Another n00b in Austin, TX

[LCP_Dogg]

I hope there is room for all of us. I too am from Austin, aka ATX, and am in the midst of the CHL process.

I go in for my day long CHL extravaganza this Saturday. I already hit the range a few times and got the DPS green guy target. I shot 35 at the 15yd mark figuring that will be the hardest for me. I hit 32 in the 8 and 3 others outside of 9 but in the green. So I think I should be able to qualify, but by no means am I a sharpshooter. I was mostly practicing things like finger position and movement during trigger pull; also getting used to no jerk when it fires/recoils, using the penny trick.

But anyways, I'm new to CHL and am reading lots of threads on here and also the stories - oh the stories - but am looking for other advice on being new to CHL. I'm not too worried about holsterage because I'll be packin the Ruger LCP at least for a while - and that thing is cake at concealing, but anything else like daily routines or habits I can get into to keep things safe. I have a 4 yr old and a dog and I have some major concerns about leaving a loaded gun lying around. I guess I will need to embrace it as a new part of my life, but it sounds like it is a big mind trip for most, as I've read from some threads on here. Some people like "why would I want to bring a gun with me, I'm just going to wal-mart".. :)



I can't wait to start the 6 month wait cycle!! OH GOODIE!!!

[WildBill]

I hope there is room for all of us. I too am from Austin, aka ATX, and am in the midst of the CHL process.

I have a 4 yr old and a dog and I have some major concerns about leaving a loaded gun lying around.

Welcome to the forum LCP_Dogg. Yes, having a 4 year old will require some extra precautions. There are plenty of Forum Members with children so I am sure that some of them will give you some safety suggestions.

As for the dog, just tell him to keep his dirty paws off your stuff.

[MTICop]

Welcome to the forum. You will definitely find the answers to your questions here.

As far as your daughter is concerned, just keep it out of her reach at all times for now and everything will be fine. As she gets older, maybe you two can shoot together. I do with my son and it's great.

As far as things to think about go, situational awareness is key. It was actually key before you started the CHL process but you're thinking about it now and what you need to do, or not do, in any situation.

It really isn't a dramatic change. When you get your plastic you will just have a few more things to carry around when you go out.

Again, welcome to the forum and we look forward to hearing from you.

[LCP_Dogg]

I wear cargo pants/shorts daily so I will be set as far as carrying it. I already strap on all sorts of electronic gizmos when I go anywhere, not to mention a knife, wallet, keys, kleenex, etc... I should have a list for all the crap I haul..

I will be sure to keep it away from my daughter. I think the key will just be keeping it in my pocket or else hidden away all the time. I am afraid I might take it out for comfort and set it somewhere, like my office desk, and then forget it. I have to learn to not do that - ever.

As for situational awareness, yes you're right - I have been thinking a lot about that. I understand the CHL course will teach me about conflict resolution, and that will also be very valuable. I'm not the type to over-react, but I realize while sometimes it is better to bring a gun to a gun fight than nothing, I also realize some times it is not better to bring a gun to a --- fight, because drawing a gun could unnecessarily elevate a situation that didn't need to or shouldn't have been elevated and could get someone (or me) killed - especially if they have a bigger gun and are a faster draw.

[NcongruNt]

Welcome to the forum.

There are quite a few of us from Austin on the board now. I'm going to try and pick a date for a get-together day for all of us in the next month or so. The weather just got right for a fun group shoot, so I'll check the calendars and see when we can all do something. There will probably be a post and poll coming up soon. If you're interested in a good range for CHL work (drawing, moving, and shooting), Lone Star Gun Range in Lockhart is a great place to work on your shooting. This is most likely where we'll be having the get-together day.

Again, welcome to the forum. I also carry an LCP (as a back up gun). Though it is very small, it is a very good idea to get a pocket holster for it. You don't want the trigger getting hooked at something through your pocket. It also makes it much less likely to be noticeable as a gun in your pocket. Uncle Mike's and Desantis make good pocket holsters for these guns.

[pbwalker]

Welcome to the forum.

There are quite a few of us from Austin on the board now. I'm going to try and pick a date for a get-together day for all of us in the next month or so. The weather just got right for a fun group shoot, so I'll check the calendars and see when we can all do something. There will probably be a post and poll coming up soon. If you're interested in a good range for CHL work (drawing, moving, and shooting), Lone Star Gun Range in Lockhart is a great place to work on your shooting. This is most likely where we'll be having the get-together day.

Again, welcome to the forum. I also carry an LCP (as a back up gun). Though it is very small, it is a very good idea to get a pocket holster for it. You don't want the trigger getting hooked at something through your pocket. It also makes it much less likely to be noticeable as a gun in your pocket. Uncle Mike's and Desantis make good pocket holsters for these guns.

Keep us San Antonio folks in mind! Its a short drive for us!

[NcongruNt]

Welcome to the forum.

There are quite a few of us from Austin on the board now. I'm going to try and pick a date for a get-together day for all of us in the next month or so. The weather just got right for a fun group shoot, so I'll check the calendars and see when we can all do something. There will probably be a post and poll coming up soon. If you're interested in a good range for CHL work (drawing, moving, and shooting), Lone Star Gun Range in Lockhart is a great place to work on your shooting. This is most likely where we'll be having the get-together day.

Again, welcome to the forum. I also carry an LCP (as a back up gun). Though it is very small, it is a very good idea to get a pocket holster for it. You don't want the trigger getting hooked at something through your pocket. It also makes it much less likely to be noticeable as a gun in your pocket. Uncle Mike's and Desantis make good pocket holsters for these guns.

Keep us San Antonio folks in mind! Its a short drive for us!

You're more than welcome. I've posted a poll with dates here:

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... 23&t=18880" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RiverRat]

Welcome to another RiverCityite. I have an LCP as a bug, also. Carry it in a little leather pocket holster. It does get a lot of lent and pocket dirt in it and has to be cleaned regularly, but just part of it. I have a four yr old grandson that is giving me the same concerns with storage/accessibilty of the personal defense weapons. Not sure about the best solution...either.

[wilder]

I'm sure other have their own ideas and methods for dealing with loaded guns in the proximity of small children, but here's my method. I have two young girls (6 and 8) and while I have gun-proofed them and trust they would never touch a gun I accidentally left out, I am concerned about their playmates who are frequently at my house. I have a small electronically activated drawer safe that I keep by the bed for storing the only loaded gun in the house. I don't have my plastic yet, but I plan to get another one to place my carry gun in when off my person at home. I'm certainly aware of the disadvantages of this as it does take about 8 seconds to open the safe and remove the gun. It's a compromise that I feel has to be made to accommodate the situation.

[texasccw]

Having a gun comes with a huge responsibilty. It makes you more aware of situations that you wouldnt have noticed if you didnt have a firearm. It also gives you a sense of security when you are with your family. You don't have to rely on someone else for your families security. It will become part of your daily routine to get ready for work, gym, etc.. You will look at clothes shopping differently. You will be asking yourself, "I wonder if I will be able to conceal with that on?" I am fairly new to CHL (card on its way), but since I applied I have seen how it changes your perception of things.
My son is currently 20 months old so I tend to leave my gun on top of the fridge where he can't access it and on the nightstand before bed, but I am sure I will have to think of something soon. Good luck with everything LCP Dogg!

[drinks]

I tried the De Santis and Uncle Mike's pocket holsters for my PPP, aka P3-AT Kel-Tec, did not like either, then I heard about Mikl's holsters from LA, I ordered one and it was much more comfortable and concealable, so when I got my airweight I got another Mikl's for it, very nice and the price is good.
Just Google Mikl's holsters to see about ordering.