TexasCHLforum.com

Online status changed to "Application Completed - license issued or certificate active" this morning.

Now watching the mailbox...

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8/8 - Class
8/9 - Mailed 1st Class USPS w RRR
8/10 - Should have arrived at DPS
8/11 - Date the receipt listed
8/15 - Date that DPS recorded as Recieved (starts 60 day clock)
8/25 - Date the app data was entered
9/11 - Online still says Processing
9/12 - Online says "data does not match"
9/12 - Phone call, online system down, says waiting on Travis and "one other check", should take more than a co
uple of weeks "quite a while yet"
9/13 - Status back to "Processing"
9/16 - "Processing"
9/26 - Received status email response repeating that clock start 8/15, still working on background check.
10/12 - Status changed to "Application Completed - license issued or certificate active"

Congratulations.

- Jim

Congrats.

Congrats

Have a fun and safe Wally Walk

Just got mine today. It was a week since they told me it was complete and 3 days since my online status changed.

Mr. Postman brought my plastic yesterday exactly 60 days from the date DPS says they received my application. That's for a Travis County app for those taking notes.

So today was my first one armed away from house & car! I was carrying my M&P 40C with 10+1 JHP in a Blade-Tech IWB tucker wearing jeans & a tucked in dress shirt. For extra good measure, was also pocket carrying a S&W 642 J-frame in the front strong side, with a clip and speedloader for each in the weak side.

First stop was Taco Cabana (no drive thru for me this fine morning), and I'm happy to report that there are no 30.06 signs here contrary to some uproar elsewhere. As I ate, what immediately popped out at me was how much more aware I was of people, what they were wearing (ie, would that conceal), and how their pockets moved. I mention this because it was far heightened over the last couple of months when I was only in "practice" mode looking ahead. It's just different now. At any rate, didn't get arrested for letting anything show, so good so far.

Second stop was Starbucks where I stood in line for coffee (again, by passing the drive thru). Again, no one the wiser. Same for Academy. Clearly I'm having some fun with this now.

Now, I was resisting the Wally Walk because that's not somewhere I normally go. Ok, I avoid it... like the plague. But, having seen the change of perspective already, I decided to submit to the wisdom of the elders here and give it a try. What was very strange was how different this experience was from the others. At the first two stops, there were few enough people that I could actually have had my back to everyone the whole time. At Academy, if I showed it would as likely as not be a hunter, CHL or at least not someone afraid of firearms. But at Wally World, if I were to show not only is it most likely to be upsetting but there would probably also be security appearing soon having seen the incident from the overhead eyeballs. This was a very good exercise.

The restroom experience was interesting. I had practiced this at home, but then someone walked in when I would have liked to do a double-check in the mirror. Had to trust that everything was situated.

Opted for McD's in lieu of the nachos. Again, as mentioned above, I was very aware of environment and took quick note of a group of thuggish kids that entered as I was eating. Quick scans of possible carry locations, double checking exit paths.

Made a wide rambling of the store (the ammo countered was stocked, but no one home). No one, including a security guard, bothered with me so I guess I was sufficiently concealed.

Unfortunately, I've disarmed before entering work (eventually had to go in). Not willing to push company policy.

Wrapping this up, I do want to say thanks to all the moderators and all of the active participants and other newbies here. Having the Waiting Room to peruse and share in while I was waiting was great, and I've learned more than you know from you guys. For those who are still waiting, be encouraged... the day will come sooner than you think. Be practicing with that carry system at home. I'm already looking for a better belt!

Congrats on your virgin trek DS

I can see your confidence is building already, that's great.

But, man, there ain't no way in hades I'm going into Mickey D's without a stomach pump.

You lived dangerously today my friend

Congrats on the plastic

Congratulations. It's good to see more and more Austin folks on the board.

Maybe we'll organize another get-together soon. Hopefully with cooler weather and less summer-related activities going on, more people will show up this time.