Going to take CHL for first time...any advice???

ljaq516 · Post by **ljaq516** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:20 am

Hey I will be taking my first CHL class soon and I was wondering if there was any advice you fine people could offer me? Is there any helpful information that I can read up on before I take the class that would help me? Thanks in advance for the help?

seamusTX · Post by **seamusTX** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:39 am

Memorize this book: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/ls-16.pdf.

Also note that the duty to retreat in PC Â§9.32 will be removed as of September 1, 2006.

Good luck.

- Jim

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:42 am

First, Welcome aboard & we are all glad to see another willing accept the responsibility of carry.

seamus TX is joking. You dont have to memorize a book.

1. Take the class from an instructor that does the whole job. Prints, photo, qualify on the range & check your paper work.
2. Pay attention in the class. I believe any person of average intelligence can pay attention in class & not only PASS the test but make a GOOD grade on the written part.
Dont worry about missing a couple.
3. Dont worry about the shooting proficiency. Be familiar w/ your handgun of choice & again, pay attention on the range & do exactly what you are instructed. "Fire one shot." Stop at one shot. "Fire 2 shots." Shoot them both & stop.
4. Invest your time, energy, & money in a good carry rig & practice. That includes practice wearing it as well as shooting it.
5. Dont worry & fret over any failure because you will not.

Post by **Crossfire** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:48 pm

Yep. What LT said.

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:23 pm

llwatson wrote: Yep. What LT said.

And she is the teacher.

JLaw · Post by **JLaw** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:18 pm

longtooth wrote:4. Invest your time, energy, & money in a good carry rig & practice. That includes practice wearing it as well as shooting it.

+1. I'm still looking for the right carry rig.

While in the classroom, listen to everything. Pay close attention. Ask every question you want to and don't be ashamed of it.

JLaw

catsofthebase3 · Post by **catsofthebase3** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:32 am

My advice.

All of the above, and.

1.Qualify with a semi automatic weapon. If you do so with a revolver, that's all you get to carry.

NcongruNt · Post by **NcongruNt** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:05 am

seamusTX wrote:Memorize this book: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/ls-16.pdf.

Also note that the duty to retreat in PC Â§9.32 will be removed as of September 1, 2006.

Good luck.

- Jim

That would be September 1, 2007.

I agree that you don't have to memorize the handbook. It is important, however, that you understand the laws therein. This is not a sit down after dinner read. The language in Texas law is pretty confusing. You will find answers to just about anything in these forums. If you can't find the answer to a question, ask. Remember, you've got at least a month to get to know the law before you get your CHL, and it is your responsibility to know the law. The right to bear arms comes with much responsibility.

All that said, the class is a breeze. Anyone with a pedestrian knowledge of CHL-related laws can ace the written exam. The shooting test is very easy. I had been shooting for 2 1/2 months (and probably only about 4 or 5 shooting sessions) when I took my class, and got a 235 (out of 250) even with a jam that caused me not to be able to take 4 of my shots. What you will really learn in class is situational awareness and conflict-avoidance skills, as well as what kind of responsibility it is to carry a handgun.

Beyond the requirements for the class, I would encourage you to seek more advanced training, if you are able. This will better prepare you to act appropriately, if the need to use your handgun should ever arise.

seamusTX · Post by **seamusTX** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:21 am

NcongruNt wrote:That would be September 1, 2007.

Oops.

NcongruNt wrote:I agree that you don't have to memorize the handbook.

You don't have to memorize it (I haven't), but there are so many twists to the places weapons prohibited that it takes quite a bit of reading and discussion to really understand them. You can see from the questions that are asked here that many misconceptions exist.

- Jim

whohears · Post by **whohears** » Sun May 06, 2007 10:16 pm

i'm a novice, but what helped me was....

going to the range a lot before the class. enough to where I was very familiar with my weapon--decocking, safety on and off (if applicable), knowing the feel of the trigger pull in both DA and SA (if applicable).

this experience helped me a lot. with the confidence in handling the weapon, I could focus my attention on information in the class--instead of stressing about the range qualification (which isn't that difficult, assuming you are familiar with your weapon and have shot it often)

just my $0.02

Venus Pax · Post by **Venus Pax** » Sun May 06, 2007 10:23 pm

Just listen and ask questions if you don't understand something. I have yet to meet a CHL instructor that doesn't want his/her students well informed when they leave.

You're smart to familiarize yourself with your gun and to practice.

I agree with what everyone else is saying as well. You'll get good advice here.