TexasCHLforum.com

CainA wrote:

Whisky wrote:.
if "cost" of obtaining a CHL is a factor for holding off then, perhaps, a person with that thinking should consider a different interest

Tough choices for some unfortunately. Should I buy groceries this week or get my CHL?

We aren't quite at that point but her friends certainly are. Getting her CHL is not a big priority to her and has been relegated to "discretionary, disposable income spending". It will happen when she feels ready to do it.

And yes, "cost" is a real factor when you have to prioritize spending with 3 young kids in the mix. There are many bad things that have a much higher chance of happening than her needing a gun. Being able to carry a gun and afford all the expense associated is a luxury, it ranks below keeping our cars running, paying medical bills, buying groceries and many other day to day expenses that bleed people dry. She still has access to several firearms in the house and can always carry under the MPA if she chooses. A CHL doesn't really offer her any advantages with her current lifestyle so the cost/benefit equation is in the negative right now.

I'm still baffled why anyone would disparage or suggest that any woman NOT get her CHL.

Chris wrote:

Songbird wrote:

Chris wrote:I wish my hunt was that easy. My wife has finally decided to get her CHL, and we have been shopping for guns. She wants something small, but every time we look, she picks out guns like the Sig P226 or the HK USP. It is an act in frustration, to say the least.

Has she tried the Walther PPS? I sure do like mine!

Her favorite is the P22, but it's a 22. She likes the grip frame of a 1911, but that's way too much weight. As much as I don't like them, I'm probably going to get her a Glock. I wish she wanted a revolver. For now, she's probably going to shoot my 1911 or my 92FS in the class.

My wife asked if she could shoot my Sig226 for her class. I told her "of course"

It's big for her but she is comfortable with it.

jmra wrote:I don't understand the high cost argument. Is she concerned about the cost of the class or the state fee? My class was $69 and the range fee was $13. The state wants $142.
So basically it's the same cost as a nights stay at the Gaylord Texan to obtain a 5 year CHL. Sounds like a bargain to me.

The classes I can find around the Grapevine area are all around $100. Add the state fees in there and it gets up to around $250 total cost. Then I have to buy a holster etc. Realistically if you're looking at total cost of a CHL, including a gun and all the accessories it gets to be around $1000. There's all the hidden costs like ammo and range fees to get the pistol broken in and to get comfortable shooting it. It really is an expensive endeavor. I've purchased the pistol and she's broken it in so a big expense is already behind us.

January and February are lean months for us so I'm sure she will be up for it when we get our tax refund. There's also an annual bonus I get around the same time that will help. I think she is also trying to recruit a friend to take the CHL class with her but the cost of it is proving too much for the couple of friends who might do it. I'm sure she will step up and get it done in the near future.

As I said though...it's an excuse. It's easier than saying she's not quite mentally ready to be responsible for her own loaded pistol and I respect her for it.

Update:

The little Sig290 fits her hands and she can shoot quite well with it. She insisted on doing the break in and so far it has run 100+ rounds without a hiccup.

Recoil is quite manageable and its "bark" is far worse than its bite. Loud little thing but that didn't translate into bad handling.

It's way too small for my hands and I can't shoot it very well but it wasn't for me now was it.

Overall I am very pleased with the pistol. More importantly, my wife loves it, is proving to be quite competent and is taking her "training" with it seriously.

Now I need to get her into a CHL class but she is using the high cost as a reason to drag her feet on it. She wants her CHL so I'm not pushing her into anything but she has a point about the cost.

Recent events have moved my wife off the fence regarding her CHL. I've been having her try out pistols every time we go anywhere they sell them, she's been a bit annoyed at me for this but at long last I found one she liked the feel of. So today I popped by Academy and picked up a Sig P290 as a late Xmas gift. She's out of town visiting her sister but I've texted her a picture of it so she knows whats waiting for her. She seems excited and it has been made clear that this is "HER" pistol and I am to have it cleaned and oiled for her upon her return home...

I am a little concerned about her shooting a sub compact 9mm but she is rather petite and refuses to consider anything larger. I have explained at length the drawbacks of a small frame gun so she has an idea of what to expect. She has some experience with my full size Sig P226 and has really taken a shine to a Beretta Neos I got for her but she is still really a novice shooter. The P290 has had good reviews for being quite manageable and accurate so I'm hoping this little 9mm will be alright for her. I will follow up with a range report but she is insisting, much to my delight, that she breaks it in...

So why the P290?

1) First and foremost it felt good in her hand. Her hands can barely handle anything double stack so small pocket guns are ideal for her hand size.
2) It is hammer fired. She gets weirded out by striker fired guns and doesn't feel comfortable carrying one. Who am I to argue? She wants to carry so I dutifully say "yes Ma'am" and get her what she wants!!
3) The first gun she ever felt ok with was my Sig 226 and she is now a Sig snob. She thinks they look better than those ugly Glocks and she won't carry an ugly gun...
4) After saying she would only consider a revolver for years she has changed her tune for some reason. Never have gotten an answer out of her beyond her shrugging her shoulders...

This is a 1st gen model without the 2nd strike trigger. It shows a February 2012 manufacture date which puts it well after the initial problem period I've read about. Take down is a ridiculous affair but I've got it figured out now. Fit and finish are up to Sig standards and it comes with a 6rd flush mag and an extended 8rd. It also comes with Sig Nitron sights and a stock paddle holster.

I hope she likes it and maybe if I'm a good boy I'll get to carry it now and again. Either way...MY WIFE ASKED ME TO BUY HER A PISTOL....