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Are there any restrictions for using a "modified" pistol for the CHL class? I only ask because...

While in a local gun store I was inquiring about CHL instructors as my permit is coming due and I haven't seen my last instructor advertised anywhere. The indoor range where she taught is now out of business. Anyway, during the course of the conversation, I mentioned that I have a Browning Hi-Power. The store employee, who is also a CHL instructor, asked if the magazine disconnect had been removed. It has and I told him so. He told me that any handgun that had been modified could not be used in a CHL class. I then asked about my HK USP45C. This came from the factory as a "V1" DA/SA with safety and decock, but had since been modified with the HK LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger kit. This makes the gun's trigger more like a Glock. I explained that this is a factory approved modification and he still said that ANY modified gun could not be used for the class.

Is this a state requirement or maybe just a personal requirement of his?

Welcome to the forum.

It's not a legal requirement. The only legal requirement is to use a semi-auto of .32 caliber or higher, which you can find in Government Code 411.188.

The instructor or range can add requirements, I suppose. The law does not prohibit them from doing so.

You can borrow a pistol that he is comfortable with or find an instructor who doesn't need a dose of Ex-Lax.

- Jim
[Edited to correct typo in statute citation]

I love people who make up their own rules and then spew them out as truth!

If you still have the disconnect, you could reinstall it for the class and then remove again afterwards.

Crossfire wrote:I love people who make up their own rules and then spew them out as truth!

Maybe he's getting CHL rules mixed up with IDPA.

Dionadair wrote:Are there any restrictions for using a "modified" pistol for the CHL class? I only ask because...

While in a local gun store I was inquiring about CHL instructors as my permit is coming due and I haven't seen my last instructor advertised anywhere. The indoor range where she taught is now out of business. Anyway, during the course of the conversation, I mentioned that I have a Browning Hi-Power. The store employee, who is also a CHL instructor, asked if the magazine disconnect had been removed. It has and I told him so. He told me that any handgun that had been modified could not be used in a CHL class. I then asked about my HK USP45C. This came from the factory as a "V1" DA/SA with safety and decock, but had since been modified with the HK LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger kit. This makes the gun's trigger more like a Glock. I explained that this is a factory approved modification and he still said that ANY modified gun could not be used for the class.

Is this a state requirement or maybe just a personal requirement of his?

I would be tempted to go back to that store and ask him to point it out to you in the CHL handbook where it specifically stated that you may not use a hand gun that has been modified. I am willing to bet you a tall cold one that said person will not be able to find it. Be ware, just because someone sands behind the counter at the local gun shop does not mean that they know what they are talking about.

Funny that somebody who sells guns for a living would make up spurious rules that might require you to buy a new gun, don't you think?

If he said it's his rule then you can decide if you're willing to follow his rule or if you want to find another instructor.

If he said it's a DPS rule, RUN DON'T WALK, and find another instructor. If he's that confused about something simple like the range test, can you imagine how confused he is about gun laws, deadly force laws, and other stuff that could get you arrested if you don't get it right?

chartreuse wrote:Funny that somebody who sells guns for a living would make up spurious rules that might require you to buy a new gun, don't you think?

That sounds like a conspiracy theory to me.

Unless there is a breakdown and inspection then "dont ask, dont tell" applies.

The more I think about this nonsense, the stupider it gets. Would they prohibit non-factory sights? magazines? grips? Duracoat?

- Jim

So how many completely factory 1911's are out there still?

I think I have a couple, just cause I havent got to them yet.

From the CHL Instructors Course packet: "All handguns should be in good working condition and have no modification(s) that will make the handgun unsafe." IMHO removal of the magazine disconnect from a HiPower doesn't make it unsafe.