Texas Concealed Carry

[adambrock]

I just signed up for a Texas Concealed Carry class at my local gunrange on 2/24. Any ideas on what to expect, or suggestions on what to practice for the qualification test?

\\ACB

[BoomerBSG]

from what i hear, you get battered with about 9 hours of class time for a 50 question test. then shoot 20 rounds at 3 yards, 20 rounds at 7 yards, and 10 at 15 yards.

http://www.texaschlforum.com/

cheers

[rodnocker1]

When I took mine a couple of years back, we spent the first 1/2 of the day going over some laws, rules, etc and watching a couple of videos. The second 1/2 was at the range and taking the test which, if I remember correctly, was open book. Neither was difficult or anything to get nervous about. The instructors aren't trying to trip you up or anything, it's really more of an compressed FYI thing to let you know that there are restrictions, consequences, and repercussions to having a CHL. There really don't expect you to know everything you need to by the end of the day and want you to continue reading up on the laws after you leave. As Boomer said, a real good place to go and ask questions is TexasCHLforum.com . There are alot of knowledgeable people on the site.

As far as the range part of the course, most people qualify on the first 2 groups. We had people who had never shot a handgun until a week before the course come out and almost ace it. At 3 yards, once you extend your arms, it seems you are almost touching the target. One thing that is important-if you plan on carrying a semi auto, you have to take your qualification with one. Qualifying with a SA allows you to carry either an SA or a revolver. If you take it with a revolver, you will be restricted on your license to revolver only.

The toughest parts of getting your CHL are the fees and the wait.

[KeithM]

The shooting is easy. They use the profile target with the oval rings on the torso. If you're shot is in the 8 ring, it's 5 points, 7 ring is 4 points, and anywhere else on the profile is 3 points. I think you have to get 175 out of 250 to pass. At 3 yards you should be able to get 100 points. If you can't, you probably shouldn't be carrying a gun.

[jnclement]

Just pay attention in the class, and the test will be easy. The shooting part is probably too easy. My wife shot 238 out of 250, with a Glock she'd never shot before. And she had very limited pistol experience prior to the class. If you've shot before, you'll be perfect after the first two stages.

[propellerhead]

Don't sweat it. Just pay attention in class and you'll do fine. Instructors don't like people that fail because it makes them look bad. They make every effort to pass you. I'm a dumb ass and I aced the written test and shooting.

[Petrolero]

My brother just aced his Texas CHL class. I'm proud to say that he did it with his new XD 40 Service model. He reported that the shooting part is super easy.

[strongarm73]

It's a breeze if you know your guns....just get ready for all the:

"what if you're trapped in a well and someone's stealing your chickens and your girlfriend at night?....can you use deadly force then?" type of questions that will make you want to pull all of your hair out and scream at the 75% of morons in your class...yes it's that bad, those are the guys that make the class 3-4 more hours longer than it should be (reminds me of my law school days)

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by strongarm73

It's a breeze if you know your guns....just get ready for all the:

"what if you're trapped in a well and someone's stealing your chickens and your girlfriend at night?....can you use deadly force then?" type of questions that will make you want to pull all of your hair out and scream at the 75% of morons in your class...yes it's that bad, those are the guys that make the class 3-4 more hours longer than it should be (reminds me of my law school days)

Length of class is determiend by law, if they cut it short, you might not get your CHL.

But yes, my patience was tried by some moronic people.

[netranger6]

If the instructor follows the course, as outlined, it will take 12 hours. Most of which, is class room instruction covering the penal code and such. You will be introduced to various methods of concealing the weapon, safes, and the like. Your instructor may even show off here and there, or invite you to a self defense course. Then, you will take the qualification portion. Make sure it's not in the middle of August, like I did, at 105 degrees. It was miserable. The targets are at 3/7/15 yards, and you must attain a certain score. Pay attention in class, and practice, maybe, before you go. I had a good time, and made some good friends. We had a couple of 60 year old + ladies in my class, and they shot better than I did with full frame .45's. It was pretty cool.