TexasCHLforum.com

budroux2w wrote: I'm more comfortable in knowing how to handle my firearm before going in to take the class/test.

X2.

The reciprocal argument to getting the license first is that I don't need a CHL to buy a handgun. As a matter of fact, I don't think it is responsible to seek the license without being familiar with your weapon first. Certainly you shouldn't carry without that familiarity.

Regardless,

I would like more input on weapons to investigate.

what are thoughts on the Keltec pf9?

Thanks,

I read the consensus as my plan of selecting and buying the gun as the most important thing. Believe me, I know you have to choose your own gun. When people are getting a new shotgun it is no different, you have to get the one that feels best to you not the one your buddy shoots.

I am just trying to lay out what I *think* I want at this time which is a concealed weapon and being my first I am confident I will be more comfortable with a smaller weapon, hence the subcompact. I also know from a psychological (rational or not) standpoint having the manual safety and exposed hammer will make me more comfortable with a loaded weapon.

I duck hunt with friends a lot and I have a very select few friends that I know are as conscientious as me and when ducks fly between us we wait it out until it is clear to shoot. I also have friends I don't hunt with unless we are right next to each other if you know what I mean. Checking things like the safety or emptying the chamber is second nature to me and I think transition to a handgun will be easier with those features, at least on the first one.

Austinrealator I'll send you a PM, my neighbor with the PX-4 is in Vancouver at the Olympics and we'll go to the range when he gets back. I want to shoot a few before I spend the money I have set aside on the wrong one.

I have been interested in obtaining my CHL for some time. The time has come.

I have looked around and done a little research. I will only be buying one handgun, at least initially. I want it to be my concealed weapon so I am leaning heavily towards a sub compact semi auto.

I hunt a lot with shotguns and occasionally with rifles but I have never owned a handgun. I shot a few revolvers at cans as a kid on the deer lease.

I have not shot it yet, but I think I like the Beretta PX-4 subcompact for DA/SA, manual safety and exposed hammer. I like the way the magazine extension gives my little finger someplace to be. I have a neighbor with one who I'll be going to the range with to shoot it. I would also like to shoot a few other models, including at least the Springfield XD subcompact. Eagle Peak in Leander is my home range. Does anyone know what they have to rent? I'll call them next week.

I have started to think about concealment. Are those subcompacts fairly easy to pocket in a pair of pleated dockers? That would approximate the type of shorts I wear in the summer when I understand concealment is most challenging. I like the MTAC holsters I have seen posted here and I wear ropers a lot so I would also be interested in a ankle holster.

I assume selecting and buying the gun is the biggest decision and after that is done you practice a lot before registering for the CHL class.

Please let me know the mistakes to avoid or things I should read. Especially as it related to the selection of the gun.

I'm looking forward to learning more as I go through this process.