TexasCHLforum.com

allinhtown wrote:I'll be sure to let everyone know as soon as I get it!

In the meantime... what is this 51% rule everyone keeps talking about? (I'm still pre-chl, so please refrain from using expletives only if absolutely necessary in your replies :P)

You'll learn all about it in your class :)

Then come back here, tell us what you learned, and we will either confirm it, or correct it.
It seems that more then a few instructors out there aren't exactly 100% on some of it, but they try their best

If you REALLY Want to get a jump on it all, read this:

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/LS-16.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes.. All of it. That's basically what the class is. Going through that entire book, explaining it, clarifying it (since not everyone speaks legalese, I seem to have been fortunate that I understand it most of the time)
And then some shooting to make sure you can hit the broad side of a barn :)

*Rimshot*

He shoots, he scores!

Ah, almost missed your SA/DA/DAO Question

The action refers as to what happens when you pull the trigger.
I am going to Completely rip the next part from Wikipedia, as it explains it better, in simpler terms, then I could think of :)

Single action (SA)

A single-action trigger, sometimes single-action only, performs the single action of releasing the hammer or striker to discharge the firearm each time the trigger is pulled.[1] Almost all rifles and shotguns use this type of trigger.[1] Single-action semi-automatic pistols require that the hammer be cocked before the first round is fired.[2] Once the first round is fired the automatic movement of the slide cocks the hammer for each subsequent shot. The pistol, once cocked, can be fired by pulling the trigger once for each shot until the magazine is empty. The M1911 is a single-action pistol that functions in this manner.[2]

Double action (DA)

Invented by Robert Adams, a double-action trigger performs two functions when pulling the trigger, first cocking the hammer then releasing it to discharge the firearm. When this term is applied to revolvers, the trigger also rotates the cylinder. Though this is technically a third action, it is correct to refer to the mechanism as double-action. Most pistols and revolvers with a double-action trigger mechanism retain the single action functionality: See the Double action/Single action (DA/SA) description below.[1]

Double action only (DAO)

A double action only is similar to a DA revolver trigger mechanism however there is no single action function. For semi-automatic pistols with a traditional hammer, the hammer will return to its decocked position after each shot. For striker-fired pistols such as the Taurus 24/7, the striker will remain in the rest position through the entire reloading cycle. This term applies mostly to semi-automatic handguns; however, the term can also apply to some revolvers such as the Smith & Wesson Centennial and the Enfield No. 2 Mk I revolvers.

I will also add, that Single Action Triggers are typically the shortest travel and lightest triggers, since they preform only 1 action.
Double action triggers typically have a longer, harder trigger pull, because of the multiple functions they are required to do.

If you want to read more about it, you can here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_(firearms" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

Not to be bagging on your ex-marine friend at all, but you should not take any one person's word as gold on any subject Not even mine

This forum is full of separated and retired Marines (a marine once told me that there is no such thing as an ex-marine, just one that has left the service ), Army, Navy, and Air Force (myself included in the latter ) And we all disagree on many things.

If there was a perfect setup that worked for everyone, then everyone would have it.

Please, feel free to ask all the questions you want, don't be afraid to hold back, or be embarrassed, we all started at the bottom at one time :)

My opinion, and I think it is also the majority opinion, on Tactical Rails and specifically Flashlights, is that they are fine for LEO and Military use, but you really don't want one for home use, especially if you have children. If you have the flashlight On the weapon, then you are forced to point the weapon AT what you want to illuminate. If you come out due to a sound in the middle of the night, and it is your child/teenager/family pet sneaking around, you will end up pointing the gun at them in order to see them, and that is a bad mojo violation of the 4 rules. Recommended is to have a Separate Flashlight to hold in your off hand or some other separate setup. Remember, Bad guys will most likely choose to shoot at whatever light you are shining at them if they shoot at you, so it's a really good idea to be able to hold it away from your torso and face.

On the laser, it is a good item to have in a high stress situation, (point and shoot, literally), however, it is not something to be solely relied upon. If you rely on it, and the battery dies, or it doesn't work for some reason, you are then SOL. Personally, the only time I turn on the laser at the range, is after I've already shot a lot with the sights, and that is just to make sure it is still zeroed properly. I also personally do not see a downside to night sights, other then a small added $$$, and I don't know why anyone would recommend NOT having them. They make it easier to use your sights, at night, if needed. You also do not need a Tac Rail for a laser. Look into Crimson Trace LaserGrips, or Lasermax Guide Rod laser sights. They both offer options for a laser sight without a tactical rail.

