Poll: Reasons you have not gotten a CHL?

[drjoker]

Welcome to the board,

Even though my wife is anti-gun and I own zero guns, we both have CHL's. Why? Because if you ever need one, it will take months to get one as the wait is atrocious. Mine took 9 months! Most take at least a month. For example, if you're being stalked, do you really want to wait 9 months before you can protect you and your kids? We both think of a CHL as an insurance policy. We hope that we'll never have to use it, but if necessary, it's comforting to know that it's there.

I invite you to read below for the responses to your comments.

I was reading the CHL forum on my husband's account and went through every one of the 17 or so pages of responses and didn't see one that came close to speaking for me so I joined in order to respond. I've had several close run-ins and am happy to be here to tell about it, but I'd like to be able to protect myself when it is just me and the kids. The reasons I haven't pursued a CHL:

1. I don't know how to shoot a pistol and don't want any condescension or teasing in trying to learn.

It is very easy to learn. If you don't want to practice a lot, then just buy a low caliber gun and put a laser on it. All you have to do is put the red dot on what you want to shoot. Lower caliber guns have zero recoil and are easy to shoot. All you have to do is practice trigger control and you can do that with snap caps (rubber bullets that don't fire) at home. No need to go to the range. Just practice pulling the trigger without jiggling the red laser dot.

2. I'm scared of the recoil and don't trust others to be honest with me about how much recoil there will be. They laugh and say it is no big deal like the joke's going to be on me when they see me knock a front tooth out, which they apparently will find hilarious or will act like I'm being a baby. It doesn't make me want to try it out.

Just get a heavy, yet low caliber gun. Such as a .22 caliber 1911 pistol. Yes, I know, 22 is not a very good defensive caliber, but this is a beginner's gun. You may get something else later in life when you have more time to practice. Besides, any gun is better than no gun in a self-defense situation. Most rapists and other perps will usually run away if they hear that "bang". A perp is not going to say, "hey, the hole at the end of the muzzle of your gun looks like a 22. I think I'll continue victimizing you."

3. I am concerned about gun safety around children. I've read the corned cat website and like her. It will either be on me or locked up. However, I don't feel comfortable enough with that whole transition and I'm a little too thoughtless when it comes to keys and purse and want to make sure I'm going to be diligent and safe and that I know all my options and am comfortable with using them.

If you're thoughtless, then buy a Smart Gun. It is a kit that you can put on your 1911 pistol that will make your gun inoperable if you are not holding it in your hand. The secret is the gold wedding band. A special ring will make it work. As long as you're wearing the ring, the gun will work. If you're one of those people who wear a wedding band everywhere and you're forgetful with your gun, then the smart gun may be fore you. You should also teach your kids firearms safety. Just because you don't have a gun doesn't mean that other kids that they play with won't have guns at home. Teach your kids that guns are not toys and to leave and get an adult if they see a gun or realistic "toy" gun. Have them take an NRA "Eddy the Eagle" course. http://www.smartlock.com/smartgun_detail.htm

4. If I have a loaded weapon I don't know how to use, I'm going to be more of a threat to myself and others than if I didn't have it. If I carry, I'm going to have to practice regularly and stay aware of laws that affect me. This poses two problems. I'm a mom and one of my kids has high medical needs. I am grateful to get 2 minutes back to back in which I can go to the bathroom without interruption. Committing to that much time shooting and reading when I'm not very motivated to go shooting (due in large part to points 1 and 2) makes me think of all the other things I could do with that time instead. Like sleep more than 4-6 hours a night once in a while.

Like I mentioned before, just get a low caliber weapon with a laser and practice trigger control with snap caps at home. This will cost you 5 minutes a month.

5. I am not one who wants to stand out or make political statements. While I have strong political opinions, I don't discuss them. I act on them, I vote on them, I live my life and make my choices based on them, but I don't want to make a statement or be a statistic or make my voice heard or protect the second amendment. While all worthy causes, I just want to protect my family and don't want to be connected to the politics of it. I really don't want to hear why I should want to, either, and am in all honesty put off from any participation because I am bracing myself for the onslaught of why I have a God-given responsibility to protect a constitutional right... yada yada. Most women I know would not identify with this. Men are the primary protectors. I'm a nurturer. This reasoning does not speak to that at all.

Don't tell your family. Concealed is concealed. Hey, you don't tell your family what color underwear you're wearing, do you? Guns are like underwear because they're both concealed.

