I stopped lurking and joined the fun

[Toolguy]

Howdy! I received my instruction from ElGato on Nov. 3 (that is a great class!) and sent off my paperwork on Nov. 21. ElGato recommended this site and I am glad he did. Now, I am just waiting around, reading the forum posts, reading about the laws of different states, and trying to decide which of the many carry options I most like. I just purchased and am breaking in a new Sig P220 Carry .45. ElGato let me test with a full size P220 .45 and I loved it. I used to think I was a bad shot, but Sigs are NICE. I have not decided how I will carry. I'll be glad to hear any advice from the experienced carry folks, including vests, shirt-over- tees, holsters, etc. I am also becoming much more aware of news events involving shootings and CHL. Well, thanks to Mr. Cotton for a great site for the free expression and exchange of ideas on "the right of the people to keep and bear arms".

[Lumberjack98]

Welcome to the party. Stay away from the weird guy in the corner talking to himself.

[bpet]

Welcome Toolguy!

This place is a hoot! Not only does it pass the time, it's chuck full of good stuff and is never short on opinion. Be sure to check out the entire forum. There's good stuff in each section.

Hope the plastic comes soon.

[LarryH]

Stay away from the weird guy in the corner talking to himself.

Which one?

[Lumberjack98]

Stay away from the weird guy in the corner talking to himself.

Which one?

Good point. There are a lot of corners in this room.

[KC5AV]

And probably more than a few weird guys.

[badkarma56]

Howdy! I received my instruction from ElGato on Nov. 3 (that is a great class!) and sent off my paperwork on Nov. 21. I just purchased and am breaking in a new Sig P220 Carry .45. ElGato let me test with a full size P220 .45 and I loved it. I used to think I was a bad shot, but Sigs are NICE...

Welcome aboard, Toolguy. It's good to hear that you're getting squared-away with your "plastic" and "tools"...stick around, eventually, you might even decide to get serious and "step it on up" from a Sig to an H&K!

Just kiddin', my P226 Navy is a great shooter!

[Toolguy]

Thanks to all for the greetings. I am sure everyone will agree that receiving our CHL is just the beginning of our training, which is why I plan to make plenty of use of this resource.

Badkarma, I actually looked at an H&K .45 and they are nice, but other than name and reputation, I know very little about them. I like to buy what I know and I don't like spending money on something I have not tried out. I am sure I'll get a chance one of these days to pull the trigger on an H&K. Thanks again for the greeting!

[elwood blooz]

Welcome Toolguy!

[badkarma56]

Thanks to all for the greetings. I am sure everyone will agree that receiving our CHL is just the beginning of our training, which is why I plan to make plenty of use of this resource.

Badkarma, I actually looked at an H&K .45 and they are nice, but other than name and reputation, I know very little about them. I like to buy what I know and I don't like spending money on something I have not tried out. I am sure I'll get a chance one of these days to pull the trigger on an H&K. Thanks again for the greeting!

No worries, dude. Sig Sauer makes a darn fine pistol as well, particularly the P226 or P220. About three months back, I decided to add a .45 to the stable. My normal carry piece is a USP Compact/9mm, but I also wanted to have a reliable, no-nonsense .45 caliber "carry option."

Anyhow, I test-fired a P220 Elite and I really liked it. A nice, smooth weapon indeed. However, I eventually ended up going with a USP45 primarily because I preferred the lightweight polymer frame of the H&K for carry applications. Plus, I like the USP's ability to be carried in condition-1...just my personal preference there.

The newer HK45 looks and feels cool, but I haven't been able to fire one yet. The enhanced ergonomics of the HK45's grip are an improvement over the USP series, but nearly every other aspect of the design seems identical to the USP. Additionally, the HK45 sacrifices 2 rounds (10 round mag + 1 in the pipe) in mag capacity in order to achieve a slightly slimmer grip profile (my USP has a capacity of 12+1).

Oh well, I'll probably end up with a P220 and an HK45 eventually anyway!

[Toolguy]

Well, it seems I am still lurking around here, only now I am a member. I have been checking out the waiting room and other areas on site (while taking a trip now and then to the range) and I noticed that others have been receiving their PIN after sending in their packet at about the same time I did (Nov 21). Well, I then noticed, to my disgust, that I did not send my packet with a return receipt. Oops. Well, not much I can do about that, but I am wondering, would I gain anything by calling and speaking with someone in Austin? I did not even know about the PIN until I starting reading posts here. I am sure that the holidays had some effect, but I cannot help but wonder why I have not received it by now.

Anyone have any comments or suggestions? I guess, as some have pointed out, that if I had my PIN, I would just spend more time checking the state web site. I guess I should just go shopping for a holster and such and spend more time at the range.

[seamusTX]

... I noticed that others have been receiving their PIN after sending in their packet at about the same time I did (Nov 21). Well, I then noticed, to my disgust, that I did not send my packet with a return receipt. Oops. Well, not much I can do about that, but I am wondering, would I gain anything by calling and speaking with someone in Austin?

You should call DPS. You're way past due to get the PIN letter.

Did you send a personal check, and was it deposited?

- Jim

[Toolguy]

You should call DPS. You're way past due to get the PIN letter.

Did you send a personal check, and was it deposited?

- Jim

Thanks, I'll call on Monday. No, I did not send a personal check, I sent a bank check. I am sure I can find out from the bank if it has been cashed. I'll call them also.

[Toolguy]

Well, I called DPS this morning and was told that they had started working on my application on Friday. I guess that means that it is "in process". They said that I would receive my PIN in a few days by mail. They also said that if I was interested, I could send an email to the DPS/CHL web site and they would send it to me via email. I think I can wait for the mail. My goal is the CHL, not the PIN. So, I am still waiting. At least I am in good company.

[KC5AV]

Good luck with your wait. This is a very good place to pass the time. You will find a lot of invaluable information, and you just might get to know some pretty neat folks.

John