Texas CHL

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ChefKristian

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I am looking for a CHL class here in Austin, Just wondering if anyone here has taken the class from this instructor : http://www.txconcealedhandgunclass.com

They offer their course for $90, everything included (fingerprint, photo, notary, range fee, certificate, breakfast, lunch), which is about $30 cheaper than everyone else around.

Does anyone else know of any other instructors in the area that does not advertise (only have looked for classes that have websites)? Thanks :)
 
Have you checked out the out of state Florida CHL??

If you are interested in saving money, you can get the same benefits for about 1/2 the price of getting it issued from Texas. The license will work the same, you do the paperwork from your home computer, you don't have to take a class, you don't have to do the range time, pretty easy if you want a cheaper alternative.
 
The Florida course is legal for the Texas CHL?
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You miss the point, there is no class (no $$ to spend on one). You don't need one for a Florida CHL. That right there saves you at least $90, and time associated with that.

And Yes, Florida and Texas have full reciprocity with their issued licenses. A FL license is as good in Texas as a Texas license.


Plus the license fee is cheaper.


Your drive out for a FL license should be less than $120.

A Texas license will be: $90 Class, $150 License Fee, $25 ammo, lunch, time, gas, etc = approx. $300

http://www.personaldefensesolutions.net/faq.htm#1




.
 
However, a Texan who only has a Florida license won't be able to bypass NICS when he buys a gun from an FFL, and won't be able to carry in states that only allow residents of the state that issued the license (and not a third-party state) to carry. For example, a Texan with only a Florida license cannot legally CCW in Colorado, but a Texan with a Texas license can, and a Floridian with a Florida license can.
 
Acera said:
You miss the point, there is no class (no $$ to spend on one). You don't need one for a Florida CHL. That right there saves you at least $90, and time associated with that.

And Yes, Florida and Texas have full reciprocity with their issued licenses. A FL license is as good in Texas as a Texas license.


Plus the license fee is cheaper.


Your drive out for a FL license should be less than $120.

A Texas license will be: $90 Class, $150 License Fee, $25 ammo, lunch, time, gas, etc = approx. $300

http://www.personaldefensesolutions.net/faq.htm#1




.
Click to expand...
Acera- I just looked up all the info for the FL CHL on the website you gave.... You do need proof of a handgun competency course.

You must demonstrate competence with a firearm through any one of the following:

A. Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency of another state.

B. Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course.

C. Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

D. Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement.

E. Present evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or military service.

F. Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association certified firearms instructor.

“A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; or an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught said course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this paragraph.”
 
13. How do I know if I must take a course to be eligible for the Florida permit?
If you don’t have a Training Certificate as described in #12 above, and you are not active or honorably discharged ex-military, you must take the course to be eligible for the Florida CHL.
 
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11. What are the fees for applying for the license?
The State of the Florida charges $117.00 for the five-year Concealed Carry Weapons/Handgun License.

We charge $100.00 for the Florida CCW Certification Class, range fee, and all the paperwork.
 
7. What are the qualifications to be eligible to be issued a Florida CCW Permit?
• You must be a citizen of the United States OR you must be deemed a lawful permanent
resident alien by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS formerly INS).
• You must be 21 years of age or older.
• You must be able to demonstrate competency with a firearm.
• You must be a non-felon.
• You must take a recognized Firearm Safety Class given by an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
(such as ours) and get a Certificate of Completion with the instructor's signature and NRA
Certification Number on it, OR furnish proof of being Active Military or Honorably Discharged
Military (e.g., furnish a DD-214).


If this is the case, I will spend the extra $0.50 to get the Texas CHL.... $140 (license) + $90 (course includes breakfast AND lunch and miscellaneous paper work) + $14 for .40s&w ammo. = $244

FL CHL= $117 (License) + 100 (course as per your website) + $14 (ammo) + approx $10 (passport photo and fingerprints) + $2.50 (postage to send everything to Florida) = $243.50

I save $0.50?
 
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ChefKristian, you don't have to take their course! I posted that because it had some useful information. Go the the actual Florida state site if you wish for more information.

The proof of competency was easy, I used my discharge paperwork. I could have used my old CHL from Texas if I had wished.

I saved over half. Take that for what you will.


Now I may have misread your intent, you are not placing an ad for that place are you? A lot of folks have tried to hide ads in questions like that. You seem to know a lot about the CHL. So I am just wondering, not accusing you are anything, but just saying it's been done on here before.
 
I am absolutely not placing an ad for that website, nor am I in anyway affiliated with them. I am merely looking for a class in Austin.

The reason why you did not have to show competency is because you had your discharge papers from the military, hence you not needing to take a course. Since I am not former military, police, or otherwise I would have to take a competency course. It is not as easy as you make it seem. I will spend the extra $0.50 to take a class here.

I know my fair share about the CHL from researching it before I made the decision to actually take a course. ANY course. I posted that site in hopes that other members here have either used them and if they would recommend them or not. Not all classes are taught the same.

