TexasCHLforum.com

I've been to several outdoor social gatherings since the weather got warm. At almost everyone of them the topic of getting your CHL/LTC came up in small group discussions. In my limited circle this was also a hot topic 15-20 years ago, but had pretty much faded from conversation over the last 10 years. I think all the media hype about the legalization of OC has put the topic back into peoples thinking that had said for years, "I should do it", but never went through the process. Some never did it because of money, some because of time, some for other reasons. But I am seeing lots more people express an interest, even if they haven't scheduled a class yet. The spike in applications would go along with what I've been hearing at social gatherings.

I went to an outdoor BBQ last weekend where LTC came up in conversation. There were about 60 people there. Not a single person was OCing, but I know at least 5 were CCing (including me), probably more. I got asked a couple of times about the licensing process, and what type of gun I carried. I described my gun, but never showed it. In years past at similar events, no one ever asked about CHL.

My take is that the passage of open carry, plus the sharpened political climate which seems to require making known your political stance (which carrying certainly does), has opened up the discussion much.

Yes, and the ugly face of terrorism has had some effect too.

I have also had more conversations with people regarding getting their LTC. Especially among women. My wife is planning on getting hers soon and she has had several conversations about it with coworkers and other women. I think that the negative stigma that anti's have tried to inflict on people has had the opposite effect. As well as a collective group think mentality that hey all of my friends are getting theirs I want to get mine too.

I also think that there is a waking up by people to the idea that they are responsible for their own safety and security. I welcome all of the new LTC holders and I hope that the trend continues. Because not only will it mean more people who refuse to be victims, it means more people who will fight back against 2A infringements.

Jusme wrote:I have also had more conversations with people regarding getting their LTC. Especially among women. My wife is planning on getting hers soon and she has had several conversations about it with coworkers and other women. I think that the negative stigma that anti's have tried to inflict on people has had the opposite effect. As well as a collective group think mentality that hey all of my friends are getting theirs I want to get mine too.

I also think that there is a waking up by people to the idea that they are responsible for their own safety and security. I welcome all of the new LTC holders and I hope that the trend continues. Because not only will it mean more people who refuse to be victims, it means more people who will fight back against 2A infringements.

The more LTC's we have, the bigger our collective voice is. I do believe that all the publicity has pushed some people in this direction. It's a good thing.

Speaking of CHL classes in East Texas, what's become of the preacher, instructor who lived in Diboll? I've not seen any posts from him in a coon's age.

Jusme wrote:I have also had more conversations with people regarding getting their LTC. Especially among women. My wife is planning on getting hers soon and she has had several conversations about it with coworkers and other women. I think that the negative stigma that anti's have tried to inflict on people has had the opposite effect. As well as a collective group think mentality that hey all of my friends are getting theirs I want to get mine too.

I also think that there is a waking up by people to the idea that they are responsible for their own safety and security. I welcome all of the new LTC holders and I hope that the trend continues. Because not only will it mean more people who refuse to be victims, it means more people who will fight back against 2A infringements.

Well put Jusme! Thank you!

Oldgringo wrote:Speaking of CHL classes in East Texas, what's become of the preacher, instructor who lived in Diboll? I've not seen any posts from him in a coon's age.

L.T. aka Longtooth? Me neither. I miss him. He's a moderator on the forum(or was). One heck of a nice guy. I met him at the TSRA gun show in Mesquite back in 2010. Last I heard(on the forum) he had just received certification from his new gun range from DPS. And that's about the time I dropped off the face of the earth too.

Earth to LT. Earth to LT, come in please.

Oldgringo wrote:Speaking of CHL classes in East Texas, what's become of the preacher, instructor who lived in Diboll? I've not seen any posts from him in a coon's age.

"Longtooth" is alive and well. He doesn't live in Dibol anymore (moved about 30 miles East) but is still an active instructor.

You can reach him here: jerry@pdtraining.us

My last conversation with Jerry indicated he might have experienced some 'friction' here on the forum and as a result he thought it better to sit it out for awhile.

He's a good man and a valued friend.


Flint.

flintknapper wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:Speaking of CHL classes in East Texas, what's become of the preacher, instructor who lived in Diboll? I've not seen any posts from him in a coon's age.

"Longtooth" is alive and well. He doesn't live in Dibol anymore (moved about 30 miles East) but is still an active instructor.

You can reach him here: jerry@pdtraining.us

My last conversation with Jerry indicated he might have experienced some 'friction' here on the forum and as a result he thought it better to sit it out for awhile.

He's a good man and a valued friend.


Flint.

He bought a pistol from me. I'm glad to hear he's alive and well.

This article was in the WSJ. More Seniors Fear Crime Flock to Shooting Ranges
http:/on.wsj.com/1oiWsZB

zatoman wrote:My take is that the passage of open carry, plus the sharpened political climate which seems to require making known your political stance (which carrying certainly does), has opened up the discussion much.

Forgive my ignorance, but how in the world does carrying a firearm align one with a political party?

truckster wrote:

zatoman wrote:My take is that the passage of open carry, plus the sharpened political climate which seems to require making known your political stance (which carrying certainly does), has opened up the discussion much.

Forgive my ignorance, but how in the world does carrying a firearm align one with a political party?

I view it more as your outlook on life, which the party you vote for tends to reflect. Liberals/Democrats tend to be anti-gun, and conservatives/Republicans tend to be pro-gun. Very broad generalities on a complex topic.