TX: So it has begun (CHL)

[Big Calhoun]

So I just booked myself into a CHL class on Nov 4th with The Bullet Trap over in Plano. Me, licensed to carry a loaded firearm...

Any thing in particular I should expect? At this point, I know that they will supply the application packet and the class is almost 10 hours (8:30 to 7:00). Range qualifications and fingerprints are done the following Monday. I'm a little surprised because I could of sworn at another shop, class is only 4 hrs and everything is done same day.

I'm more interested in the range qualification. Anyone offer any tips as to what I should expect? Is it just a basic "shoot the target" or will I be evaluated drawing and firing, and things like that? This is all new to me so excuse the n00bish questions.

 

[BigFatKen]

You may have to group five shots into a silver dollar size target in half a second.

Or more likely, you just have to keep the gun pointed down range and hit at least a couple into a human size target at 7 yards, slow fire.

 

[Big Calhoun]

I like the sound of the second challenge better.

 

[TXGunGeek]

PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE MESSAGE

The shooting test is no big deal. The new old targets that DPS is using have a huge scoring area and most of the test is from 3 and 7 yards. You're only going to shoot 50 rounds and everything starts from low ready. You will have plenty of time for each drill just pay attention to how many shots and how long you have.

Pay attention in class to the non violent dispute resolution and the legal. The CHL class is not a shooting class. It is about the legal requirements and how to not let a fight get to the point of shooting. Best way to not lose a gunfight is to not be there when it happens. Also, once you take the CHL course, get more training. Standing in front of a paper target shooting straight ahead under very loose time limits and 10 hours to cover all the material that DPS requires is a good start but is by no means all you need. There are so many options out there for continued training to get your skills up and more importantly to get your mind wrapped around the decision making process involved in a potentially lethal encounter.

The written test is not all that hard if you pay attention during class.

The 10 hour class is for new licenses, the 4 hour class is renewal.

 

[mdao]

You may have to group five shots into a silver dollar size target in half a second.

I could do that... with a minigun. Five will eventually group into a silver dollar sized target after half a second of firing...

I did my CHL class there earlier this year. The course of fire is 50 shots; 20 at 3 yards, 20 at 7 yards, and 10 at 15 yards. If you use a DA/SA semi-auto, realize that you will have to shot a lot of shots in DA. Oh yeah, and there is the odd semi-auto/non-semi-auto provision, so qualify with a semi-auto if you intend of carrying semi-autos.

 

[Big Calhoun]

Very cool. Thanks for the heads up!!!

I guess I should practice more on my DA shooting; I always shoot from SA mode. Would they allow me to use a SAO (Springfield XD45)?

 

[ETXhiker]

You can shoot anything you want, .32 and above. Keep in mind that if you qualify with a revolver, you will only be licensed with a revolver. Qualify with a semi-auto and you can carry either.

 

[TX1911fan]

Once you load your gun, you are required to either activate the safety or decock it. If it is decocked, you are required to shoot your first shot DA. I qualified with a Walther P99, and even though the P99 is very easy to recock, I was not allowed to do it. This lowered my score, but not by enough to even matter. When I requalify, I'm using a 1911, of course.

 

[mdao]

I guess I should practice more on my DA shooting; I always shoot from SA mode. Would they allow me to use a SAO (Springfield XD45)?

The rule are:

If you have a DA/SA, the gun must be decocked at the start of the string.
If you have a SA, the gun must be cocked and locked at the start of the string.
If you have a DAO, well, gun is fine as is.

Your XD will work fine.

 

[barnett]

the folks at the Bullett Trap are top notch. i got my original permit through them and have since re-newed 3 times there.

keep in mind that if your weapon is DA-SA, your first shot in any string will have to be fired DA.

that's why i like to use my 1911. i get to start from cocked and locked.

good luck, have fun....you WILL enjoy the shooting part.

 

[M2 Carbine]

If you can shoot even half way decent you'll max the qualification.

I was teaching my friends two young boys to shoot a Beretta Model 21 22LR. They had never shot at 15 yards but for the heck of it we ran them through the TX CHL qualification and they both scored in the mid 240's with the little Beretta.

You won't have any trouble, have fun with it.

 

[Euclidean]

I wouldn't poo poo the practical exam completely. It keeps a significant number of otherwise qualified and deserving people away from a CHL.

My mother with her arthritis would never ever pass it. Her hands would lock up after the sixth or seventh shot. She could pass it if you let her rest between strings.

My instructor told a tale of a very elderly man who was qualifying in the cold. He was shaking so badly, he couldn't hold his .380 steady.

I asked last time I took the class how many people fail it, and while most people seem to pass, there's a significant portion of people who do not. To be fair most failures seem to be due to malfunctions.

