Do I need a CHL?

I was just talking to Zach about this last night - if I can scrape up the $$, we're thinking of signing up for the CHL in 2-3 weeks for a weekend class. I've heard that the wait is a healthy 4 months plus. Also, there's some strange loophole with getting "digital" fingerprints vs. "Ink" prints. I think it's something like they can deny your paperwork like 5 times if you submit ink prints but with digital prints, they can only deny 3 times?? anyone heard of this??

...Been wanting to do this for a long time and may as well do it now and be done with it. I currently have a H&K USP compact 45 and a Glock 21 full frame. Based on Ron's comment...I'll prolly stick with taking the H&K around with me due to size and weight.

I don't know if it's still the same but if you qualify with a revolver then you can only carry revolvers but if you qualify with a semi-auto then you can carry either a revolver or a semi-auto. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Deacon wrote:

There's an excellent instructor here in San Antonio, named Mike Arnold, but I imagine that might be a bit of a drive for y'all, when I'm sure there's got to be some good ones in the Houston area.

He is a very good guy and very friendly. I'm taking his Sept. 19th class. 10+ hrs is a long time but well worth it.

Since we are on the subject of self defense you should thin about watching American Guardian it is shown on the Outdoor Channel and it great for shooting techniques as well basic self defense and safe weapon handling.


Also, I agree that you should do the CHL class with a semi auto, nice to have the option of carrying either. Check out the new Sig P250 it comes in full, compact and sub compact, has changeable grips for different hand sizes and you can change the caliber in minutes..... it is basically a transformer... pretty cool!!!



And if you ever want to talk about autos vs revolvers holler at me... I can speak about both of them...

I will be taking my course with my Springfield Armory XDm 9mm. Hard to argue with 19+1 capacity. I just bought it last month and its already my favorite polymer frame gun I bought my dad a S&W M&P .40 and it's a nice gun too. I was thinking about getting that Sig in January but it's been bumped back for an H&K USP .45. I think I spend most of my extra cash on guns than on my Jeep. Is that so wrong?

Mr.RonGilbert wrote:

Check out the new Sig P250 it comes in full, compact and sub compact, has changeable grips for different hand sizes and you can change the caliber in minutes..... it is basically a transformer... pretty cool!!!



...

Thats sweet! Sig makes a great gun. I love my P226.

This past weekend I did some tactical shooting with a group from the IDPA. My first time shooting like that. I'm definitely going back. If you have never done it, I suggest you find a class/group & try it out. WAY different than just plunking shots at a target. I'm sure Ron can give some more info on this.....

DangerMouse wrote:

I will be taking my course with my Springfield Armory XDm 9mm. Hard to argue with 19+1 capacity. I just bought it last month and its already my favorite polymer frame gun I bought my dad a S&W M&P .40 and it's a nice gun too. I was thinking about getting that Sig in January but it's been bumped back for an H&K USP .45. I think I spend most of my extra cash on guns than on my Jeep. Is that so wrong?

That SA XD is a sweet weapon, I am not a fan of 9mm - saw more than one person shot with a 9mm and it didn't stop them. IMO - I would get a bullet (+P) with good controlled expansion, there is plenty out there - I choose CORBON..... the most important thing is shot placement so get two to the chest and one to the BHG... (brain housing group)

That HK USP is a great weapon, I had the 3rd one in Texas when they first came out and carried it for about 5 years before going to a 1911. Great weapon, very reliable and fits great in your hand - the USP compact .45 jumps a bit.... but to be expected for any compact .45

Hutch wrote:

This past weekend I did some tactical shooting with a group from the IDPA. My first time shooting like that. I'm definitely going back. If you have never done it, I suggest you find a class/group & try it out. WAY different than just plunking shots at a target. I'm sure Ron can give some more info on this.....

IDPA is awesome!!! That is what turned me on to custom 1911s, I sold the USPs and tricked out a pair of 1911s and had a blast. Look into where the local league meets and go watch a match and you will be sold. Don't worry if you don't know what you are doing, it is just like wheeling - someone will help get you up to speed.

[quote="Mr.RonGilbert"]the most important thing is shot placement so get two to the chest and one to the BHG... (brain housing group)[quote]

I agree 100% It's very important to know where to hit. The last thing I worry about is if the guy wanting to cause me serious harm will be ok after I defend myself. I'm not preaching shoot to kill but I think you know what I mean.

DangerMouse wrote:

Hard to argue with 19+1 capacity.

It's pretty easy if you're talking about concealed carry duty, but hey...

[quote="DangerMouse"][quote="Mr.RonGilbert"]the most important thing is shot placement so get two to the chest and one to the BHG... (brain housing group)

Quote :

I agree 100% It's very important to know where to hit. The last thing I worry about is if the guy wanting to cause me serious harm will be ok after I defend myself. I'm not preaching shoot to kill but I think you know what I mean.

Another good point.... just in case....

Remember this:

"I was afraid for my life, I didn't want to kill him/her I just wanted to stop the life threatening activity"

The shots to the chest is basic center mass - your highest percentage shot and where most of the vital organs just happen to be...