6. The cute guns cost too much. I don't want a pink plastic block that looks like a kid's toy. I want a pretty gun. One with a mother of pearl handle, maybe... Have you seen the prices on those things?! And the whole new wardrobe that will accommodate concealed carry is gonna be expensive, too. I'm still wearing shoes from 10 years ago. Women tend to take care of themselves last. How am I going to justify a whole new wardrobe when the kids need new shoes? I can't.

Get a CHL now. You can get a gun next month. Next year, you can buy a pretty pearl handle for that gun. You don't have to buy everything all at once, you know.

7. I don't know where to start. How to get a CHL is easy. What gun and holster to choose for my hand, my height, my daily life, my price range; holding and handling a wide diversity of guns (without much cost--still a budget minded mom!) to figure out what I like; how to hold that particular gun and how to stand; the amount of practice I need... it is a little overwhelming to sit down and figure out when I have a daily to-do list that never gets done.

Get leather holster installed in all your purses. Just sew it into your designer purses on the inside (careful!). Gun purses are ugly and women sometimes wear tight clothes that are impossible to conceal any guns.

8. My family will think I've really gone off the deep end. They already think that and I'm not so much worried about what they'll think, but how it will negatively affect the kids. They'll hear about it and I'll have to limit their visits with family even more, which I don't want to do. And I'm in regular contact with a profession that is diametrically opposed to all guns and they could make some serious complications for our family life if they knew I was always carrying. Yes, that's really circumspect and no one would most likely guess what I'm referring to, but it is true and it is a real threat to my family. It shouldn't be because carrying is perfectly legal, but I don't want my family to be the ones to wage that war. (Someone before said his girlfriend is concerned about her teacher friends or administrators finding out as a reason for not getting a CHL and he suspected that was a cover for a deeper issue. I'd say that very well might be the issue. If she hears enough peer pressure and casual comments about gun owners at school, she might be justifiably concerned about her job stability, especially when teachers are being laid off en masse right now. It might be enough to keep her from even considering it.)

Again, don't tell your family.

9. I'm a talker. A social person. And a complete newbie. I don't want to go to the range by myself. But who could I go with on a regular basis where I'd be able to be social and to practice and to not feel bad or stupid? I don't know of any opportunities in my area. The people I know to go with explain points 1 and 2 above. My husband isn't condescending, but he's not really social, either. It would be easier if I had some shooting girl friends. At least 4 of my mom friends have or want to have their CHL, but they don't have time for regular get-togethers at the range with the girls any more than I do.

Join a club. Google can help you find one.

10. If I get it, those aforementioned other gun-friendly moms will make it known within our circles that I am in their group. They'll post gun-friendly stuff on my facebook wall or invite me to the range or whatever and then the moms who are scared of guns won't let their kids come over to our house or hang out with us. I don't want to be an example. But how can I reconcile points 9 and 10? It seems like a catch-22 and I'll have to choose my priorities. On the one hand, the moms I know most likely won't have time to do anything so there's no point in telling them. On the other hand, that leaves me with no community to share it with. I don't know what I can do about that.

Treat guns like underwear. Both should not be talked about in public. Don't make friends with people who talk about your underwear (and guns) in public.

That's my top ten reasons for why I haven't pursued a CHL yet. I hope it speaks for some of the other women in my shoes who don't frequent these boards.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

Even though my wife is anti-gun and I own zero guns, we both have CHL's. Why? Because if you ever need one, it will take months to get one as the wait is atrocious. Mine took 9 months! Most take at least a month. For example, if you're being stalked, do you really want to wait 9 months before you can protect you and your kids? We both think of a CHL as an insurance policy. We hope that we'll never have to use it, but if necessary, it's comforting to know that it's there.

I would highly recommend you acquire, familiarize, and become proficient with your chosen firearm now, rather than wait until you "need it".

9mm's are not that expensive, and there are plenty of IDPA clubs around. While competition is not "tactical" training, regular competition is one of the most efficient ways to develop and maintain proficiency, and the folks are very nice and welcome husband and wife "teams".

Bottom line: Firearms proficiency takes time to develop, so start now. It is better to be proficient and not need to be, than NEED to be proficient and not.

[chefkristian]

Even though my wife is anti-gun and I own zero guns, we both have CHL's. Why? Because if you ever need one, it will take months to get one as the wait is atrocious. Mine took 9 months! Most take at least a month. For example, if you're being stalked, do you really want to wait 9 months before you can protect you and your kids? We both think of a CHL as an insurance policy. We hope that we'll never have to use it, but if necessary, it's comforting to know that it's there.

