TexasCHLforum.com

First, let me say that the humongous surge in LTC applicants the past number of months very much warms my heart. I hope we have a large percentage of female applicants in that mix; we'll see in the DPS stats next year.

Guys, do everything you can to talk to your friend, sister, co-worker, significant other, or wife about the logic and practicality of legally carrying a firearm. Women are still the most underserved LTC demographic, yet the most likely to be the target of a Violent Criminal Actor.

Second, as others have said, don't just practice carrying at home...practice!

Over the years, I've spoken with CHL/LTC holders who go to the range a few times a year, stand at a bench at a prescribed distance, slow-fire a single aimed round no less than every four seconds at a paper target, and call that practice. Sight-picture and trigger practice (though the latter may address trigger follow-through but ignores trigger reset and follow-up shots on target) are about all they can get out of it. I would not trust them on my six.

Deciding to carry a gun is 80% of the battle. But understanding how to properly use it, and ingrain that use through practice is, Pareto's Law, the critical 20%.

Yes, professional instruction is the best way to do this. Well over a decade ago, I set out on a quest to take training classes from the most notable facilities/instructors in the country. Made it to 2011 before I decided funds and any possible new information didn't justify continuing.

That's a valuable journey, but one that isn't absolutely necessary.

Long before YouTube, there was dry-fire. Buy some SnapCaps. Have zero live rounds in the room in which you choose to practice. Zero, nada, nunca, none.

Pick a target, like a vase over the fireplace. Move off the X. Give a verbal warning to keep back (you should ingrain a verbal warning on a loop). Engage. Vary it by using concealment like your couch. Engage multiple targets. Practice clearing your home, including that death-trap stairwell.

If you have a liked-minded friend, get an Airsoft gun (that fits in your EDC holster and has the same basic manual-at-arms) and a paintball mask. Conduct surprise force-on-force scenarios. They will enlighten you, I guarantee.

IMHO, at least 80% of your practice should be without live ammo. Now and always.