CHL Basic Steps

[USA1]

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.

My first carry gun was a "value brand" and the holster was a $ 10 Uncle Mikes.
One great thing about guns is that you can keepem a while then trade up. That's what I've been doing.

[Droshi]

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.

Not to specifically disagree, just to point out that I'm not claiming the amount I've spent is the lowest...just that it was somewhat unexpected. As you say, about another $250 should be added to that price too...so when you get down to it, what looked like $200 even to most people ends up being around $500.

Another point, for others reading the thread, I've already went the route of a $30 holster to see if it was adequate and could upgrade later. Maybe it's just my body type, but it just doesn't fit at all. I'd probably end up with a couple hundred $ worth of cheapo holsters before I found the right one, in which case I'd rather just buy close to the top end again. For me this is a case of, having the handgun but not carrying it because the supporting equipment isn't right vs. spending more money but having the pistol with me everyday.

I think of what I bought equates more to the Lexus class in the handgun world. Not the cheapest, but pretty solid quality. There's always a custom 1911 or many other guns out there for well over $1k that equates more to the Ferrari example. Anyway, I hope someone got some amusement or insight out of my CHL path. :)

[bnc]

Just and FYI, the 9x18 Makarov round and the surplus guns chambered in are a great way to shoot center fire pistols without breaking the bank. The CZ 82, Makarov, and Polish P-83 & P-64 are usually under $230. Ammo is about $10 per 50 rounds, which I think is about the cheapest center fire round without reloading. The guns are also known to be accurate and reliable, and fairly on the small size (decent for carry, if a bit heavy).

[Droshi]

Thanks for all the help, as an update I've filled out my app and gotten digital fingerprints. Next up this weekend is the class...then the wait.

During the wait my P7 will be a safe queen, but considering I don't have a safe or any other guns in it....lets just say the queen has a small and less prized kingdom to rule over.

[UpTheIrons]

During the wait my P7 will be a safe queen, but considering I don't have a safe or any other guns in it....lets just say the queen has a small and less prized kingdom to rule over.

Even if the only kingdom your P7 has to rule over is your home and loved ones, that's a kingdom of rather significant value in my eyes.

[Droshi]

Nice! I suppose subjects of another species is acceptable. :)

I'm also waiting on a MTAC holster and belt, until then I only have a leather OWB holster and no gun belt. The gun is quite top heavy, but I'm hoping the former rig or belt will take care of this. In general I feel very safe with the P7 design as well as a firearm in general.

[Droshi]

10 hour class done today...guess it's time to wait after I mail in the forms tomorrow! Hope processing times aren't unreasonable...

[Droshi]

Well, before I mail out my packet, figured I would ask you gents this question: Do I have everything?

I've filled out application online. Taken FAST fingerprints, they also took my photo electronically. So according to this checklist:

Below is your checklist of required supporting documentation:
-2 fingerprint cards or fingerprints submitted using FAST
-Photo holder
-2 Signed Photo
-CHL-100 Training Form

Do I need the photo holder and 2 signed photos still? Or just the training form? And should I send a printed copy of the email with my application number on it? (Barcode)

Last minute thoughts....Thanks for any help!

[sjfcontrol]

Well, before I mail out my packet, figured I would ask you gents this question: Do I have everything?

I've filled out application online. Taken FAST fingerprints, they also took my photo electronically. So according to this checklist:

Below is your checklist of required supporting documentation:
-2 fingerprint cards or fingerprints submitted using FAST
-Photo holder
-2 Signed Photo
-CHL-100 Training Form

Do I need the photo holder and 2 signed photos still? Or just the training form? And should I send a printed copy of the email with my application number on it? (Barcode)

Last minute thoughts....Thanks for any help!

You stil need the photos ('cause L1 pictures are not useable for the license) and photo holder ('cause that's what you sign for the signature on your license). And you best send a copy of the barcode form/email to identify the application.

Also, only one fingerprint card is needed now (if not done via L1), and the pictures no longer need to be signed (but printing your name on the back is not a bad idea -- done with a felt tip pen that won't crease the front of the picture.)

[Droshi]

I assume an electronic photo can't be uploaded to their site or sent along with the packet? I didn't get mine taken at the class....should have insisted on that I guess.

Would a digital photo printed on glossy paper be sufficient? Or should it really be a passport style photo developed somewhere professional?

[Teamless]

Or should it really be a passport style photo developed somewhere professional?

Go to FedEx Office (Kinkos) and they will do the passport style for about $10 or $15

[Spartacus1882]

I have a newbie question. And sorry for the hijack.

I have been looking at getting my CHL for the last few months. I have very limited handgun experience.

How much should I practice before taking the test? And whats the best range near Garland?

This is really the only think keeping me from signing up.

Thanks for the help.

[dicion]

How much should I practice before taking the test?

If you can keep most of your shots on a piece of standard 8.5x11 paper at 7 yards, you're golden

really, the shooting test is _very easy_.. I have never heard of anyone ever failing it, even those who have never shot a handgun before in their lives before taking it..

[Middle Age Russ]

Rest easy. Do familiarize yourself with whatever handgun you wish to qualify with, but do not stress over it too much. Keep in mind that qualifying with a Semi-Automatic will allow you to carry any handgun, whereas qualifying with a revolver will dis-allow you carrying a semi-auto. While the proficiency test is indeed scored and you should be able to hit the target, the ranges are not far (3, 7 and 15 yards, I believe) and the scoring areas are not small (need to hit a target about the size of a piece of notebook paper or a little larger). You have time to acquire a sight picture with each shot, even when you are asked to discharge more than one round at the signal. Since the majority of the 50 rounds are from the shorter ranges, it is not hard at all to score reasonably well if you have a quality handgun and are familiar with it. Of equal import is safely handling the handgun (understanding how it functions, exercising good muzzle discipline, etc...). It is hard to qualify if you are dismissed from the range for safety violations.

[Spartacus1882]

Thanks guys. That makes me feel much better. Especially knowing people pass the shooting test without having shot a gun before.

I have shot handguns before. I recently bought one and have not had a chance to really shoot it.

I think I just might have to find a good class to go to after I get back from my Thanksgiving vacation.