Ok, so that made no sense what-so-ever... A CHL is not going to stop someone from breakin into your house so that you can go buy a gun. A CHL is not going to magically make a weapon appear in a mugging. A CHL will not protect you unless you own the "H" part...

9 months?? where are you buying your gun? I picked one up today in five minutes with cash and a hand shake...

[Tamie]

I heard over 90% of the NICS checks are completed in one phone call. Even if there's a delay, the sale can happen after 3 business days as long as the feds don't block the sale.

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/nics/nicsfact.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[sjfcontrol]

9 months for a CHL, not for a gun. It's far less than that now.

[Jbird5363]

I worked nights for years I could never get a class where I could get some sleep they all want to start at 8 am on a saturday.

[EconDoc]

There is very little reason for me to get a CHl until we get a Parking Lot Bill and a Concealed Carry on Campus bill passed. At this point, I can only carry two days a week, and leaving my gun in my vehicle is not an option, since they occasionally bring in dogs to sniff cars in lots. If the dog hits, then I would be asked to open up, and, once the weapon was found, I would likely be fired.

For the record, I teach at a private college here in Austin, and am a Benefactor Life member of the NRA, a Life Member of TSRA, and an annual supporter of SAF. Not all college faculty are leftist and anti-gun.

[CainA]

I know this is an old thread, but actually it's a dynamic thread as newcomers come(and old timers may go).

I'd like to enlighten whoever does NOT have their CHL of my carry opportunities. I work at a place that's 30.06 posted and not only that, but of course, just like most folks here have mentioned in the past, their employer has some verbiage in the employee handbook regarding "no weapons"(guns whatever). Since I usually pretty much make B-lines from home to work and from work to home, i don't carry that much(on my person) except for the weekends(caveat: there is a gun in my vehicle(full time)). So, I mostly carry on the weekends when my travels are a lot more diversified; grocery store, Walmart, Home Depot-Lowes, wherever. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that don't let your lack of carry time deter you from getting your CHL. Sure you always see the "guess right or be lucky" posts and unfortunately, I presume some of us have to guess right, or at least do some kind of risk analysis of their own travels.

-Cain

[Smallestbodyman]

I've been wanting to get my chl for about 4 years now. It just seamed like for a while one thing after another kept me from being able to. When I first started wanting to I had just changed jobs and then my wife got pregnant. So we all knowat this time moneys a big factor. Well just when we get back on a good track we ended up buying a house, then she lost her job. So for a while I was the only income. Then we ended up getting divorced and that took a yr and half. And with that they automatically put restraining orders on both of us. So that was the last major part I kinda had to wait. That was the end of may. So why did it take 5 mo after that? Well I'm ashy person and hate doing things when I don't know anybody. But a friends wife was going to take it and we planed on going together but she wanted to go to a guy in vega instead of here in Amarillo. I asked her if she had gotten the info on the class and after several months igave up on her. The next was every time a class was scedualed I had my daughter so I finally just had to ask my parents to watch her and go. That was October 16 2010. So now I'm just waiting and then won't have to worry about it for 4 yrs. Then it'll be time to take the class so my lic won't expire.

[MeMelYup]

Buddy got a Utah because it is good for Washington and the Texas is not. Also the Utah was cheeper.

[Oldgringo]

Buddy got a Utah because it is good for Washington and the Texas is not. Also the Utah was cheeper.

..."cheeper" is good.

[Oldgringo]

Welcome to the board,

Even though my wife is anti-gun and I own zero guns, we both have CHL's. Why? Because if you ever need one, it will take months to get one as the wait is atrocious. Mine took 9 months! Most take at least a month. For example, if you're being stalked, do you really want to wait 9 months before you can protect you and your kids? We both think of a CHL as an insurance policy. We hope that we'll never have to use it, but if necessary, it's comforting to know that it's there.

I invite you to read below for the responses to your comments.

I was reading the CHL forum on my husband's account and went through every one of the 17 or so pages of responses and didn't see one that came close to speaking for me so I joined in order to respond. I've had several close run-ins and am happy to be here to tell about it, but I'd like to be able to protect myself when it is just me and the kids. The reasons I haven't pursued a CHL:

1. I don't know how to shoot a pistol and don't want any condescension or teasing in trying to learn.

It is very easy to learn. If you don't want to practice a lot, then just buy a low caliber gun and put a laser on it. All you have to do is put the red dot on what you want to shoot. Lower caliber guns have zero recoil and are easy to shoot. All you have to do is practice trigger control and you can do that with snap caps (rubber bullets that don't fire) at home. No need to go to the range. Just practice pulling the trigger without jiggling the red laser dot.

