and be confident in its use. 50rds/month $30.00

You may want more but you may not need more. Amortization will drop considerably after the first year.

Full Disclosure on my haves, not needs.
I have more than one handgun.
I have more than one holster.
Sadly, I have more than one type of ammunition
I have more than one opinion and many of them my wife finds disagreeable.

Glad you are considering CHL and welcome to the forum.

[Purplehood]

Thanks! Good to know it isn't all that complex.

However I must admit that carrying a weapon is a much more expensive undertaking than I initially estimated. The reasons are many fold, but in case anyone else is interested, I estimated something like: Handgun + state fee (figured around same as driver's license) + a bit extra. Actuality is something like:

1) Handgun
2) Handgun
3) Sell one of the above, then repeat to another handgun
4) Holster (repeat as above, but many more times)
5) Belt
6) ~$240 for all fees for actual CHL (which should have been done FIRST btw as per the long wait...giving me now nothing to do while waiting for the card)
7) SD Ammo
8) Target ammo and range fees on a somewhat regular basis
9) Cleaning equipment (I started from zero...dad has all his stuff that I usually used when I hunted with him...no reason until now to have my own)

Have I forgotten anything? Just to throw out a figure, my first estimate was based on a Bersa 380, and was about $300 + lets say another $100 in my mind for CHL and extra things. It now turned out to be:

1) $300 (bersa)
2) $650 (H&K P7 PSP)
3) -$240 (bersa selling...if I can)
+$400 (Micro Desert Eagle...for pocket carry when needed)
4) $145 (TT Gunleather)
5) $90 (TT Gunbelt)
6) $240
7) $45 (.380 and 9mm...20 rounds each)
8) estimated about $40 per month (range fees and 50 rounds per month...not sure what this will actually be)
9) $80 (surprising to me, but included a bit of trial and error, and I'm not sure I'm done yet)

Total: $1710 + $40 per month for the forseeable future (not to mention some extra for the yet unforseeable expenses)

Now, I don't consider myself a cheap person, or that my life isn't worth some arbitrary dollar amount...all I'm saying, is that I didn't expect it. Now this is also the legal and best way as per my research, meaning I could sacrifice and just use inferior weapons, ammo, carry methods, or mess with legality to cut costs substantially. But when people say they can't afford to carry, I really see where they are coming from. And yes, I'm sure there are legal and arguable good ways to cut a bit of cost, but when each thing is a few dollars more to get a lot more quality...I usually went for the quality.

Hope I didn't offend anyone here, or suggest that we are all a bit short-sighted. Usually I make a huge spreadsheet for any under taking to estimate all these costs, but for some weird reason, in this case I thought it was just too easy to need such a thing...guess I was wrong. :)

You got an MDE for $400? Was it used?

[Droshi]

Thanks for all the advice, my primary concern now is the CHL. :)

I guess I don't need things to be cheaper, in general as mentioned at the end of my post, I think just about any dollar amount is worth it, and would have easily spent $10,000. It's just the deceptive quality I was pointing out. I knew people collected lots of firearms, however I wasn't planned to do that, and I just don't think I would. However I do see more than just 1 gun as being very useful and usable.

The MDE is about the only thing on the list I haven't purchased yet (and CHL things). I see them on Gunbroker for $375 + shipping which puts most at $400. Although I might get the MDE or a NAA Guardian .380...both are the same price there. These are both new, I suppose prices have just dropped a lot recently.

I looked at the CTAC and a few other holsters (most others seem to require close to 6mo wait!), but I feel like I would rather buy the best quality and not have to sell it and buy again later on which ends up being more costly in the long run. I hate the feeling when I buy something I thought was "adequate" or "good enough" because to me it never is and I quickly upgrade.

[Purplehood]

Ah, I forgot. I bought my AR-15 and MDE at the worst possible time...

[RPB]

9) Cleaning equipment ................... unless you buy a Glock.
I read somewhere that Glocks thrive on being buried in mud and sand .......
Ok, now I'll run away and hide before anyone replies to that comment

[Tamie]

Cost estimates: low (high) excluding government taxes and fees

Used revolver: $200 ($300)
Pocket holster: $10 ($20)
Speed strips: $5 ($10)
SD ammo: $20 ($30)

Total: $235 ($360)

Spread over a year: $4.50/week ($7/week)

Government taxes and fees, plus the government required training, can double that. That's a very good reason to lobby for lower Texas fees, or get a license from a state with more reasonable costs.

[WildBill]

Lots of good advice. My advice is take the class and figure out the details while waiting for the plastic.

Think of the CHL like a Drivers License. Your first vehicle doesn't have to be a Ferrari. An old Ford Pick-up truck will get you where you want to go. As your finances improve so can your selection of handguns, holsters and other accessories.