Looking into getting a CHL and some advice.

[Fang990]

Howdy all,

I'm 21, been lurking on here for week or so, obviously looking into getting my CHL and reading on here I like the community and figured I'd join up for some advice and whatnot. I've had an interest in weapons as long as I can remember. Sadly, living in Houston most all my live, and my family not really having an interest in hunting, I haven't had as much gun experience as I would like. I have shot before, and do own some guns, though the only one that would work as a carry gun is a little Colt .380 that I have no idea how old it is. Better than nothing but not ideal.

Anyway I got a couple things I wanted to throw at you guys. One, I am gonna get a new gun for carrying but should I do this before I go to get the CHL? I understand it'd be better to train on the gun you will carry but isn't necessary. Also gun suggestions/opinions would be nice. Obviously the best choice is to go try em out and see what I like but good places to start would be appreciated.

Also being 21 ( and a broke musician) money is tight so best bang for your buck is a must lol. I'm currently looking for a day job to support this new endeavor as well ^_^, would be awesome to work at a gun shop but with a limited experience enthusiast, not sure who would hire lol.

[snatchel]

I encourage you to get your CHL.....

In a pinch your Colt .380 would do, but I would advise that you get yourself a dedicated carry piece before you get your CHL if possible, though not really necessary.

Practice frequently with whatever you intend to carry. Get started on your gun/holster/belt combo ASAP. If your looking for something on a budget, I can recommend Kahr and Glock. They can be had for anywhere between $350-$550ish. I own both and they are fantastic.

For Glocks:

Pretty much anything in the Glock family is a good choice. Most everyone loves their G26/19/17/27/23/22

Kahr makes some good stuff. CM9/CW9/CW45 are all great choices and can be had in the $399-$450 range

[Fang990]

A further note, I have fired one of my cousin's handguns (don't remember the make, the grip was rather small and had to have a extension on the mags to fit a full hand) cambered in .40 S&W and I really liked it. I also like the stopping power of a .45, though I have never had the chance to fire one personally.

[WildBill]

A further note, I have fired one of my cousin's handguns (don't remember the make, the grip was rather small and had to have a extension on the mags to fit a full hand) cambered in .40 S&W and I really liked it. I also like the stopping power of a .45, though I have never had the chance to fire one personally.

Welcome to the forum Fang990. You are catching on a little too fast.

IMO, you should shouldn't be thinking of "stopping power", but rather a gun that is 100% reliable and one that you can shoot accurately. If there is such a thing as "stopping power" a bullet won't stop anything if you can't consistently hit your target. Of course 100% reliable is not achievable, but some handguns come pretty darn close. IMO, a 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP are the most logical choices for calibers, but they come in so many sizes and shapes and varieties, that you must try some before you make your decision. Your experience with your cousin's gun is normal. With concealed carry sometimes you compromise the size and weight of a handgun with how well it conceals on your body and with your style of clothing.

I have been shooting for a long time, but I am pretty new to CHL. I bought a nice new .380ACP right before I got my CHL which I carried for a while. Later on I wanted a larger caliber so I bought an 40S&W, which I have only carried twice. Even though it is an accurate and reliable gun, I was never able to shoot it well as I wanted.

There are a lot of .45ACP fans on this forum. I like them, but for some reason, I can not shoot a 1911 accurately. A good 1911 will probably be your most expensive option for purchase.

I think your best bet is to take your CHL class and then start looking for something to carry. Since your budget is limited, you should try to made the best choice the first time. Try to borrow or rent as many makes and models to see which one you can shoot the best and then make your "final" decision.

[Fang990]

Thank you for the reply. I was able to shoot the .40 with decent accuracy at about 30+ yrds, putting rounds on or very near target (coke cans on a cinderblock ) every time. I thought that wasn't too bad for someone with limited "range time" .

Any suggestions on good ranges for renting purposes? I live on the NW side of Houston.

[howdy]

Some of the gun ranges have several handgun models to rent. Memorial Shooting Center in Houston has a good variety to shoot and I believe (check with them) that with one rental fee you can try several different guns. When the time comes for your CHL class, most Instructors have handguns you can "borrow" to qualify with. They may or may not charge you for this. The members here can give you recommendations for an outstanding Instructor nearby your home. Just ask a question and you will normally get good advise/answers.

[A-R]

Welcome, give us some more info (photos?) on your Colt .380 for two reasons:

1. My first CHL gun was a Colt Mustang .380 and it served me well for a year or more until I traded it on a Glock (big mistake, as you'll soon see)
2. Many Colt .380s (mustang, pony, etc) are worth some decent money in the second-hand market since Colt stopped making these years ago. The prices have fallen somewhat after Sig came out with near-identical P238 model - but a Colt Mustang or Pony should still bring $500+ on used market (down from insane highs of $700-$900 just a few years ago)
... so, if you REALLY don't like the Colt .380 as a carry gun you could likely sell it and fund a new gun you do like. Get enough posts under your belt here (40 I think it is, check the rules) and you could offer it for sale here, or try http://www.texasguntrader.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, or a local gunshow etc.