If anyone has any doubt as to my intent, then I apologize. I just don't want to get burned by a bad CHL class.
 
Yes, I took that class about 6 weeks ago. The instructor is former military and ran a good class. He keeps it serious but breaks it up nicely with humorous video clips between lessons.

The range they us is out towards Bastrop. The course is in a hotel around 35 and St Johns.

I spent a lot of time checking out courses around Austin and settled on this one. When it comes time for renewal, I would absolutely use Mike again if he's still teaching classes.

Lunch was pizza. They also had a continental breakfast. He uses a red dummy gun in class, and even with that I never noticed any muzzle sweeps or anything like that.

If you choose him, keep your ammo in the box and don't preload your mags because he'll tell you how many to load somewhat randomly and you'll never work with a full mag.
 
G27RR said:
Yes, I took that class about 6 weeks ago. The instructor is former military and ran a good class. He keeps it serious but breaks it up nicely with humorous video clips between lessons.

The range they us is out towards Bastrop. The course is in a hotel around 35 and St Johns.

I spent a lot of time checking out courses around Austin and settled on this one. When it comes time for renewal, I would absolutely use Mike again if he's still teaching classes.

Lunch was pizza. They also had a continental breakfast. He uses a red dummy gun in class, and even with that I never noticed any muzzle sweeps or anything like that.

If you choose him, keep your ammo in the box and don't preload your mags because he'll tell you how many to load somewhat randomly and you'll never work with a full mag.
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Thanks G27RR. Looks like I might be taking his class then.
 
The TX class covers aspects of the law specific to TX. The class also discusses conflict resolution strategies to avoid shooting. I could see a CHL holder involved in an ambiguous shooting here and then the question comes up of why you tried to avoid the TX class.

Wouldn't look good. Save a few bucks and then take the risk - no thanks.
 
At the last Waco gunshow-actually organized by FtWorth people, somebody was advertising quicky chl courses that seemed to be in violation of the minimum standards for a texas chl. Turned out they were giving the Utah course. the Utah license is good in Texas and this option seems to work-at least for now. Occasionally reciprocal states get leary of out of state requirements and recend reciprocity.
 
I think, too, there is some wisdom in having a CHL from your "home state" for a variety of reasons. Goodness forbid you ever have to use a pistol to defend yourself I'm sure the "out of state" license would draw more scrutiny than the the 50 dollar savings would be worth, to me.

Which is not to say it's not a bad idea to have an out of state permit in addition to your Texas CHL
 
Austin?

I have actually met Mr. Cargill, and he is a solid guy- but I have not taken his CHL class.

Does it have to be in Austin?
If you are willing to drive a little, I can wholehertedly recommend 2 guys based on multiple positive reviews:
1. Mr. LLoyd Leppo in Lampassas
-his class is so good that it fill up months in advance. Most informative class i know of. Range is outdoors. Nothing for sale at this location. Instructor is DPS officer and way pro gun. Prefers if you do NOT carry while attending his class. I can send you his info if you can't find it.
or,
2. Bud at Aaron's Gun Shop in Cameron: http://www.aaronsgunshop.com/concealedhandgunclasses.html
- Very complete and competent instruction. The classroom has cool militaria decor and range is indoors. Small gunshop on premises. Instructor is a former Active Duty "wont talk about it" guy. Allows CHL during the class and on the premises. Info is at the link above.

I would go back to either one of these classes if i had to.
C-
 
Well, it doesn't necessarily have to be Austin, it could be anywhere in Central Texas within an hour or so. I am just looking for a cost-effective well taught class. I have even entertained the idea of driving to DFW to take the class (I have family there).

Is it possible to have a dual license? A Texas CHL and a non-resident Florida CHL? If so, that would be awesome because of the Reciprocity would be greatly expanded... I travel to Ohio frequently and Texas has no reciprocity but Florida does... hmmmmm
 
ChefKristian said:
Is it possible to have a dual license? A Texas CHL and a non-resident Florida CHL? If so, that would be awesome because of the Reciprocity would be greatly expanded... I travel to Ohio frequently and Texas has no reciprocity but Florida does... hmmmmm
Click to expand...

Not only is it possible but most people I know recommend it. It also allows you to continue to carry if one should expire before your replacement arrives. Expanded reciprocity is another feature.
 
Not only is it possible but most people I know recommend it. It also allows you to continue to carry if one should expire before your replacement arrives. Expanded reciprocity is another feature.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. Having an overlapping Texas and Florida CHL, with expiration dates not close to each other, is a great way to avoid any gaps. The last year or so especially the Texas DPS has been very slow to renew CHL's. My renewal last year went way over the time and I was without a Texas CHL for almost 2 months. But, I had a current Florida permit the entire time so all was good.

I'm absolutely renewing the Florida permit when it comes up.
 
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