Anyway, I just got back from the bi-annual CHL instructor re-qualification conducted by the Texas Dept. of Public Safety. The shooting portion of the course is at their new range outside Georgetown Texas... and what a range complex it is... for some reason the size and quality did not hit me other times there.
The new range is really the best facility I have ever seen... really world class with ranges to satisfy anyone... of particular interest is the fact they own land two miles behind the berms... just to make sure no bullets stray where they should not...
Tee time for the shooting was 0730, but of course someone is always late... it is in their nature... some people don't know how to be considerate... or respectful of others.
Whilst awaiting the arrival of the errant shooters we were standing around and realized there were dozens of deer standing behind us (we were on the range) grazing and watching us... and not even a little worried about us. When we finally started shooting they deer just continued to watch us with little apparent concern... I guess living within the 10 ft. razor wire topped fences of the DPS range they are pretty safe from hunters.
Shooting went fairly smoothly... it is the most enjoyable part of the course... instructors have to qualify with both the revolver and semi-auto pistol... and have to shoot 90% or better with both weapons to qualify as an instructor.
One guy decided he would buy a SIG 220 the day before qualification to shoot in qualification. He had never fired a SIG before... (gentle readers... trust me on this... it IS NOT a good idea to buy a new gun and try to use it for qualifications if you have never fired it.)
Somehow some how this genius managed to have a negligent discharge... into the concrete about 5' in front of him... it sure got the attention of everyone around him... not to mention the trooper who was acting as safety officer behind him... The Senior Sergent in charge of the range was VERY pale in the face...
Anyway, after Mr. ND was escorted from the range all went pretty well... and smoothly. The DPS range personnel are really nice people... very helpful and pleasant... and very professional.
The classroom portion was interesting with lots of new laws to cover... everyone pretty much agreed with the DPS instructors that the new law requiring a renewal class only every 10 years after the first three renewals was a bit over the top... maybe it can be changed in the next legislature.
Lots of discussion about the removal of the duty to retreat, changes to the castle law, and the immunity from civil suit.
All in all a pretty good class... though I'm glad it is over.
Hats off to the DPS personnel who put these courses on every other year.
FWIW
Chuck
