TexasCHLforum.com

My $0.02, since everybody else is contributin'

1) At your CHL class, use the semi-auto pistol you shoot best with. You're getting scored, and you don't want to take the chances of failing. I saw a girl try to qualify with a 642 snubbie revolver and failed miserably (twice). The class is NOT about seeing how you can shoot with a concealed gun, but just determining that you can reasonably operate a pistol and shoot straight. At 15 yards, unless you're some amazing pro, you're not likely going to score well with a short-barreled anything. I'm not saying it can't be done, but why take that chance? Heck, I qualified shooting with my Glock 34, which I would NEVER carry and only use at IDPA/IPSC shoots.

2) Go to an indoor range that rents pistols and try as many as you can. A new pistol is a big investment, and you don't want "buyer's remorse" for a pistol.

3) Caliber -- For CHL class, go ahead and shoot a 9mm. For carry, use what suits you. I carry with 9mm or .40S&W, depending on what I grab out of the safe. I don't personally recommend .380 because the loads tend to be too light and you see more FTF problems with them, but if you train to recover from that, and you REALLY want to carry a .380, more power to ya!