Items on a tactical rail, or even simply a handgun Having a tactical rail, will eliminate a large number of holsters available for that handgun. There are only a few holster makers that make them for handguns with rails, and AFAIK, VERY few make holsters for railed weapons with something mounted on it. Just things to consider.

There is a very big 'Tacticool' thing going on right now, and tons of 'Tactical' stuff is being pushed as a result of it. Sometimes you just need to step back and go 'do I really need 2 laser sights (one green, one red), an IR illuminator, a 4x scope and a 1x acog on my home defense rig?' KISS is the acronym most experienced people stick to when they recommend something you will have to be able to manipulate, with little to no thought, under extreme duress. My laser sight is activated by me just gripping my handgun properly. If it was a separate switch, I'm pretty sure I would not remember to turn it on if something ever happened in my home that required me to use it.

Sig Sauers are known to be accurate, however, many other handguns are just as, or at least very close to the accuracy level of the Sig. Also, most firefight situations happen at a range of 10 yards or less. A gun that can shoot a 1" grouping, vs one that shoots a 1.5" grouping at that range will hardly make any difference in the effectiveness of the weapon. The more likely cause of missed shots in a confrontation at that range is shooter ability. Stress, the amount of adrenaline dumped into the blood, etc, all play an important part in the ability to hit a target.

Some Acronyms you will need to know (sorry if I forget some, just pulling off the top of my head):

CCW = "carrying a concealed weapon" - A Generic Term for a concealed carry permit, since each state has it's own name for it.
IANAL = "I am not a lawyer"
IIRC = If I Recall correctly
AFAIK = As Far as I know
FFL = Federal Firearms License(e) - Term for someone who has a Federal License to Buy/Sell/Trade guns for retail purposes.
FTF = Face to Face

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, but I'm sure someone will not hesitate to agree/disagree with me on many points, and thats fine :) Healthy debate is good for all parties involved!

Have a great weekend!

I'm sure we have a Sig Sauer expert on the board here somewhere that will be happy to chime in

I have nothing against Sigs, maybe someday I will own one. From what I know, they are very reliable and accurate, and make a fine carry weapon. I just have not had the chance to shoot one myself yet :)

I just like the personal knowledge that the weapon I carry was designed by an American (John Browning), Built in America (Originally Manufactured by Colt in Hartford, Connecticut), and Served in the American Armed Forces as it's official sidearm from March 29, 1911 until January 14, 1985.

Good luck in your search, and I hope you find what works best for you!

Welcome!!

As far as doing the class and paperwork, it's recommended to do it as soon as possible, as the waiting time for the applications to process is currently ~110ish days on Average from reports in the waiting room section. People who submitted in January are just now getting them. If you don't own a handgun, many places will let you rent one, that you can take the class with. I took my class at Memorial Shooting Center, and they have many different handguns (including lots of Sigs and Glocks) available to rent there.

Since C-Dub broke out the Glock recommendation, I have to tell you that I'm particular to 1911's :)
I own 2, and both have also been reliably flawless. They have a thinner profile than double stack magazines, and some find them easier to conceal because of that.
To me, a 1911's grip both feels better, comfort wise, and also feels better balanced. But that's just personal preference :)

C-Dub is correct in the glock's trigger safety being excellent, but personally, I prefer a very short trigger travel, and the 1911 is known to have one of the shortest, smoothest, crispest releasing triggers of all time, due to the fact that it is single action, and there is nothing else on the trigger, like a safety, to add drag (Model 80's excluded, as they have a firing pin lock integrated into the trigger, but this, even, barely affects it in my experience) Plus, there's nothing like .45ACP to put BG's down for the count!

Now the negatives. I'm sure most will be quick to point out, a 1911 typically carries less rounds then a comparably sized double stack .40s&w or 9mm handgun. My plan is just to not miss! They do make .40 and 9mm 1911's, but to the purists, those aren't 'real' 1911's Also, typically, a 1911 of the quality I'd consider 'daily carryable' (completely My Opinion here) costs considerably more then a Glock, Springfield XD(m), other polymer pistol, or wheelgun.
That ends my 1911 promo :P

Everyone here will however agree, that the best gun for you to carry, is the one YOU prefer. And the best way to figure that out, is to try as many as possible to help make your decision :)
I typically shoot at Memorial Shooting Center on the West Side of Houston. It's right next to I-10 and the Beltway. If you live in the area, I'd be more then happy to meet you there sometime and let you experience the superiority of 1911's