First Carry (Sort of...)

[sjfcontrol]

Got my license yesterday. Today, decided to go to the range, to rent a couple small pistols in order to help decide the proper ones to get for concealed carry.

After leaving, I decided to drop by the auto dealer to fix a tire problem and get an oil change. Wasn't comfortable leaving my range bag (with Glock 17) in the back of my SUV while they worked on my tires. After a little thought, I realized that an unloaded pistol in a range bag is not exactly what I think of for CCW, but it WAS concealed in the bag...

So I spent over an hour in the auto dealer with my range bag at my feet.

I know... There is still a Wally-Walk in my future. But I did feel the concern regarding carrying, even unloaded and in a bag.

[Hos]

You got the license, I suggest you use it with a loaded weapon, unless you don't feel comfortable for some reason. Why not carry it loaded in the range bag in an accessible side pocket? As they say "carry 24/7 or guess right." Regardless, welcome to the CHL club.

[sjfcontrol]

If it had been planned, I probably would have.
I didn't remember that I needed to visit the dealer until I was in the car and on my way. Since I was going to the range, the pistol was unloaded (the way they want you to enter the range).
I expect to purchase a XD Subcompact within the next few days, at which point I will be comfortable carrying. My Glock 17 is just too big to conceal properly.

[Hos]

Thanks for the update. Brings up a good question, do we have to unload at the range since it's their rule? Is that their way of giving you "notice?"

Since there's no 30.06 sign I carry loaded to and from but I could be wrong.

[Keith B]

Thanks for the update. Brings up a good question, do we have to unload at the range since it's their rule? Is that their way of giving you "notice?"

Since there's no 30.06 sign I carry loaded to and from but I could be wrong.

Unless the sign is a 30.06, you have been given verbal notice or 30.06 language notice in a membership form you signed, you don't have to leave your CCW outside. However, range rules CAN prohibit you from removing your CCW once inside and using it for practice. Check with your local range to see how they prefer you bring in your carry weapon to practice. My range (Bullet Trap in Plano) states that once at the line, you remove your gun and don't replace it in the holster until you are done practicing. At that point you can reload and re-holster before leaving the line.

[sjfcontrol]

Bullet trap in Plano was where I went, too.
Any suggestions for other ranges in the North Dallas area? Specifically, somewhere where holster work is allowed would be nice!

[Keith B]

Bullet trap in Plano was where I went, too.
Any suggestions for other ranges in the North Dallas area? Specifically, somewhere where holster work is allowed would be nice!

There are none I am aware of that allow drawing from the holster other than being a member of the Dallas Pistol Club, and their membership waiting list is about 1-2 years long. There may be some I don't know about though.

[sjfcontrol]

Seems strange you can get a concealed license, but can't practice getting the durn thing out of the holster to use it

[Tha_Veteran]

This place, http://www.quailcreekrange.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, may allow, I did not see any rule that said it is not allowed.

[arnoldstrong]

Seems strange you can get a concealed license, but can't practice getting the durn thing out of the holster to use it

standard crap we have to put up with

[USA1]

Seems strange you can get a concealed license, but can't practice getting the durn thing out of the holster to use it

My local indoor range has never told me not to . They do look at me funny as I'm yelling at my target....

"...STOP !!...DROP THE WEAPON !!!"

[rlr]

Try locating an IDPA club in your area. There is one in the Northern Houston area that was mentioned during my CHL class that meets at the Thunder Gun range.

[sjfcontrol]

For the McKinney/Collin County area, this seems appropriate
http://www.ccidpa.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Keith B]

For the McKinney/Collin County area, this seems appropriate
http://www.ccidpa.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I heard APC was closed, but that may not be accurate. Either way, it is about 60 miles for me to drive to Greenville.

[sjfcontrol]

Assuming you meant "APG" -- Adrenaline Proving Grounds -- their website says they're "undergoing maintenance", whatever that means.