CHL course with rented gun

[synoptic]

I am thinking of taking the CHL course with a rental gun. Has anyone done this? I am worried about qualifying with a gun that I haven't had a fair amount of practice with. If I should wait I will, but I also want to get my CHL as soon as I can. I would actually be taking the class the day before my 21st birthday (why I don't have a gun of my own yet to use). Just curious as to what everyone thinks...

 

[mons meg]

Rent it a couple times before the class and make sure you know how to avoid shooting yourself in the foot. Seriously, though, as long as you can operate the weapon and perform the complete manual of arms in a safe manner you should do ok.

 

[Carlos]

Yes, and it doesn't get any more complicated than that.

And, I'm assuming the gun you rent is the gun you want to buy to carry when you get your CHL?

Shoot well, and Good luck.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Better a rented gun than none—and better to carry sooner than later.

 

[synoptic]

well...I guess the vote is unanimous! I need to look into my funds but I should be signing up tomorrow then. As far as the gun I rent (would actually be provided in the course fee, but they call it renting) being the gun I plan on carrying, I honestly doubt it will be, but whichever weapon I choose to carry I will have practiced with before strapping it on... It will prolly be my Steyr M9 (it is paid for, I am picking it up the day after the class). So anyway... Thanks everyone for the advice!

 

[Lennyjoe]

3 ladies and 2 guys had rental revolvers in my CCW class.

They all qualified.

 

[sm]

We had a variety of guns for CCW students to use. Actually I wish more students would shoot a variety before making a purchase.

Many times a student showed up with a new gun bought because an 'agency' used, seen in magazine, their buds had one, or ( my favorite) in such and such movie.

The ladies used more common sense, but still husband/boyfriend/daddy said "this is what you need".

So we would familarize with various platforms, let them shoot and make an informed choice for themselves as far as GUN FIT, platform, caliber. . They were better prepared to make an informed purchase.

We spent time with all this, including dominant eye, grip...etc,so when the qualification shooting began the students were comfortable and had fun. Many times they wanted to stay afterwards and shoot some more. Safety was always stressed so after seeing them shoot and comfortable with a student we allowed access to private range. Still the ladies practiced more.

They also tried various holsters from our collection. So when they left, they were better informed to make a purchase for CCW. Gun, holster and ammo.

 

[Waitone]

If Tejas is like my state, CCH quals ain't about marksmanship. Its to prove you have at least handled a gun.

My advice is rent once before quals something simple like a .22LR revolver. It isn't fancy or do much for the ol' ego but it does get you the CCH paper.

Then take the time to do it right. Rent beaucoup guns and make an intelligent, informed decision. A bad choice in a handgun is an expensive paperweight.

 

[Brad Johnson]

The point of the qualifier is to prove that you have the knowledge and ability to safely and proficiently handle your firearm. When it comes to marksmaship you don't have to be Dead-Eye Dick. All you have to do is keep all the shots on target (and it's a BIG target). Just as an example, I shot my last qualifer using my weak hand (left) and still scored 244.

If you use a rent gun, get something with no external safety to manipulate (like a Glock, Kahr, or Sprinfield XD) and that has a nice, smooth trigger pull. Shoot a couple of boxes throught it to familiarize yourself with the gun. You should do fine.

Brad

 

[Greybeard]

I think you'll find that most of the "loaner" or "rental" guns used in Texas CHL classes seem to be Glock 17s or 19s.

The "demonstration of proficiency" presents little challenge to even quasi-experienced pistol people. 20 shots are fired at 3 yards, 20 shots at 7 yards, then the last 10 shots at 15 yards. (Lots of time, take your time!) The vast majority of folks I've qualified have easily obtained the minimum 175 points (out of possible 250) at the first two distances.

 

[synoptic]

Well, I went to the gun shop today with every intention to sign up for the class on the 19th of this month, and the dates on the website were wrong, next class isn't until the 25th and I'll be on a plane that day so now the issue is non-existant, I'll have my gun before I take the class, unless I can find a place in conroe with a class in the next 10 days...

 

[TarpleyG]

If the test is no more difficult than it was the last time I took it and you are even somewhat proficient at shooting, you'll pass. OTOH, I would try and rent the same gun at least once before the test just to make sure you are familiar with all the controls, etc.

GT

 

[client32]

If Tejas is like my state, CCH quals ain't about marksmanship. Its to prove you have at least handled a gun.

My advice is rent once before quals something simple like a .22LR revolver. It isn't fancy or do much for the ol' ego but it does get you the CCH paper.

If I am not mistaken, TX requires the gun to be at least a .380 or a .38.
I'm sure you already know all of this stuff, but if you qualify with a revolver, you can only carry revolvers, if you use a semi-auto, you can carry either(or both if you choose)

The "demonstration of proficiency" presents little challenge to even quasi-experienced pistol people. 20 shots are fired at 3 yards, 20 shots at 7 yards, then the last 10 shots at 15 yards. (Lots of time, take your time!) The vast majority of folks I've qualified have easily obtained the minimum 175 points (out of possible 250) at the first two distances.

Again, if I am not mistaken, you are required to have 100 rounds in case you don't get enough points the first time.

That is probably all common knowledge though.

Actually I wish more students would shoot a variety before making a purchase.

One of the local gun shops here is really good about trying to get people new to firearms, handguns in particular, to take a beginners class. I don't know how long or how often the class meets, but during the range portion of the class, the students get to shoot a wide variety of guns. They start at .22s of course, but then work there way up. I haven't taken the class, but I hear a lot of good things about it.

 

[blades67]

Using a "rented" gun is fine. Most places make sure you shoot a qualifying target before you leave, unless you are a danger to yourself and those around you.