Should I get my CHL??

[ex_dsmr]

Unfortunately my dad did everything but send in his paperwork for pretty much the same reason.
He seemed to think that if you had your CCW you were more likley to use it or be scrutinized when you did use it.

Though, he never seemed to bat an eyelash in keeping a loaded pistol in his vehicle back when the "traveling" laws were so vague.

My opinion is its a good thing to have. Both myself and my spouse have ours and id rather either of us have a means of protection vs ending up in a box because we didnt. Ill deal with the courts when and if that situation ever arises.

[nguyen925]

I have heard things like this. A friend of mine was reluctant to get his CHL because he said that CHL holders are held to a higher degree of accountability (i.e. may be judged more harshly if they use their weapon improperly). He even mentioned that there was a case where a prosecutor argued that the very act of getting the CHL implied premeditation. I don't know if that's true or not, and of course the argument sounds ludicrous to me.

Even if some of this is true, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It resolves a lot of ambiguity about borderline situations where you might or might not be okay to carry as a non-CHL. (e.g. I arrive home in my driveway and am carrying concealed pursuant to the Motorist Protection Act (MPA). Is it okay for me to walk out to the center of my cul-de-sac to get the mail before going into my house? Without a CHL, maybe not. With a CHL it's clearly okay.) A CHL also eliminates the need to disarm before you step out of your vehicle to fill up with gas, go into the mall, etc. How many times have we heard of people getting robbed at gas stations, parking lots, etc.? I'd rather not be one of these statistics.

Another ambiguity that a CHL resolves relates to the "Gun Free School Zone Act". If you're carrying in your vehicle pursuant to the MPA, but you drive within 1000 feet of a school, you have technically committed a federal felony. This law, of course, is ridiculous because in many areas it's pretty much impossible not to pass within 1000 feet of a school property line just driving around town. My understanding is that most local law enforcement are not that concerned with enforcing it unless you're already up to no good (e.g. dealing drugs near a school and packing heat at the same time). But still, if you get stopped for doing 5 mph over in a school zone and are carrying in your car as a non-CHL, and the cop is having a bad day or just wants to be a jerk, you might be going for a ride. However, if you have a Texas CHL, you're exempt from this as long as you're in Texas. (Carrying into school buildings and onto the actual grounds where school-sponsored functions are taking place is still forbidden, though.)

Also, there is the issue of dealing with law enforcement, traffic stops, etc. Each LEO is different, but on average people seem to report that CHL holders get hassled less because LEOs recognize you as one of the "good guys". It's not a "get out of jail free" card and it's not a license to drive as fast as you want without getting ticketed. But still, I have heard of instances where that piece of plastic seemed to smooth things over (e.g. "Okay, Mr. XXXX, just slow down, drive carefully, and have a nice day.")

Geesus, good thing I got my CHL, if I didn't it would technically be illegal for me to carry a weapon in my car seeing as how I live less than 1000 ft from a elementary. The elementary school is in between my subdivision and another. I'm indifferent with the traffic stops though, I've only gotten pulled over a hand full of times, not for speeding but for other faults. They were mainly FYI pull overs and many times I had my FF station jacket reflecting off my drivers seat. I'm sure having my chl now will make future traffic stops more interesting to say the least.

[ares338]

You should if.......you plan on carrying your pistol anywhere other than your private property or property your are in control of or concealed in your car! Oh yeah.....also only if your are ready!

[Ftak]

You know there is some truth in that especailly in certain counties who are not friendly to the idea of civillians carrying guns. You will be held to a higher standard that non CHL holders just because you have had training & are considered a Pro in some respects. I have had friends go through the course & then not get the CHL for it seemed to large a liability for them. You can carry handguns in your car legally so long as its consealed & your legally able to own a handgun. I think these rules they put on you are to deture a person from being a hot head with a weapon. Carrying a handgun is a large responsibility in every area such as keeping it secure & accounted for 24/7. So should you or should you not get a CHL. If you carry one on your person all the time reguardless of the law you may as well make it legal for anyone caught unlawfully carrying a handgun will be in some trouble to which you will never get a CHL or ever be able to buy a weapon legally for it is a felony. That made my mind up for me right there

[Ftak]

If it comes down to defending yourself vs getting in trouble I would take the trouble for at least you will be alive to face that

[Heartland Patriot]

You know there is some truth in that especailly in certain counties who are not friendly to the idea of civillians carrying guns. You will be held to a higher standard that non CHL holders just because you have had training & are considered a Pro in some respects. I have had friends go through the course & then not get the CHL for it seemed to large a liability for them. You can carry handguns in your car legally so long as its consealed & your legally able to own a handgun. I think these rules they put on you are to deture a person from being a hot head with a weapon. Carrying a handgun is a large responsibility in every area such as keeping it secure & accounted for 24/7. So should you or should you not get a CHL. If you carry one on your person all the time reguardless of the law you may as well make it legal for anyone caught unlawfully carrying a handgun will be in some trouble to which you will never get a CHL or ever be able to buy a weapon legally for it is a felony. That made my mind up for me right there

I'm curious to know which counties these are...could you please share the information you have in this regard? Also, how do you come by this information? Thanks.

[Hola Gato]

I would like that information too. I'm new to CHL so want to know where I should tread lightly.

[WildBill]

I would like that information too. I'm new to CHL so want to know where I should tread lightly.

How long have you had your CHL?