As for trying out a gun to buy/use for yourself, you're on the right track trying friends' guns (cheapest way to do it). A gunshow is a good place to put your hands on A LOT of handguns to see which grip size, balance, weight etc. suits you best. Pick the top 3-5 you like the best and either borrow or rent (at a shooting range) these guns. Pick the one that fits you best (it's a very personal decision) and has an above-average reputation for quality.

First three rules in deciding which gun to defend your life ...

1. Reliability
2. Reliability
3. Reliability

This is what you'll see a lot of recommendations here for quality brands like Glock, Springfield Armory, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, etc.

DO NOT forget to budget a good chunk of change for a quality belt ($30-$100) and holster ($40-$100) and spare mag pouch ($10-$50), plenty of practice ammo (50 rounds/month is a good start), 2-3 magazines full of quality self-defense hollow point ammo (about $1 per round), and of course the costs for the class, state fee, etc. (WOW, it really gets expensive when you add it all up).

And don't worry about not having your chosen carry gun for the class - go ahead and take the class with a borrowed or rented gun (many ranges and instructors rent guns, or just borrow from a buddy), or use your .380 Colt. Then spend the time waiting for your license to arrive in the mail to pick up all the other gear you'll need.

Best of luck - please keep asking good questions. And if you haven't picked out a CHL instructor yet, the owner/admin of this site - Charles Cotton - is a great one.

[mrvmax]

My best advice....take the course from Charles (go to class scheduled and locations). Charles is a SME on CHL law and in my opinion that is the most important aspect of having a CHL. There are numerous options for inexpensive carry guns, you can pick them up starting at about $220 (Taurus TCP in 380ACP) and go as high as you are willing to spend. I ended up getting away from 380 for my back-up gun but will still carry it when I cannot carry my 45 or 357.

[Fang990]

There is a former FBI agent that works as a unofficial head of security for the pastor at my church I was gonna ask (due to the church shootings not too far back). His name is Sam Lopez I think. As for my gun it's actually my fathers so I would have to talk to him about selling it, but I'll put up some pics none the less.

[WildBill]

My best advice....take the course from Charles (go to class scheduled and locations). Charles is a SME on CHL law and in my opinion that is the most important aspect of having a CHL.

He is among the best. I have taken four classes from Charles and attended four of his Deadly Force Seminars. He has a CHL class scheduled at the PSC range Saturday, October 6th. Be there.

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[A-R]

There is a former FBI agent that works as a unofficial head of security for the pastor at my church I was gonna ask (due to the church shootings not too far back). His name is Sam Lopez I think. As for my gun it's actually my fathers so I would have to talk to him about selling it, but I'll put up some pics none the less.

[ Image ]

Yep that's the Colt Government .380 - slightly larger cousin of the Mustang (extra 1/2 inch of barrel length and extra 1/2 inch of grip length, if I remember correctly)

Not a bad carry gun as long as it's in good mechanical shape and operates reliably. If that's your only magazine, might be costly to find extras (I always recommend at least two magazines - "two is one, and one is none")

[Fang990]

Yep that's the Colt Government .380 - slightly larger cousin of the Mustang (extra 1/2 inch of barrel length and extra 1/2 inch of grip length, if I remember correctly)

Not a bad carry gun as long as it's in good mechanical shape and operates reliably. If that's your only magazine, might be costly to find extras (I always recommend at least two magazines - "two is one, and one is none")

She shoots fast and strait, needs a good cleaning, and maybe a "check up" just cause I have no idea the last time my dad had either done, but it'll do what it needs to. Went through about 100 rounds last time I fired it and not a single problem.

On a side note, when I was younger it always reminded me of a "spy gun" like Bond's PPk.

[WildBill]

Yep that's the Colt Government .380 - slightly larger cousin of the Mustang (extra 1/2 inch of barrel length and extra 1/2 inch of grip length, if I remember correctly)

Not a bad carry gun as long as it's in good mechanical shape and operates reliably. If that's your only magazine, might be costly to find extras (I always recommend at least two magazines - "two is one, and one is none")

She shoots fast and strait, needs a good cleaning, and maybe a "check up" just cause I have no idea the last time my dad had either done, but it'll do what it needs to. Went through about 100 rounds last time I fired it and not a single problem.

On a side note, when I was younger it always reminded me of a "spy gun" like Bond's PPk.

If you read some of my posts you will find that I am a huge fan of Colts. I own at least eight. I don't recommend the Colt Government .380 as your primary carry gun. I was a fan of spy guns too, but they are best left to the movies. Maybe if I wore a tuxedo to work, I'd carry one.