2. I'm scared of the recoil and don't trust others to be honest with me about how much recoil there will be. They laugh and say it is no big deal like the joke's going to be on me when they see me knock a front tooth out, which they apparently will find hilarious or will act like I'm being a baby. It doesn't make me want to try it out.

Just get a heavy, yet low caliber gun. Such as a .22 caliber 1911 pistol. Yes, I know, 22 is not a very good defensive caliber, but this is a beginner's gun. You may get something else later in life when you have more time to practice. Besides, any gun is better than no gun in a self-defense situation. Most rapists and other perps will usually run away if they hear that "bang". A perp is not going to say, "hey, the hole at the end of the muzzle of your gun looks like a 22. I think I'll continue victimizing you."

3. I am concerned about gun safety around children. I've read the corned cat website and like her. It will either be on me or locked up. However, I don't feel comfortable enough with that whole transition and I'm a little too thoughtless when it comes to keys and purse and want to make sure I'm going to be diligent and safe and that I know all my options and am comfortable with using them.

If you're thoughtless, then buy a Smart Gun. It is a kit that you can put on your 1911 pistol that will make your gun inoperable if you are not holding it in your hand. The secret is the gold wedding band. A special ring will make it work. As long as you're wearing the ring, the gun will work. If you're one of those people who wear a wedding band everywhere and you're forgetful with your gun, then the smart gun may be fore you. You should also teach your kids firearms safety. Just because you don't have a gun doesn't mean that other kids that they play with won't have guns at home. Teach your kids that guns are not toys and to leave and get an adult if they see a gun or realistic "toy" gun. Have them take an NRA "Eddy the Eagle" course. http://www.smartlock.com/smartgun_detail.htm

4. If I have a loaded weapon I don't know how to use, I'm going to be more of a threat to myself and others than if I didn't have it. If I carry, I'm going to have to practice regularly and stay aware of laws that affect me. This poses two problems. I'm a mom and one of my kids has high medical needs. I am grateful to get 2 minutes back to back in which I can go to the bathroom without interruption. Committing to that much time shooting and reading when I'm not very motivated to go shooting (due in large part to points 1 and 2) makes me think of all the other things I could do with that time instead. Like sleep more than 4-6 hours a night once in a while.

Like I mentioned before, just get a low caliber weapon with a laser and practice trigger control with snap caps at home. This will cost you 5 minutes a month.

5. I am not one who wants to stand out or make political statements. While I have strong political opinions, I don't discuss them. I act on them, I vote on them, I live my life and make my choices based on them, but I don't want to make a statement or be a statistic or make my voice heard or protect the second amendment. While all worthy causes, I just want to protect my family and don't want to be connected to the politics of it. I really don't want to hear why I should want to, either, and am in all honesty put off from any participation because I am bracing myself for the onslaught of why I have a God-given responsibility to protect a constitutional right... yada yada. Most women I know would not identify with this. Men are the primary protectors. I'm a nurturer. This reasoning does not speak to that at all.

Don't tell your family. Concealed is concealed. Hey, you don't tell your family what color underwear you're wearing, do you? Guns are like underwear because they're both concealed.

6. The cute guns cost too much. I don't want a pink plastic block that looks like a kid's toy. I want a pretty gun. One with a mother of pearl handle, maybe... Have you seen the prices on those things?! And the whole new wardrobe that will accommodate concealed carry is gonna be expensive, too. I'm still wearing shoes from 10 years ago. Women tend to take care of themselves last. How am I going to justify a whole new wardrobe when the kids need new shoes? I can't.

Get a CHL now. You can get a gun next month. Next year, you can buy a pretty pearl handle for that gun. You don't have to buy everything all at once, you know.

7. I don't know where to start. How to get a CHL is easy. What gun and holster to choose for my hand, my height, my daily life, my price range; holding and handling a wide diversity of guns (without much cost--still a budget minded mom!) to figure out what I like; how to hold that particular gun and how to stand; the amount of practice I need... it is a little overwhelming to sit down and figure out when I have a daily to-do list that never gets done.

Get leather holster installed in all your purses. Just sew it into your designer purses on the inside (careful!). Gun purses are ugly and women sometimes wear tight clothes that are impossible to conceal any guns.