As far as the headshot goes... "I just pulled the trigger as I was trying to get away, had no idea where it would land"


I saw a dude shot 33 times with a 9mm...... no joke, he was on PCP and basically didn't know he was dead, he finally bled out. A proper Mozambique Drill would have prevented all that shooting and the potential of a cop getting fubared.

LilRed posted this somewhere... not sure if it was here or on MJ, it is worth a repost either way - there are wolves out there... believe it.

http://www.killology.com/sheep_dog.htm

At one time I used to think that cops were bad shooters because of the number of bullets fired but one day I was thinking about that while at the range. It's easy to hit a non-moving target in center mass than a target intent on harming you. It's a tough job and I have the upmost respect for them.....except when they pull me over and claim I was speeding I still say it was a faulty radar gun.

DangerMouse wrote:

At one time I used to think that cops were bad shooters because of the number of bullets fired but one day I was thinking about that while at the range. It's easy to hit a non-moving target in center mass than a target intent on harming you. It's a tough job and I have the upmost respect for them.....except when they pull me over and claim I was speeding I still say it was a faulty radar gun.

Insert pucker factor.... its a bitch - IDPA is the closest thing to the real deal as it gets.

http://www.idpa.com/



The way that we practiced was that we had to run down the road and back and shoot with lights and sirens blaring.... it gets your blood pumping and makes your shooting worse - remember make shots count even if it takes another few tenths of a second.

Now with the 19+1 you can use the "spray and pray" method with a little more confidence

I'm sure somebody will come out with a magazine with extra capacity for the XDm 9mm that would be fun. Knowing how I think, if I ever get in a situation where I need to pull the trigger, deep in the back of my mind I would be praying not to hit innocent sheeps or my Jeep.

I need to renew my CHL, just haven't taken time to do it. It would be great to get several guys together, maybe we could get a discount.

You can call Mike Arnold http://stayingalive.info/sa/index.htm I think he used to have a small discount for a private class but I can't remember what the minimum number of people it was.

You'd have to get at least a dozen people together for it. It's a lot harder than it sounds, believe me. I barely pulled it off even with everyone at work. It took a lot of extended family members. If everyone who "wanted" to do it or even just those who said "Yes, I'm there" were actually there when it came down to it, there'd be 30+ people in the class, almost 40 if everyone who said yes or nearly yes actually came.

It'd be a lot easier to just sign up to attend the same public class instead.

mmmmm kkkkkk...

How about price ranges on all these great guns y'all are talking about?

And who knows good ranges in Houston where I can rent guns? And who knows any good places to take CHL class?

N2rock wrote:

How about price ranges on all these great guns y'all are talking about?

The gun shows are the best place to go and shop around, I have seen weapons a hundred dollars more/less just an isle away.... check Gunbroker.com to get an idea then go do some walking at the gun show so you can put your hands on the actual weapon. Give me a shout if your are interested in something specific and I will call around and see what I can do - I have about four dealers that I know. - again the gun shows are the way to go IMO - on the last day right before they close....

N2rock wrote:

And who knows good ranges in Houston where I can rent guns? And who knows any good places to take CHL class?

I apologize for not knowing about any ranges that rent guns in Houston - there is one in College Station (I got to shoot that monster that D-Mouse posted the S&W 500) do a google for local ranges on your side of town, I have been to a place called TopGun in Houston and it was pretty nice: http://www.topgunrange.com/

No clue about who rents them.... might call around.

There was a nice range in Humble but I think it burnt down.... been a long time since I went up there.

There is Marksman on the south east side:
(713) 944-3520
507 Nebraska St
South Houston, TX 77587

I will call later to see if they rent any...

Between me, my wife, my dad and a few of my friends I bet we can get just about any pistol in your hand to try if you cant find a place to rent one.


:idea: ----- spend a day at BVORR and then go shoot/rent a weapon at Champion gun range in College Station!!!!!

shilo used to rent them but not sure if they still do. they are by willowbrook mall. not sure on a range on your side of town. there is a list of ranges on that texas chl website listed earlier.

my primary carry is a Taurus PT-140. very small, light, cheap, 10+1 .40 cal. SA/DA


Academy has them for $350ish. also comes in a 9mm and .45

will also accept the magazines from the 24/7 series (meaning my .40 will accept the 15rd mag giving me 15 +1)

Not sure about ranges on your side of town Steve. The place I go to is in Conroe. Kinda far from where you are...

maybe some interest again?

http://www.myjeepforum.net/event-trip-planner-f15/houston-area-gun-meet-t1249.htm?highlight=houston+area+gun

imma idiot

TxRubiRig wrote:

imma idiot

TxRubiRig wrote:

imma idiot

giving yourself way too much credit!

N2rock wrote:

How about price ranges on all these great guns y'all are talking about?

Go to Academy and see what they charge. Believe it or not they have some of the best prices around. I paid $530 for my Glock 27. I don't know what prices are like (higher or lower) right now, though.