Thanks for your comments. While it is true that open carry is technically legal in WA, just try it anywhere except on your own property. Neighbors will freak even then. Police and swat will arrive in no time. People are insanely paranoid about guns here. But unfortunately like elsewhere, a number of tragic events have happened here because someone had a gun and wanted to try it out. As usual, these people do not bother to comply with something as inconvenient as a license, but that's beside the point.
Guess I should get going on the paperwork.
WLB
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Return to “New Guy Questions, Comments”
- Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:29 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: New Guy Questions, Comments
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1163
- Sat Dec 08, 2012 6:17 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: New Guy Questions, Comments
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1163
New Guy Questions, Comments
Hi, and thanks for having this great resource. I am relocating to Texas from Washington state. I hold licenses in my own state and in AZ. Would be interested to know why Texas requirements seem draconian compared with most other states? If I remember correctly, chl is relatively new in Texas which seems odd, but rules are rules. If you would allow a few questions I'd be grateful.
1). I'm all for a training requirement for chl. All you have to do is visit any range facility to get an idea of why some basics should be required. It seems that I must pass the certified Texas training class regardless of the fact that I am an NRA safety and pistol instructor. (?)
2). Is it true that I cannot submit the "standard" fingerprint card, and further that I must have the electronic fingerprinting done by a specific agency which operates exclusively in Texas?
3). My wife has 2 felony arrests as a minor, dating back to 1970 when arrested during a Viet Nam peace demonstration. Charges dropped, no conviction, no sentence. Obtaining court paperwork documenting those arrests is almost impossible but the application says documentation is required no matter how far back and no matter what happened.
4). Most states with a mental competency requirement ask if you have been involuntarily committed to a facility. Texas also wants to know if you have been treated by a private physician, something I find over the top. Bipolar disorder, which is my specialty, is listed as a potentially dangerous mental illness. It is a mood disorder. Apparently I have to ask for a "hall pass" from a psychiatrist stating his opinion on my mental health. Just for the record, lots of us have this disorder and lots of us take meds in order to even things out from day to day. However I do not lose touch with reality, or throw good judgement out the window even without medicine. I'm sure that is true for the vast majority of people dealing with the disorder. Sure there are always wackos. But I'm not too thrilled about making my personal visits to a physician available to government databases.
5). Last of all, it seems like I need to consult a chl attorney so I don't make any mistakes on the application. The rules state that I might be charged with a felony offense, or prohibited from getting a license if I screw up the application. This process is a lot like smashing a bug with a sledge hammer. I do, of course, want to follow the rules.
Thanks for all the great information,
WLB
1). I'm all for a training requirement for chl. All you have to do is visit any range facility to get an idea of why some basics should be required. It seems that I must pass the certified Texas training class regardless of the fact that I am an NRA safety and pistol instructor. (?)
2). Is it true that I cannot submit the "standard" fingerprint card, and further that I must have the electronic fingerprinting done by a specific agency which operates exclusively in Texas?
3). My wife has 2 felony arrests as a minor, dating back to 1970 when arrested during a Viet Nam peace demonstration. Charges dropped, no conviction, no sentence. Obtaining court paperwork documenting those arrests is almost impossible but the application says documentation is required no matter how far back and no matter what happened.
4). Most states with a mental competency requirement ask if you have been involuntarily committed to a facility. Texas also wants to know if you have been treated by a private physician, something I find over the top. Bipolar disorder, which is my specialty, is listed as a potentially dangerous mental illness. It is a mood disorder. Apparently I have to ask for a "hall pass" from a psychiatrist stating his opinion on my mental health. Just for the record, lots of us have this disorder and lots of us take meds in order to even things out from day to day. However I do not lose touch with reality, or throw good judgement out the window even without medicine. I'm sure that is true for the vast majority of people dealing with the disorder. Sure there are always wackos. But I'm not too thrilled about making my personal visits to a physician available to government databases.
5). Last of all, it seems like I need to consult a chl attorney so I don't make any mistakes on the application. The rules state that I might be charged with a felony offense, or prohibited from getting a license if I screw up the application. This process is a lot like smashing a bug with a sledge hammer. I do, of course, want to follow the rules.
Thanks for all the great information,
WLB