8. My family will think I've really gone off the deep end. They already think that and I'm not so much worried about what they'll think, but how it will negatively affect the kids. They'll hear about it and I'll have to limit their visits with family even more, which I don't want to do. And I'm in regular contact with a profession that is diametrically opposed to all guns and they could make some serious complications for our family life if they knew I was always carrying. Yes, that's really circumspect and no one would most likely guess what I'm referring to, but it is true and it is a real threat to my family. It shouldn't be because carrying is perfectly legal, but I don't want my family to be the ones to wage that war. (Someone before said his girlfriend is concerned about her teacher friends or administrators finding out as a reason for not getting a CHL and he suspected that was a cover for a deeper issue. I'd say that very well might be the issue. If she hears enough peer pressure and casual comments about gun owners at school, she might be justifiably concerned about her job stability, especially when teachers are being laid off en masse right now. It might be enough to keep her from even considering it.)

Again, don't tell your family.

9. I'm a talker. A social person. And a complete newbie. I don't want to go to the range by myself. But who could I go with on a regular basis where I'd be able to be social and to practice and to not feel bad or stupid? I don't know of any opportunities in my area. The people I know to go with explain points 1 and 2 above. My husband isn't condescending, but he's not really social, either. It would be easier if I had some shooting girl friends. At least 4 of my mom friends have or want to have their CHL, but they don't have time for regular get-togethers at the range with the girls any more than I do.

Join a club. Google can help you find one.

10. If I get it, those aforementioned other gun-friendly moms will make it known within our circles that I am in their group. They'll post gun-friendly stuff on my facebook wall or invite me to the range or whatever and then the moms who are scared of guns won't let their kids come over to our house or hang out with us. I don't want to be an example. But how can I reconcile points 9 and 10? It seems like a catch-22 and I'll have to choose my priorities. On the one hand, the moms I know most likely won't have time to do anything so there's no point in telling them. On the other hand, that leaves me with no community to share it with. I don't know what I can do about that.

Treat guns like underwear. Both should not be talked about in public. Don't make friends with people who talk about your underwear (and guns) in public.

That's my top ten reasons for why I haven't pursued a CHL yet. I hope it speaks for some of the other women in my shoes who don't frequent these boards.

If one (everyone) is going to "talk the talk", shouldn't one (everyone) "walk the walk"? Just askin'...

[Hoi Polloi]

If one (everyone) is going to "talk the talk", shouldn't one (everyone) "walk the walk"? Just askin'...

Perhaps one (everyone) has different physical, intellectual, emotional, and practical needs surrounding firearms ownership, carrying, and use which one (everyone) needs to address in one (everyone's) own time. Shouldn't one (everyone) be welcome here to discuss those areas which are not problematic as such and to safely work through those areas that are problematic as such without others (everyone) questioning one's (everyone's) presence so long as one (everyone) does not misrepresent one's (everyone's) self or break forum rules?

[Oldgringo]

If one (everyone) is going to "talk the talk", shouldn't one (everyone) "walk the walk"? Just askin'...

Perhaps one (everyone) has different physical, intellectual, emotional, and practical needs surrounding firearms ownership, carrying, and use which one (everyone) needs to address in one (everyone's) own time. Shouldn't one (everyone) be welcome here to discuss those areas which are not problematic as such and to safely work through those areas that are problematic as such without others (everyone) questioning one's (everyone's) presence so long as one (everyone) does not misrepresent one's (everyone's) self or break forum rules?

Somehow, I just never thought of CHL being a spectator sport. My bad.

[Diesel42]

FWIW, my CHL isn't an important part of my life. It's just another tool. I can really appreciate anyone that decides they don't need a CHL. Further, I really appreciate folks that choose not to get a CHL, while still accepting me as a CHL holder. People that meet me at work or play can list several things about me that are unique and help define my character. Yet, gun ownership won't appear on anybody's list, simply because I don't talk about it. A lot of my friends are the same way. We walk the walk, but we don't talk about it.

So, I get a lot from this forum because I get to experience the "self responsible" way of life from a large group scattered over the entire state.
This forum is both validating and illuminating. And.... always entertaining.

Happy Trails! N

If one (everyone) is going to "talk the talk", shouldn't one (everyone) "walk the walk"? Just askin'...

Perhaps one (everyone) has different physical, intellectual, emotional, and practical needs surrounding firearms ownership, carrying, and use which one (everyone) needs to address in one (everyone's) own time. Shouldn't one (everyone) be welcome here to discuss those areas which are not problematic as such and to safely work through those areas that are problematic as such without others (everyone) questioning one's (everyone's) presence so long as one (everyone) does not misrepresent one's (everyone's) self or break forum rules?