New Gun Owner

[Caltex]

First time gun owner; limited experience; corporate business\personal travel.

Classes: Do you have a preference of instructors? I'm in need of special training.. What credentials should I look for? Ex Military; Ex Police?

Gun Purchase: Who is a reputable gun dealer; one I can get good, solid info from before buying?

Fort Worth Gun Show is this weekend; it's an op to check things out; how can I keep from drawing attention?

Commuting from Tx to Ca soon; car\flying; what have you noticed recently? Haven't flown since 2009.
I'm always the one they search off to the side, so it is crucial the law is obeyed at all times; I'm sure you know why. Real world suggestions
please and thanks for the info.

[jmra]

If you are in the DFW area this guy http://chltx.com/ is an excellent instructor. A little partial to 1911's (Kimber dealer) but really up to date on the laws and teaches the law as it directly relates to daily carry. The class should answer your questions related to travel.

He is a former Marine shooting instructor so he knows his way around the range. Also offers individual firearm instruction. I believe he has been a CHL instructor for 10 years.

Gun shows are a great place to look a wide variety of firearms but before purchasing I would recommend finding a range that has rentals so you can shoot the guns you are looking at purchasing. Just remember the rentals are not usually very well maintained so performance may not be up to par but it will give you a feel for the weapon.

[carlson1]

If you are close to Ft. worth contact one of our moderators "Crossfire." send her a PM and she can help you. She may even have some firearms you can shoot to see what is best for you.

You should sign up for a her class soon because they stay pretty full you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge and the paper work for your TX CHL.

Welcome to the Forum!

[Caltex]

Great advice. Again, it is appreciated.

This is a great resource, and it is time.

Have a good night.

[THX]

Fort Worth Gun Show is this weekend; it's an op to check things out; how can I keep from drawing attention?

What exactly do you mean? If you're a high-profile individual, you'd be better off in a high-end gun shop. If it's "gun show etiquette" you're concerned about, just ask to handle a weapon at the smaller dealers' tables, don't dry-fire without permission, and keep them pointed toward the floor - common sense stuff.

[Caltex]

To jmra:

I was in Winchester Gallery in Fort Worth today and was able to speak to the instructor you recommended. He understood the situation, and gave me basic skills and tips, enough to educate and empower myself until I go through the classes. I really like the S&W Bodyguard 38. I wanted to update you and thank you for your help.

To THX:

I’m not a high profile individual; my hair draws attention, so I'm easy to locate. I don't know anything about guns, so this is not common sense to me. I’ve never been to a gun show, assumed it would be more men, police officers and military. My safety has been threatened. I just don't want to be a statistic.

Thank you everyone for your help.

[jmra]

To jmra:

I was in Winchester Gallery in Fort Worth today and was able to speak to the instructor you recommended. He understood the situation, and gave me basic skills and tips, enough to educate and empower myself until I go through the classes. I really like the S&W Bodyguard 38. I wanted to update you and thank you for your help.

To THX:

I’m not a high profile individual; my hair draws attention, so I'm easy to locate. I don't know anything about guns, so this is not common sense to me. I’ve never been to a gun show, assumed it would be more men, police officers and military. My safety has been threatened. I just don't want to be a statistic.

Thank you everyone for your help.

I wouldn't think that your hair would be an issue at the gun show. I have been to many shows and I can assure you that it's not all "red necks" and "jar heads" (I'm not found of either one of those terms but you understand what I mean).

I'm sure that someone on the forum would be more than happy to meet you at the show and give you a "tour". I know that I would be more than happy to if my wife did not already have my weekend booked with an extensive "honey do" list.

[The Annoyed Man]

Caltex, my wife and I are transplanted Californians who moved here in 2006. I can promise you that my wife does not look or act anything like the proverbial "gun-totin' redneck," and she has her CHL too. We're very unremarkable looking people. If you're talking unusual hair, etc., I know other CHLs with "interesting" hair. I live in Grapevine, and I'll be at the gun show on Sunday afternoon. You'll be surprised by the diversity of people you'll see there, including grandfolks to grandkids, all races, all body types, all backgrounds, all clothing choices, tattoos and no tattoos, piercings and no piercings, guaged ears and regular ears, all the way that God made us, and all getting along because we all have a fundamental respect for the Constitution and the rights of man.

You'll find a Texas gunshow to be a MUCH more open and diverse environment than a Laguna Beach Art Festival.