I didn't have any problems, but that means nothing, I'm not everybody.

 

[TX1911fan]

When I qualified, there was a guy there who had to leave the line because his gun kept malfunctioning. The instructor let him reshoot though, with a different gun.

 

[M2 Carbine]

The place that I've been qualifying in Arlington requires that you use their Glocks and ammo.

If gun malfunctions failed you they would have a lot of failures.
I don't believe I saw a string of fire when at least one Glock didn't malfunction.

Of course there's no telling how many rounds have been through those guns.

 

[Anna's Dad]

Don't know about TX

I don't know about TX, but there ain't much to it in FL. I was all nervous when took my CCW class--only been shooting for a little while and had a big .45.

I asked the instructor how accurate I had to be to qualify. He said "I don't care if you hit the target or not. As long as you don't do anything unsafe". Truly, that was it--I had to unload a couple of mags in the general direction of a target and not wave my gun in anyones face or shoot any innocent bystanders (the guilty bystanders were fair game) .

 

[rbernie]

Texas mandates a certain course length - I do not believe that you can get a TX CHL with only four hours of class time. I took my class at The 'Trap as well - Mike Rector was my instructor. It was fairly good; mostly covering the laws concerning when you can and cannot use deadly force. The quiz at the end is pretty simplistic, and the shooting test simply verifies that you have basic control of the weapon.

The biggest pain-in-the-arse for me was having to come back multiple times for the class work, the shooting test, and the fingerprints. But at least they're conveniently located.

 

[BIGDADDYLONGSTROKE]

Do you have to take the 10 hour course if you have an out of state CHL but moving to texas.

 

[Walter]

If you can put five rounds of .30 caliber ammo in a 2-foot square
target at 15 yards in under 10 seconds, you will have no problem
passing the shooting part of the test.
I've done the test four times and each time it seems a little easier.
Although,this last time I actually had two rounds completely out of
the target. I blamed it on flinching, when the hot brass of the guy
next to me went down my shirt. My instructor accused me of
getting old. Hey, I know I'm getting older, but freshly ejected 9mm
rounds bouncing off your head and shoulders are not conducive to
good marksmanship.:banghead:
My point is, when you get to the firing part of the test, try to position
yourself so that you don't have hot brass raining down on you. It may
make it easier for you to get a high score.

Walter

 

[Nitrogen]

I took my CHL class at the bullet trap, as well.

Very well done class, I liked it a lot.

As far as the shooting qualification, I was 1/3 of the shot I am today, and I passed with no problems.

 

[nswtex]

Dont get me wrong, I use the bullet trap for most of my purchases and 95% of my range time but my advice to you would be cancel that class and head over to the Texas Handgun Academy off of Plano road in Dallas. This advice if followed will not only save you money, the class is 30 bucks cheaper, it will also allow you to do the class on your chosen Saturday and get the whole dog and pony show done and over same day, qual tests photos prints packet et al.

 

[CliffH]

Good luck & have fun.

Do you have to take the 10 hour course if you have an out of state CHL but moving to texas.

Not if TX has reciprocity with your issuing state. I emailed them asking the same question regarding my AZ permit after we move to TX, no problem. But, when it expires, you will have to take the 10 hour course, not the 4 hour renewal.

Hopefully TX's class is similar to AZ's, 'cause the 8 hour course here isn't hard at all. Nervousness is to be expected the first time. The written test is pretty simple.

 

[BIGDADDYLONGSTROKE]

I live in WA didnt have to take a course, I have taken many courses and had training, and even competed at one point, but didnt have to take any courses to get chl, I believe TX chl is not valid in WA, but a WA is valid in TX, atleast that is what the police department were I used to live in TX told me.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Big Calhoun,
My arthritic, bifocal-wearing mom requalified at age 68 with a Glock 26 and was mad she scored 98% on the shooting test. It isn't a tough test. Mom isn't too bad of a shot, but if she can do it, you can do it.

 

[ezypikns]

Excellent Advice

Pay attention in class to the non violent dispute resolution and the legal. The CHL class is not a shooting class. It is about the legal requirements and how to not let a fight get to the point of shooting. Best way to not lose a gunfight is to not be there when it happens. Also, once you take the CHL course, get more training.

There's lots of important information in the classroom portion of the course. Listen carefully. Carrying a firearm for your personal protection is a huge responsibility, and not that much fun. SHOOTING that firearm,training with it, associating with other folks who are enthusistic about firearms, THAT'S the fun part.

If you're any kind of shot at all, you won't have trouble with qualification. Do take your time at the firing line. You're given several seconds for each string of shots so you can take the time to aim. When I took the course, my four fellow classmates cut loose with a rapid fire barrage which left their targets looking like they were hit with a badly patterning shotgun.