CHL Saturday

[snatchel]

Welcome, and I agree with all of the above.

Choosing a weapon is a very personal, private, special thing. What works for one may not work for another, and it is critical to test for yourself before choosing. With all the gun ranges and whatnot, it is fairly easy to rent and test several different guns in just one weekend... not to mention the possibility of meeting up with local TXCHL members and having a range day. You will find that most on here would be more than happy to let you test their setups.

Here is my recommended method of choosing a firearm:

1. Go to the thread labeled "Daily Carry"--it's well over 100 pages long, with hundreds upon hundreds of different handgun/holster setups
2. Choose 10 or so that you really like, note them, and begin researching. Make a thread asking for opinions on the different handguns you like...
3. Narrow your choices down to maybe 5 or 6 from your list based on internet searches, reviews, and knowledge from forum members here.
4. Find a range that has those guns, or ask forum members if they have one.
5. Shoot all of them.

Choosing handguns factors many things: size, make, caliber, etc..., and you will find that caliber has a whole lot to do with what your choosing. Don't forget to factor in price.. not so much in the handgun itself, but in cost of ammo. You want to practice frequently.. most of us practice once a month, some of us bi-weekly.. weekly.. you get the picture. It's easy for me to shoot 2000 rounds per carry gun per year. If your reloading, no problem.. otherwise, shooting boatloads of .357 and .45 can be burdensome.

Remember that the handgun is only part of the solution.... research your holsters and belts and don't skimp! Holsters and belts can get expensive, but your investing in a rig that will : a) possibly save your life or those that you love, and b) likely will last you a long, long time. On the same token, prepare to go through 3-5 hoslters before figuring out what works best for you. Finding a holster for my first carry gun when I first got my CHL was a $500 dollar ordeal, and I must have gone through 5 holsters before finding one that works.

Last point: Carry the biggest caliber handgun you are comfortable with, and can shoot with a high degree of control and precision.

Welcome to TEXAS!