A nice benefit of Texas CHL

[Kiddkop]

I purchased my 1st handgun yesterday since obtaining my CHL, it literally took less than 15 minutes. Added benefit of having a thorough background investigation conducted I guess!

[dlh]

Welcome to the concealed handgun world in Texas! We had to fight hard to get it. It is personal to me as one of my friends was murdered in the Luby's massacre several years back that kicked all of this off.

To my knowledge your "Brady Check" is not sped up because you have a Texas concealed handgun license. The Brady Check is a Federal FBI check done at the federal level. Your concealed handgun records, on the other hand, are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

I could be wrong about that but that is my understanding.

It is nice not to have to wait an unreasonable amount of time as the gun vendor processes the Brady check with the Feds. Last several guns I purchased I did not have to wait long at all.

dlh

[Glockster]

That's also my understanding (that nothing changes with the background check), but it brings up a question that I have. I've been asked twice during an FFL transfer whether or not I have a CHL and was told that if I do to bring it with me. Anyone know why or how having a CHL changes things? I was standing right there when each FFL made the call, heard all the info, and didn't hear anything about my CHL.

[ScottDLS]

That's also my understanding (that nothing changes with the background check), but it brings up a question that I have. I've been asked twice during an FFL transfer whether or not I have a CHL and was told that if I do to bring it with me. Anyone know why or how having a CHL changes things? I was standing right there when each FFL made the call, heard all the info, and didn't hear anything about my CHL.

If you show the CHL the FFL does not have to do the NICS check, they just write down your CHL #. I've bought every handgun this way in Texas since 1996 and I've never been called in. Before that I moved from out of state and didn't buy any here till I got my CHL.

[Glockster]

That's also my understanding (that nothing changes with the background check), but it brings up a question that I have. I've been asked twice during an FFL transfer whether or not I have a CHL and was told that if I do to bring it with me. Anyone know why or how having a CHL changes things? I was standing right there when each FFL made the call, heard all the info, and didn't hear anything about my CHL.

If you show the CHL the FFL does not have to do the NICS check, they just write down your CHL #. I've bought every handgun this way in Texas since 1996 and I've never been called in. Before that I moved from out of state and didn't buy any here till I got my CHL.

I'll test that out again this afternoon as I'm picking up something new at a local shop. But as I said above, I had my CHL with me the last (two) times and there was no difference between checks when I didn't have it. Was that just the FFL choosing to not do it that way?

[Keith B]

Was that just the FFL choosing to not do it that way?

Yes. The difference is they still have to fill out the 4473 form, but are not required to make a call for an NICS background check if you have a Texas CHL, just write the CHL number on the 4473. If the store or FFL wants to still call for the background check, there is no law that says they can't make that a requirement to purchase through them.

[Kiddkop]

That is what the FFL dealer told me yesterday. He did NOT have to run a bg check if I showed him my CHL. He filled out the form and I was out in under 15 mins. The longest time took printing off a rebate form.

[Scott B.]

From the 4473:

No NICS check was required because the buyer has a valid permit from the State where the transfer is to take place, which qualifies as an exemption to NICS.

Exceptions to NICS Check: A NICS check is not required if the transfer qualifies for any of the exceptions in 27 CFR 478.102(d).

[viking1000]

I bought 2 shotguns and a pistol last month, from impact arms, where I pick up the items, they no longer call them in as I have a CHL. One of the shotguns was for a present to someone I have known for 31 years .
He and his wife will join our ranks at the end of the year.

[K5GU]

Presenting the license to the store also streamlines paperwork for them, depending on their POS system, it populates some of the info automatically on the forms when they scan your license. Also, they did not call anyone on the phone as part of the process. I was out of there in about 15 minutes after paying. Not bad, eh?

[Glockster]

Was that just the FFL choosing to not do it that way?

Yes. The difference is they still have to fill out the 4473 form, but are not required to make a call for an NICS background check if you have a Texas CHL, just write the CHL number on the 4473. If the store or FFL wants to still call for the background check, there is no law that says they can't make that a requirement to purchase through them.

Interesting. Will wait to see what happens when my gun arrives in the store (hopefully today!)

Just to ask all the questions -- what if someone has an out of state permit, but is a TX resident? Does that only apply here if you have a TX CHL, or can it be a permit from any state?

[Scott B.]

No NICS check was required because the buyer has a valid permit from the State where the transfer is to take place, which qualifies as an exemption to NICS.

Has to be one of ours. What did you buy?

[Glockster]

No NICS check was required because the buyer has a valid permit from the State where the transfer is to take place, which qualifies as an exemption to NICS.

Has to be one of ours. What did you buy?

A nice BUG. Just got the call that it is in, so will post when I get back!

[Glockster]

So, still had to fill out the form. They did something in the computer with my CHL, but don't know exactly what and frankly they were a bit too busy to ask. But here's my new BUG -- a Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV, with an extended grip and 4.25" barrel, 45Colt and .410. And Bond had a special for purchases in August to get an additional barrel for 50% off, so will likely get a 3" with that.

[dlh]

So, still had to fill out the form. They did something in the computer with my CHL, but don't know exactly what and frankly they were a bit too busy to ask. But here's my new BUG -- a Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV, with an extended grip and 4.25" barrel, 45Colt and .410. And Bond had a special for purchases in August to get an additional barrel for 50% off, so will likely get a 3" with that.

Nice! How is the recoil?

dlh