[RPB]

I’m not a high profile individual; my hair draws attention

Mine was to my tailbone before I shaved it off, beard was to my naval before I shaved it.

Around Austin ... no one notices anything

http://photoblog.statesman.com/a-portra ... d-festival" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Keep Austin Weird

http://www.google.com/search?q=les+coch ... 24&bih=636" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You would only attract as much attention at a gun show as at any other flea market where everyone else is looking at stuff for sale. I used to get compliments on my beard at HEB grocery store. People said I looked like Billy Gibbons, but my beard was twice as long as his, ... so ...

[Crossfire]

Definitely go to the gun show. It is worth the price of admission, just for the entertainment value! People watching, at it's finest.

You can handle lots and lots of different guns and see what feels right in your hand. Take a notepad. They all tend to run together after awhile.

As far as etiquette - most dealers will let you pick up anything off the table to handle. The big dealers will have cable locks so you can't go too far. Some of the collectable dealers do NOT want you to touch their guns unless they hand one to you. They will have a sign on the table letting you know.

So go, buy a redneck t-shirt and some beef jerky, maybe even some pickled okra and a scented candle. Handle some guns and have a good time. Then report back.

[Heartland Patriot]

If you are close to Ft. worth contact one of our moderators "Crossfire." send her a PM and she can help you. She may even have some firearms you can shoot to see what is best for you.

You should sign up for a her class soon because they stay pretty full you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge and the paper work for your TX CHL.

Welcome to the Forum!

I second carlson1 on contacting Crossfire. Excellent class.

[Caltex]

You are ALL very kind.... One of the senior members will be there on Sunday (The Annoyed Man; you are right, very very true!!!). The comment that you get along is really true… And jmra, your honey do list... is lovely; a testament to your life together. :) I hope someday I get to make one!!!

Ok.. I grew up in Iowa, am Irish and Italian, so please know I am only referring to a certain shade.  My brothers ran the stock car circuit; their nickname was Orange ____…,( a racial slur). I was pulled out of school and sent out of state. What occurred was never mentioned, but soon after, two brothers were drafted to Vietnam, and the third disappeared. I have not seen them since. I buried my parents 3 years ago.

I recently received a message referring to this time, which brought it back up. Hopefully this makes sense. I told them to go to hell.

About 2 weeks ago, I found myself in a situation that went from cordial to menacing in downtown Fort Worth. I was outnumbered and outweighed. I kept my head, complied with directions, but was irritated I wasn’t armed. I think what bothered me the most; all the people around us were not aware of what was happening.

So after that experience, I was pretty freaked out. I’ve never really felt alone until now; and being unable to defend myself is just idiotic. I will not be a statistic.

So any input is welcome; you have been funny, informative and welcoming. The world of guns is a pretty big one....

Awesome Crossfire; thank you!!! I love your attitude, and the tips really help. I want to show respect, and not be a geek… * thank you *

[74novaman]

So any input is welcome; you have been funny, informative and welcoming. The world of guns is a pretty big one....

That it is. And you will find 10 different opinions on each gun/holster/carry method/shooting style out there.

If you have a specific question feel free to ask. In the meantime some general thoughts I have for any new gun owner:

If you can, try before you buy (just like taking a car for a test drive). Something that fits someone elses hand and points naturally for them may not be as comfortable or easy to shoot for you.

There is a lot of gun info out on the net. Some is excellent, some is okay, and some is total bunk. Don't trust one source for anything gun related. (Except for this forum, because we're all studly/beautiful geniuses who pull down 7 figures and can shoot the wings off a fly. )

Don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all newbies at some point. Can't learn something new if you don't ask! Heck I've been shooting since I was little, have had a CHL/been on this board for 3 years and I still ask lots of questions.

[Caltex]

There is a lot of gun info out on the net. Some is excellent, some is okay, and some is total bunk. Don't trust one source for anything gun related. (Except for this forum, because we're all studly/beautiful geniuses who pull down 7 figures and can shoot the wings off a fly. )

.

You are quick!!! And make great points too. Propaganda at work. And so far, you've all been pretty.... normal.

Really like the blogs. Great advice about rioting. You pegged it right on - it does move fast. I'll truly be reading more!!! Thank you!!

[74novaman]

And so far, you've all been pretty.... normal.

Stick around...that impression won't last long.

Really like the blogs. Great advice about rioting. You pegged it right on - it does move fast. I'll truly be reading more!!! Thank you!!

Thanks for checking it out! I've been a bit of a slacker about posting this month, but appreciate the comment and the views.