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Ok, the short of it is that my wife took her CHL class along with my parents 4 years ago. Now, its time for renewal, and they all want to go together again. Father's expires in 12/12, mother's in 1/13 and wife's in 7/13. My plan is to set them up for an August or September class, knowing that my wife's is the last to expire next July, so that puts her within the 12 month window for taking the class. Additionally, she's pregnant and expecting towards the end of December so I'd rather her get it out of the way as soon as possible.

So my question is, am I thinking through this right? Any issues you can see with the plan?

SigM4 wrote:Ok, the short of it is that my wife took her CHL class along with my parents 4 years ago. Now, its time for renewal, and they all want to go together again. Father's expires in 12/12, mother's in 1/13 and wife's in 7/13. My plan is to set them up for an August or September class, knowing that my wife's is the last to expire next July, so that puts her within the 12 month window for taking the class. Additionally, she's pregnant and expecting towards the end of December so I'd rather her get it out of the way as soon as possible.

So my question is, am I thinking through this right? Any issues you can see with the plan?

You cannot renew more than 6 months ahead of time. However, the class is good for 12 months, so when she gets her renewal letter around the middle of February, then she can apply and send in the CHL-100 form.

The only issue I do see is her shooting while pregnant. The exposure to lead and powder may be an issue. One of the ladies who is more up on prenatal care may want to jump in here.

Keith B wrote: The only issue I do see is her shooting while pregnant. The exposure to lead and powder may be an issue. One of the ladies who is more up on prenatal care may want to jump in here.

Disclaimer: Not a doc (or a pregnant lady ), just passing on what I've heard from others in this situation....

A pregnant woman can shoot, with a few restrictions:

Don't do it at an indoor range, and don't clean the guns afterwards.

This minimizes lead exposure, and should be perfectly safe for momma and baby.

On the pregnancy issue. The amount of lead exposure she would receive from a range is negligible. However if the concern is still present s simple solution exist, go to the local drug store and purchase a surgical mask and latex/nitrile gloves. And when it comes to cleaning products it is simple, wear gloves.

My associate Melissa, stopped shooting when she was about 4 months pregnant at the advise of her OBGYN. The reason to stop shooting wasn't lead exposure as much as protecting the babies (twins) hearing. Her doctor told her as long as she was outdoors and thoroughly washed her hands lead wasn't a concern. He told her the babies hearing develops about 5 months and to stay away from loud noises like shooting, rock concerts, drag racing etc. Melissa taught up to her seventh month but, I took care of all the range duties.

MoJo wrote: He told her the babies hearing develops about 5 months and to stay away from loud noises like shooting, rock concerts, drag racing etc

One of my co-workers wife shoots alot and she had the same concerns and after about 3-4 months she didn't shoot again (and missed Turkey season - she wasn't happy!)

Good to note about the shooting while pregnant. Since she was going to be with my folks I'd even considered having my father load her magazines for her, to reduce any chance of exposure, but I hadn't considered the noise aspect. Whether now or later she'll be shooting outdoors, but still may be something to ask at the next doctor's appointment. If all else fails she can always take the class by herself, I just know she'll enjoy it more with someone there she knows.

SigM4 wrote:I just know she'll enjoy it more with someone there she knows.

I have read on this forum a couple of times, that as long as you are not in the class to get certified, they will let 'spectators' in, but only in certain situations.
So if you have your CHL and explain it to a perspective instructor, they will probably say sure, you can come, if you want a sore butt too.

Teamless wrote:

SigM4 wrote:I just know she'll enjoy it more with someone there she knows.

I have read on this forum a couple of times, that as long as you are not in the class to get certified, they will let 'spectators' in, but only in certain situations.
So if you have your CHL and explain it to a perspective instructor, they will probably say sure, you can come, if you want a sore butt too.

We do this all the time. The only thing we ask for is $10 to cover your doughnuts and coffee and lunch and drinks.

Unless you are also a certified instructor. Then, the price of admission is, you have to go to the range and help RSO.

It's a renewal so his butt shouldn't get too sore and there probably won't be a lunch involved. :)

Crossfire wrote:

Teamless wrote:

SigM4 wrote:I just know she'll enjoy it more with someone there she knows.

I have read on this forum a couple of times, that as long as you are not in the class to get certified, they will let 'spectators' in, but only in certain situations.
So if you have your CHL and explain it to a perspective instructor, they will probably say sure, you can come, if you want a sore butt too.

We do this all the time. The only thing we ask for is $10 to cover your doughnuts and coffee and lunch and drinks.

Unless you are also a certified instructor. Then, the price of admission is, you have to go to the range and help RSO.

Can I just pay my $10 instead? Was awfully hot out there Saturday.

Keith B wrote:

Crossfire wrote:

Teamless wrote:

SigM4 wrote:I just know she'll enjoy it more with someone there she knows.

I have read on this forum a couple of times, that as long as you are not in the class to get certified, they will let 'spectators' in, but only in certain situations.
So if you have your CHL and explain it to a perspective instructor, they will probably say sure, you can come, if you want a sore butt too.

We do this all the time. The only thing we ask for is $10 to cover your doughnuts and coffee and lunch and drinks.

Unless you are also a certified instructor. Then, the price of admission is, you have to go to the range and help RSO.

Can I just pay my $10 instead? Was awfully hot out there Saturday.

No, Keith, you cannot just pay the $10 instead. You are Assistant Head Range Officer and Cat Herder. You HAVE to go to the range.

Let me suggest an alternate strategy.

Have her use her current Texas CHL to qualify for an Arizona non-resident license now. It is useful to have an alternate license that is also valid in Texas as a backup license anyway with different renewal years.

That way she doesn't need to be outside in the August heat shooting while pregnant (since indoors is not an option). Sometime after delivery, when she feels up to it, she can take the training next winter or spring. If the training is late, causing the application/renewal to be delayed, that is not a worry because even if her Texas license expires she still has a valid AZ license.