Legal Immigrant -> CHL -> Gun

[Justice]

Hello, my name is Cees.

I am in fact one of those "Legal Immigrants" that came to live in Texas by legal means. I got the greencard and all, ssn and a job, so I am the real deal! No check cashing place for me.

Now I have been contemplating buying a glock 17, the same sidearm I had when I was in MP training in the Netherlands, my former home country. But would I, given my "greencard" status, even be eligible to own a firearm, and subsequently apply for a CHL? I am a firm believer one should have a CHL if owing a handgun. For home defense, if an issue where you live, one should have a wide spread 12 gauge anyway.

This seems the place to ask these questions.

[Crossfire]

Yes to purchase, and yes to CHL.

To purchase, you need to prove 90 days residency in Texas. Utility bills, lease agreement, paycheck stubs, will do that for you. Once you get the CHL, then purchase is a little easier.

[Fosforos]

Hello fellow former European.

A lot of people mistake me for Dutch, I have a bit of a Swedish accent still.

llwatson already answered your question, so all I can do is agree with your choice of weapon. The Glock 17 is on my wish list, my G19 and G30 need some company.

I don't know what area you are in, but in DFW the Glock 17 sells for $449 at gun shows (plus tax). I paid way too much for my first gun (the G19) at a gunshop because I didn't know better.

[Justice]

Thank you for the confidence inspiring replies!

I actually live in Plano and work in Dallas on Regal Row. I saw a gun store / range on Mockingbird somewhere that offers CHL classes. But there might also be one around Plano, I haven't looked into that. I am inclined to do the CHL before I get the handgun, since I do not want to be hampered when going to friends / work and then the range.

I already know my boss does not allow handguns in the office because It came up in a conversation. No notice on the door though, but I like my job

[seamusTX]

I am inclined to do the CHL before I get the handgun, since I do not want to be hampered when going to friends / work and then the range.

IMHO, it's best to shoot the CHL qualification with your own pistol, so there will be no surprises.

It's completely legal to have a handgun in a vehicle without a CHL, and you can put it in the trunk to remove all anxiety.

- Jim

[Wildscar]

If I may interject I would get the pistol first and pratice a few times before taking your CHL.

[Justice]

I don't feel quite "safe" with a gun in my car without having the paperwork to back it up. I am not an expert on the US gun laws, but I thought you could only have a gun in the car going to and from the range in the most direct route possible. And on top of that have it unloaded in a locked case so it is not within reach.

I'd rather be safe than sorry (and subsequently get screwed over by mister law).

[Wildscar]

I don't feel quite "safe" with a gun in my car without having the paperwork to back it up. I am not an expert on the US gun laws, but I thought you could only have a gun in the car going to and from the range in the most direct route possible. And on top of that have it unloaded in a locked case so it is not within reach.

I'd rather be safe than sorry (and subsequently get screwed over by mister law).

That changed last year. You area allowed to have a gun in your car now.

Can gets ideas here.
http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... =7&t=14598

[Fosforos]

I've been to the Bullet Trap range in Plano. They have an impressive list of rental guns to try. They have a website: http://bullettrapinc.com/.

Get your gun before getting the CHL, that way you can get plenty of practice carrying at home before the plastic arrives and time to find the right holster (*cough* comp-tac *cough*). And like the others said, you'd be just fine having the gun in your car

[stockportbrit]

As already stated it is a simple proceedure.......

To purchase a handgun......As a LEGAL immigrant in Texas you will need to provide three of the same utility statements to prove that you have resided in Texas for a minimum of 3 months. plus your TX driving license and you are good to go.
When entering your details on the paperwork at the gun store, you must answer NO to line 12. ....or it may be line 11...read it carefully, the wording is not in plain English, the question is asking if you are in the US on a visa.

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website for information regarding applying for your CHL. You will have no problem obtaining your CHL if you are a perminant legal resident of the USA....... 'Greencard' holder.

As for your CHL training, take a look at Red River Firearms in Sherman, the owner, Jason, is a great guy and the facility is 1st class.

Good luck

Brit. in McKinney