Young CHL Holders

[RubenZ]

I'm 26 and I'm wondering how those of you younger CHL holders have learned to adapt to having a CHL.


I haven't received mine but the other night I went Bowling, then to an outside Bar, etc. I got to thinking about how would I go about BOWLING while packing and going to different places with groups of friends. Not to mention telling my fiance we can't go to certain places because I will have a gun etc.

How has getting your CHL changed the life style of a younger person?

[McKnife]

I'm a few years younger and I can tell you that it hasn't really changed my current lifestyle too much. If anything, it has made me feel more responsible and mature. Watching how others my age act provocative, violent-driven and intimidating makes me realize the importance of ‘de-escalation of a situation.’

My biggest regret thus far is that too many people know that I carry a weapon at all times. My recommendation to you is that you TELL NO ONE except your family and closest of friends – and make sure they know that you don’t want anyone else to know! – You don’t want the attention – Trust me.

My ‘fame’ started up when range buddies found out. They were proud and supportive but they couldn’t keep their mouths shut. -- I have since put a stop to that.

I’ve bowled a few times with my XD-45 Service in the small of my back. I felt VERY uncomfortable and worried about obvious printing. If I go again, I’ll probably secure it in my briefcase beforehand.

As for the bar scene, just know where you can and can’t go and you’ll be okay. Remember to secure your weapon.

I can only recall twice where a 30.06 came into play - Alamo Drafthouse and Taco Cabana. – I won’t go to either. (and my friends know this)

Good luck, have fun and stay safe.

[stevie_d_64]

My biggest regret thus far is that too many people know that I carry a weapon at all times. My recommendation to you is that you TELL NO ONE except your family and closest of friends – and make sure they know that you don’t want anyone else to know! – You don’t want the attention – Trust me.

That's a good idea...

[jbirds1210]

I got my CHL in 1996.....I was 21 at the time. I did not carry my gun full time when I was younger because I really did not know how to do it with comfort. That is not a good excuse for leaving it in the care most of the time, but that was then. I was never the carefree "20-something" that hollywood displays.

It was a big load for me at the time, but forced me to rise to a level of maturity or risk someone limiting my right to carry.

I agree with keeping it as a private matter....there is no need for everyone in a crowd to know that you are armed.....it can do nothing but draw attention to you.

By the way.....the bowling alley in Texas City is posted 51% throughout because of a bar inside. I contacted TABC about it and they helped make it clear as mud! Nice guys....confusing laws!

[RubenZ]

By the way.....the bowling alley in Texas City is posted 51% throughout because of a bar inside. I contacted TABC about it and they helped make it clear as mud! Nice guys....confusing laws!

I'm wondering if it makes a different that the bar is inside another ROOM inside the Bowling alley?


Also, I'm not so much worried about the maturity etc. That I'm ok :) It's just like what to do with my weapon if I'm bowling or doing some other fun activity where printing may occur or comfort will become an issue. I'm actually thinking of going with some type of ankle holster and pocket gun.

Damn, and I thought I only needed 1 gun for CHL ;) oh well I guess I'll just have to get another gun

[BShook]

I'm 20 and plan on getting my CHL at 21... I'm adjusting my lifestyle now so hopefully when I do get the license there won't be any major changes as to where I can and cannot go.

I've always been well aware of my surroundings (my raising helped that a lot) so hopefully I can continue to do that and become more aware between now and then as well.

Looking forward to it!

[Dwight K. Schrute]

Wow, wow, wow.

Great thread! I just turned 22 and am entering year two of carrying. I certainly wouldn't call what I've gone through a "lifestyle change", but I have noticed differences. I just use my head a lot more.

Secondly, in relation to secrecy, I agree. McKnife, I don't know if you're 22 also, but we might be long lost brothers. I also carry an XD service, have several friends who know and love to talk about it, and made the (one-time) mistake of attempting to bowl with it. As far as the friends go, I also sort of, er, shut them up. They were mostly excited as the three of them are all getting their CHLs through Ross Bransford (my instructor) on August 12th.

Speaking of those knuckleheads and Alamo Drafthouse, we all went last night and they didn't say a thing; I think they've gotten the picture by now. Alamo (S. Lamar, at least) is still not posted and I have been given no verbal warnings, so I will continue to carry there.

Glad to know there are other young guys and (maybe) gals like me out there.

[Dwight K. Schrute]

It's just like what to do with my weapon if I'm bowling or doing some other fun activity where printing may occur or comfort will become an issue. I'm actually thinking of going with some type of ankle holster and pocket gun.

darn, and I thought I only needed 1 gun for CHL ;) oh well I guess I'll just have to get another gun

You and me both, RubenZ. I have been looking very intently at the Kel-Tec P11 and PF9. I have settled on the PF9 but cannot decide if I'm ready to buy. I would love to have a small gun like that for specific occasions where pocket or ankle carry would come into play. You looking at any gun in particular?

[gregthehand]

I'm 25 and have had to adapt a little bit to carrying. I basically plan my carry method around what I'm going to be doing. If I know I'm headed to the bar I only take my Kel Tec since I can hide in a vehicle well once we get to where we are going. Other than that many of my friends don't really know what to think of it, but many don't really feel one way or the other. I do tell many people I know well enough to know they won't flip out that I carry. I look at it as "spreading the movement". Many reply that they want to be able to carry and ask where they can take the class.

[Crossfire]

darn, and I thought I only needed 1 gun for CHL ;) oh well I guess I'll just have to get another gun

Only ONE gun? Do you only have ONE pair of shoes?

Before long, you will have a dress up gun, a work gun, a casual gun, a just kicking around the house kinda gun, a range gun (or two... or three), etc, etc, etc. You have only just begun! Welcome to our world!

[stevie_d_64]

darn, and I thought I only needed 1 gun for CHL ;) oh well I guess I'll just have to get another gun

Only ONE gun? Do you only have ONE pair of shoes?

Before long, you will have a dress up gun, a work gun, a casual gun, a just kicking around the house kinda gun, a range gun (or two... or three), etc, etc, etc. You have only just begun! Welcome to our world!

I know...I should have taken the "blue" pill...

But nooooooooo...

[RubenZ]

It's just like what to do with my weapon if I'm bowling or doing some other fun activity where printing may occur or comfort will become an issue. I'm actually thinking of going with some type of ankle holster and pocket gun.

darn, and I thought I only needed 1 gun for CHL ;) oh well I guess I'll just have to get another gun

You looking at any gun in particular?

The Kel Techs are Nice and also some pocket guns from Kahr that I've seen. I'll probably just wait for the next gun show and go check out some small guns. Heck I may even go with a tiny revolver. Dunno yet.

[jhutto]

I am 27
The 51% rule is pretty lame,

I think if I am responsible enough to carry elsewhere there is no reason I can't carry in the bar. (51%)

Life changes? not really, just an inconvienence. I go to places other than 51% if my friends want to drink etc. I just don't go if I can't take my gun. I always have my gun, with the exception of the few times I do go to have a few dinks.

I do stay at home a bit more, making ammo, and cleaning guns etc. Hobby related things, not really needed for CHL.

[RHZig]

I will be 22 in September and my CHL should be here any day now.
I don't go to bars nor do I drink alcohol. I don't think I will have any problems. My immediate buddies know I will be carrying but I don't care to broadcast it to anyone.