Which came first, CHL or firearm purchase?

[DLBConductor]

I bought the firearm first. An absolute Newbie to handguns, I spent a month taking lessons and practicing at the range before getting my CHL.

[flechero]

The first 'bunch' of firearms were purchased before CHL was available to Texans....

[philip964]

Borrowed my instructors pistol for the test.

Finally sent in application 3 months later.

Joined a shooting range 3 months after that.

Then bought my first gun.

Wally walk at Costco ( I'm a brave guy) maybe 6 months later.

Then bought my second gun.

Then bought my third gun.

Saving to buy my fourth gun, fifth gun. ....

FHN ps90 purchase on hold, due to recent price increases.

[S_3]

I got my CHL before my first firearm purchase but I owned guns before I was old enough for a CHL.

[texanjoker]

Gun first and learn how to use it. When I went through the CHL class a guy pulled a brand new gun out that had never shot it and lasered (pointed the gun) at all of us. It was pretty pitiful to think he could carry a gun without even knowing how to use it. If the customer service wasn't good at that store, there are plenty of other FFL's out there that want your $. I

[C-dub]

Glock first.

[The_Busy_Mom]

I learned to shoot long guns when I was a child, probably 6 or 7 years old. My grandparents had a bunch of land in the valley, so we used to shoot my grandfather's beer bottles off the edge of the river's banks. I also shot my grandmother's revolver, but I couldn't tell you exactly what make/model it was. I had wanted my CHL for a very long time, but it wasn't until the end of 2012 that the husband and I got serious about CHL. So I bought a Sig 2022 9mm, practiced at the range while I waited for our class date to come around, took the CHL, and now waiting on plastic. You should not be allowed to take the range qualification part if you do not know how to operate your weapon. I waited for 45 minutes on the range while the instructor helped a lady a couple of lanes down because the gun she borrowed from her friend kept malfunctioning. Practice with your gun, and then take the CHL.

[03Lightningrocks]

I have been shooting since before I can remember. My mom told me she use to get mad at my dad for taking me out hunting with him when I was just old enough to walk. I was his first and a son. He was anxious to share his love of hunting, fishing and shooting with his son.

Like bullfrog, I carried concealed way before they even offered a CHL in Texas. I had friends who did the same. We called it carrying under the 12/6 exemption. For those that don't know, this stands for.. I would rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6. In a weird way, it was probably better. We knew if we used our weapon for self defense, we faced harsh scrutiny. It meant we didn't pull unless we were sure it was needed. There were no dumb questions about whether or not it is OK to shoot someone being posted on websites. We had to figure it out on our own.


NOT BULLFROG! jumping frog... LOL. Your avatar always makes me think bullfrog when I am addressing you.

[jmra]

Gun. Where I was raised your car was considered an extension of your home. Bought my first handgun (charter arms SS .38 police bulldog snub) the day I turned 18. Carried it in the car everywhere I went.

[GeekwithaGun]

CHL class first; didn't have any experience with handguns at all, I grew up with a rifles, but we didn't really shoot much except the varmints around the farm - woodchucks mostly, so before the shooting portion did some training and range practice as we did the classroom and shooting portions on different days.

This was in April 2009 and ammo and guns were actually scarce, I found my first carry pistol, M&P 9c in May or June at a gun show.

[GratefulGirl59]

I am one of those who owned a firearm for years and it mostly sat on a shelf in a closet. About 2 years ago I began acquiring additional firearms and practicing about every other month. Recent events spurred me to take the CHL class but I had not practiced in a few months due to surgery and a very difficult move. I took the CHL course very recently and due to my experience I recommend getting the firearm first and practice several times immediately before the class. I did ok but I was very nervous and fumbled around a little with loading and unloading. Just my new cents.

[geoelectro]

When Obama got elected the first time, I decided to get my CHL. I had only owned a .22 revolver and shot it once before it was stolen in a break in. I had no idea what kind of gun to get. I wanted an automatic and I was leaning toward 9mm. A friend suggested Glock. I rented a Glock 19 and liked it a lot. Bought one a week later at our local gun show. Went to the range every week for a little over a month. Took the class and it took 6 months to receive my lisence. Ammo was in short supply back then too. This year I have my first renewal. I bought a Taurus 917c as well. Only wish I would have bought an AR15 last year...

Geo