First Post - Just getting Started

[Dutch]

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.

[USA1]

Are those subcompacts fairly easy to pocket in a pair of pleated dockers?

Welcome to the forum Dutch

I have a Springfield XD subcompact.
With large/deep pockets, it is possible but not my preferred method
because drawing the gun can be difficult under stressful situations.

I carry mine in a Done Hume OWB holster with just a T-Shirt over it with no problem.

[bizarrenormality]

You can take the class before you buy a handgun. Some instructors have rentals or loaners. You can also borrow one from a friend. The processing time for DPS is long so if you're sure you want to get a CHL, I would take the class and send in the application ASAP. When you buy a handgun is up to you finding the right one for you.

[57Coastie]

You can take the class before you buy a handgun. Some instructors have rentals or loaners. You can also borrow one from a friend. The processing time for DPS is long so if you're sure you want to get a CHL, I would take the class and send in the application ASAP. When you buy a handgun is up to you finding the right one for you.

I will have to be the Devil's Advocate here, Dutch. One of the major weaknesses, in my opinion, in our CHL licensing process, is that there is almost/always a lack of education in the care and use of a handgun as part of the course. And I will be the first to admit that the DPS requires none. I have seen people take the course, including the range firing using a borrowed handgun they had never used before, and which they knew nothing about. As you might expect, they passed the course.

(Question for the old-timers like me: "Have you ever known someone to fail the test on the range?") ("If so, why?")

Here we have a fellow who honestly and up front admits little if any experience with a handgun being advised to borrow one and go take the test. The fact that he passes does not, in my opinion, make him qualified to carry concealed the deadly weapon he then goes out and purchases.

I would suggest instead, Dutch, that you seek advice from experienced CHLers, as you have, purchase your handgun, learn how to take it apart and put it back together again and how to clean and care for it, then go to the range, get some hints from experienced shooters, and practice with it until you feel entirely comfortable, safe, and competent. Then take your CHL course.

This is not about the law or regulations. It is about taking responsibility for oneself. I do not criticize you, Dutch, you did precisely the right thing, looking for advice here on the forum. But sometimes one gets bad advice. This has been kicked around here on the forum before, and opinions differ on this. Mine remains as stated above.

Let me welcome you to the club in advance.

Jim

[C-dub]

Hey Dutch.

An ankle holster is not a good place for your primary or only carry weapon. It's a decent place for a back up, but sitting could get real interesting, although it might be a little easier to get to when driving. I would recommend against just pocketing a gun as there's nothing to protect the trigger. It might eventually wear a hole in the pocket and you could end up pulling a Plaxico. And like USA1 said, drawing under stress is difficult enough. It sounds like you're not much in favor of an OWB at this time, so I would recommend IWB. MY MTAC Minotaur is pretty comfortable and concealment options for clothing are wide ranging.

[A-R]

Eagle Peak in Leander is my home range. Does anyone know what they have to rent? I'll call them next week.

Dutch, welcome to the forum. Eagle Peak doesn't have much selection of guns in the subcompact size you're considering. Most of their rental handguns are old S&W semi-autos, a 1911 or two, some revolvers etc. Either Red's location (Pflugerville or South Austin/Oak Hill) will offer a better selection of guns that fit the general parameters you're looking for.

Also, if you'd like, I'd be happy to let you try out some of my guns. You supply the ammo and buy me a cup of coffee and you can shoot all your ammo. I have a Glock 27 in .40-cal and a Walther PPS in 9mm that would both fit your general size characteristics. Also a Ruger LCP and Smith & Wesson J-frame revolver that would be close. PM me if you'd like to set up a time (gives me a good excuse to go the range even MORE )

[MTICop]

And here's my opinion, FWIW. I agree with 57coastie that one should be aware of and familiar with the handgun that you are bringing to the range. If it were up to me, it would be a requirement but it is not. So, having said all that, there is no requirement and the wait is long enough that you can take the class, go pick out a gun, buy it, and become familiar with it before your liscense is issued. I just sat through a class with my girlfriend who was taking the CHL class. Prior to that, we spent about 2.5 months and MANY trips to the range shooting my guns, friends guns and renting guns until she found what she was comfortable with. I suggest you do the same even if you attend the class prior to buying a gun. Don't buy a gun just because you like the way it looks or because everyone has told you what a great shooter it is. That's a reason to try it but you should test everybodies "theories" about the "best gun ever" before purchasing it. You have the time even if your class is coming up soon so do yourself a big favor and invest the time and money into going to the range and testing out what you think you'll like before buying.

In any case, good luck and welcome to the CHL group once you get your liscense. And welcome to the forum!

[Dutch]

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.

[cbr600]

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[budroux2w]

Welcome Dutch,
I'm in the same boat you are in, lots of hunting experience but very little handgun. I have learned a ton reading through the posts on here. I recently picked up a Ruger SR9 and working on getting to know the gun and how to handle it properly. I know you don't have to have the gun to get the license, but in the same arguement I'm not going to rent a bike, get my license and take it up to Sturgis. I'm more comfortable in knowing how to handle my firearm before going in to take the class/test.

[Dutch]

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?

[RHenriksen]

I can't speak to the Keltec, but I'm impressed with your thoughtful approach to the whole topic.

I started off just like yourself - more comfortable with the idea carrying (being able to conceal & live with) a smaller pistol. Discovering the Walther PPS at a gun show in January '09 was what inspired me to renew my long-expired CHL.

I've carried the PPS daily since I got my plastic, and love the ease of concealment of the thin form factor. Only in the last week did I order a larger tuckable holster & take a go at carrying a full size M&P .40. Much to my pleasant surprise, it works okay even w. my 32" waist. It's nice to have the luxury of easing in via whatever method works best for you.

[tamc9395]

Personally like the Keltec since I own one... nice small pocket gun, plus ammo is getting easier to find.

[MojoTexas]

I agree with the suggestion to get the ball rolling on the CHL process and use the 2-6 months you're waiting to choose a handgun, et cetera. Continue to seek opportunities to learn, to train, and get advice from RKIs, even after you have the license.

Just so you know, the turn-around time for getting your CHL has VASTLY speeded up. It seems to be averaging under a month now, from the day you mail your application to the day you receive your plastic. I mailed mine on 1/29 and today it showed up "Application Completed - licensed issued or certificate active" on the website.

So you don't have the 2-6 month wait that you had before.

[rremt_p]

Hmm, couple of interesting arguments, I've been a pistol shooter for 20 years, and recieved good instruction in the military, so I can definately agree with knowing your weapon inside and out.

I also agree with trying as many as you can, find the one you like. I'm a S&W fan and have carried one since I got my license, I don't like Glocks, they dont feel right to me, and make me uncomfortable. The 1911 models are great to shoot, but having a round in the chamber with the hammer cocked and the safety on is not for me. Yes I know they are safe to carry this way, just not for me. However, I picked up a M&P 45 compact the other day. I really liked the feel of the gun, and after shooting it I ordered an M-Tac for it, and I retired my S&W 4516, Of course M&P is made by Smith and Wesson.

Lastly I also own a Keltec PF9, I consider this a backup its a good little pistol and fires the full size 9mm round, but can be difficult to shoot for novices. It will jam if you limp wrist it. It s light and has a short barrel so the noise and recoil will get your attention, and while it can shoot +P ammo mine jammed when a buddy tied to shoot some really hot mag safes through it (1600 fps or something like that). Never had any problems with regular loads, either FMJ or HP. It shoots well too, dead on at 7 yds, and good at 10, haven't tried it beyond that though.

Good luck.