Newbie to this site and CHL

[IsraelisJewish]

I had a CHL years ago and let it lapse. Sold my weapons then also. Now I am back and have a CHL class lined up for Dec 04 2015 in Plainview, TX. I am ready to go with a brand new Bersa .380 and I have two holsters: a Fobus holster that is one that goes to the hip on the belt type. The other is a Bulldog shoulder holster. Nowadays, it seems much more serious, -the need for a chl. I an very glad to find this site and it was not too difficult, just googled "Texas CHL" and it and other sites came up. You seem to have a lot of helpful info here, thanks! Now, what's this about "your first walk"? Is this the big time I go out with my weapon and chl? That will be a good day. I work for the TDCJ and so hopefully my background checks will go quickly. Thank you to all here and to the site. -David

[twjones]

Welcome! I've been here about 3 weeks and there's a ton a great info. If you can't find it, there are many folks who are happy to answer your questions.

Now, what's this about "your first walk"? Is this the big time I go out with my weapon and chl? That will be a good day.

Wally Walk - indeed, it's the initiation with your new CHL in hand.

Certainly appears DPS is backed up. The word I received last week was they are still processing applications from the end of October. I also have already had other background checks performed on me but it doesn't look like it's going to speed the process up any. My hope is I receive mine in the middle of December.

I would certainly submit your application and schedule your fingers as soon as possible.

Speaking of... how do they establish your spot in line?

I assume it's from the date they receive your application (since they have to link your CHL-100 to your app), but I don't know.

[WildBill]

I had a CHL years ago and let it lapse. Sold my weapons then also. Now I am back and have a CHL class lined up for Dec 04 2015 in Plainview, TX. I am ready to go with a brand new Bersa .380 and I have two holsters: a Fobus holster that is one that goes to the hip on the belt type. The other is a Bulldog shoulder holster. Nowadays, it seems much more serious, -the need for a chl. I an very glad to find this site and it was not too difficult, just googled "Texas CHL" and it and other sites came up. You seem to have a lot of helpful info here, thanks! Now, what's this about "your first walk"? Is this the big time I go out with my weapon and chl? That will be a good day. I work for the TDCJ and so hopefully my background checks will go quickly. Thank you to all here and to the site. -David

Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, your TDCJ employment won't speed up your background check, but it should go quickly.

[IsraelisJewish]

Thanks for the encouragement. I did attend and completed the chi class today and qualified at the range. Fun, fun, fun. Now I wish to find a video/info on field stripping my weapon. It still has factory grease etc., and wish to clean it up good. We had a class of about 25 people here that took the class and all. Pity the poor sod who ever attacks our office as we were all out of the same dept here in town, ha, ha. My son just arrived home to the UK from Portugal and said it was pretty calm in Lisbon and all. I thought it might be a little uptight due to the attacks in Paris. Be safe.

[IsraelisJewish]

So far I have a Shoulder Holster from Bulldog, and a Fobus "Paddle Holster" for the hip. The shoulder holster is made from plastic and fabric type of stuff. So far it seems ok, but I think I will shop for a nicer one. I don't think my Bersa .380 will carry good in a pocket of my pants. Even though it is the CC version of the Bersa .380 it's a little to big. I sure like it though. The holsters that are stretchy and places your handgun on you tummy and all don't appeal to me. I do, have to admit, like the shoulder holster and feel as my hand gun is a Bersa .380 it is a good option and hides well there. I don't care about OC and will continue to use the advantage of the CC and CHL. It Is though a worry off my mind to not have to worry about inadvertently printing or letting the handgun "show". Although I hope to not do that. I feel in this culture it is probably an advantage to have a CC and not OC. Just my opinion, I am no expert and am new to the scene. I am reading two books:

Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense, by Massad Akoob; and also the book: Handgun Training: For Personal Protection, by Richard A. Mann. As I can afford it I will get more books but I have noticed they don't come cheap.. Thanks again for all the help this site offers and all your comments.

[GlassG19]

Forgot old arrest,,
Hi everyone, I'm really surprised about all the good information on here, maybe some has had this senerio. I just got all excited about being able to afford & completing my CHL application Friday & setting appointment for fingerprints & CHL-100 class, well as I was thinking today about the all of it, I remembered I did get arrested for an old traffic ticket when me at the time live in girlfriend (married 26 yr now)got into a fight (yelling) nothing physical & she called LE & told them I had a warrant & took the ride. No charges were filed of any sort & was released the next day & "time served" for the ticket. Well I forgot to put that on CHL app Friday, I'm assuming it's going to disqualify me & could be in trouble for not being correct on app. Anybody have same or similar or recommendations?? Help

[SA_Steve]

Wow, another "women are not cost effective" story. I've got some too.

[IsraelisJewish]

Completed CHL class 12/4/14, Sent paperwork via email on 12/7/15. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for the license. Meanwhile I am reading and studying and working on holster options. Hope to find a range also. Worst comes to worst I can use the TDCJ range. I suspect the hours are real limited though. This is a Plainview TX.

[GlassG19]

Well, come to find out, no records of arrest, I found out because they didn't fingerprint nor mug shot, so all clear. Sent CHL-100 in & now we'll see what the time frame will be.

[IsraelisJewish]

GLASS19: CONGRATS!!!

[IsraelisJewish]

I thought I read here where someone checked on the DPS website and could see if they were approved or not for the CHL? This was prior to them receiving their plastic (a few days). If that is true, could someone tell me where to look on the site? I looked it over and could not find a link or hint or where to look? Thanks.

[jdkw]

If you will go to the page where you apply for a CHL and on the right hand side of the page it will ask you if you want to finish working on a application or check on the status of an application that you have submitted already. You hit the Login tab and put your DL number or ID number in and date of birth and it will let you know if there is a change in your application status.

Mine just changed this afternoon.
My timeline is
app. 10/29/15
prints. 11/2/15
sub Chl 100. 11/2/15
Conf Email 11/3/15
sight changed 12/12/15

[Breny414]

I thought I read here where someone checked on the DPS website and could see if they were approved or not for the CHL? This was prior to them receiving their plastic (a few days). If that is true, could someone tell me where to look on the site? I looked it over and could not find a link or hint or where to look? Thanks.

They do have a website where you can check the status (in a round about way). I can't get the link at the moment because the website is down for maintenance. But just find the Texas DPS website and then go to the handgun license link. once there, you will look for a link to check the status, change address, etc.. click on that and then enter the required info (license No. and birthday).

Anyway, you will know your approved if you see options to change address, report lost card, etc.. from what I've heard though, some people get the plastic in the mail before the website has been updated, and some the it updated before they get the license. I imagine it has to do with the workflow of the agent that is processing your application.

[GlassG19]

Congrats jdkw.