Getting Ready to Take the CHL Class

[DustinB]

I've finally been able to aside enough cash for the class and to send to the state. I will hopefully be taking the class with ElGato on Oct. 7th. I have a couple questions to make sure I'm ready.

I hear alot of talk about "Packet Mailed to Applicant". Do I need to request a packet from the state before I take the class or will this be provided for me on the day of the class?

Secondly, my father is going to be taking the class with me and has decided to qualify with his ruger 22. Is a semi-auto 22. caliber pistol allowed to qualify with or is there a minimum caliber?

Much appreciated...

[JLaw]

The whole packet mailed to applicant thing, well, I dunno. When I took my CHL everything was supplied by the instructor.

There is a minimum caliber needed to qualify, I believe it is .32 ACP or larger, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, when you say your father will be taking the class for you, so you mean taking the class with you??????

JLaw

[DustinB]

Corrected, yes I meant with me.

Thanks

[Alric]

From what I've seen, the lower caliber limit from DPS is .32ACP, although I've seen some schools place additional barriers around that.

[KBCraig]

From what I've seen, the lower caliber limit from DPS is .32ACP, although I've seen some schools place additional barriers around that.

Really? A school imposing stricter limits than what is required by law? That's interesting.

The caliber limit isn't logical. So far as I know, the requirements don't speak to power factor, only bore size. So, strictly speaking, the very powerful 7.62x25mm (as fired from a Cz.52 or Tokarev), is not eligible. Nor is the FiveseveN. Nor the .22LR, which actually produces more muzzle energy than the .32ACP (in hypervelocity loadings).

And then there are monsters like the PLR-16, firing 5.56 ammo.

And just which .32 are they speaking of? Browning's .32 ACP? Or .32 S&W, .32 NAA, .32 S&W Long, .32 Short Colt, .32 Long Colt, .32 H&R Magnum, or .32-20?

Other adequate cartridges that are smaller than .32 caliber:
-.22 Magnum
-.22 Jet
-.221 Fireball
-.30 Carbine (yes, technically a pistol cartridge!)
-7.62 Nagant
-.30 Mauser (dimensionally similar to 7.62x25, but at much lower pressures)
-.30 Luger

".32 caliber" is a really inadequate cutoff point, especially since there's no such thing as a ".32 caliber", only a variety of calibers with ".32" in their name.

Kevin

[RPBrown]

Not an instructor but if I remember correctly you cannot use rim fire ammo. Center fire only.
Some schools will provide the packet and some even provide the weapon and ammo. My daughter took her class 3 weeks ago and the only thing she had to provide was a DL and money.

[JLaw]

GC §411.188. HANDGUN PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT. (a) The
director by rule shall establish minimum standards for handgun proficiency
and shall develop a course to teach handgun proficiency and
examinations to measure handgun proficiency. The course to teach
handgun proficiency must contain training sessions divided into two
parts. One part of the course must be classroom instruction and the
other part must be range instruction and an actual demonstration by
the applicant of the applicant's ability to safely and proficiently use the
category of handgun for which the applicant seeks certification. An
applicant may not be certified unless the applicant demonstrates, at a
minimum, the degree of proficiency that is required to effectively
operate a handgun of.32 caliber or above. The department shall
distribute the standards, course requirements, and examinations on
request to any qualified handgun instructor.

Here it is straight out of the book. Not sure about all the 7.XX calibers, somebody smarter than me needs to answer that one. But as seem above DPS requires a "handgun of .32 caliber or above" with no mention of velocity, muzzle energy, etc. etc. etc.

JLaw


Best of luck in your class, DustinB! Keep us posted on any updates.

[Mithras61]

I hear alot of talk about "Packet Mailed to Applicant". Do I need to request a packet from the state before I take the class or will this be provided for me on the day of the class?

"Packet Mailed to Applicant is what you see when you start you application process online instead of waiting to attend class and filling out the paperwork at the class. Between the time DPS mails the packet of papers to you and the time they receive it back and enter it into their system, the web site shows your application status as "Packet Mailed to Applicant."

The online application process allows you to start the application and pay for the application. When they mail the packet to you, the packet contains the paperwork with your answers already filled out based on what you entered into the web site, and includes the PIN you need to track your application.

I prefer this method because my handwriting stinks and it's much easier to read a prinntout than my handwriting.

BTW, when you mail the packet back to DPS, you may want to send it either return receipt or registered mail. That way you'll have proof of receipt should you need it. Also, keep in mind that DPS' web site will probably NOT show any change to your status for 30 to 45 days after you mail in your packet to them. It may help ease your mind if you know they have it, but the web site simply doesn't show any change in status.

[DustinB]

Good deal, looks like I'm ready for the class.

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.

[longtooth]

You are ready. Pay attention in his class & you will do great. You already know most of the answers & just don't know you do.