TexasCHLforum.com

Hey Everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm finally going to pull the trigger (pun intended)
on getting my CHL. Has anyone used Ready Learning Academy in Austin/Georgetown?

http://www.readylac.com

They advertise some interesting classes at really good prices. Only been able to find
one review online which was overwhelmingly positive by the way. Of course I know that
sometimes reviews are "planted". I was hoping someone here has some personal experience
with them or knows of someone who has.

Thanks in advance,

heinecke

Don't have any personal experience with these guys as I took my CHL course from another outfit in Austin. Just wanted to say welcome to the forum!

Ultimately a CHL class is a CHL class. There are good ones and there are bad ones. But most of what you learn is going to be through research on your own after the class. This forum is a great place for that research.
Welcome to the forum.

My advice for what it might be worth is to go to the DPS web page, download the CHL-16 book, print out a copy copies, and read the thing cover to cover. Yes, much of it is dry and boring, but pay attention to the details and when you get to the CHL class you will have enough knowledge to make even the worst experience acceptable, and you will be able to ask intelligent questions as well.

jmra wrote:Ultimately a CHL class is a CHL class. There are good ones and there are bad ones. But most of what you learn is going to be through research on your own after the class. This forum is a great place for that research.
Welcome to the forum.

While everything you said is true, I do think it's worth the time to vet CHL providers.

IMHO, it's even more important than ever to get one of the "good" CHL classes. There are so many things that go into responsible carry-- the legal ramifications of where and when to carry, basic conflict resolution, how to avoid being in a place where you have to shoot, the psychology of what happens when you shoot, the mechanics of when to shoot (what's behind your target?), how to effectively conceal, etc etc .

I took mine at a different provider, but it was someone who I'd gotten recommendations for from people I trusted. The guy I used gave a great class, and I came away with a whole new mindset.

One of the biggest unexpected takeaways I had from my class was a discussion of the financial impact of a legitimate case of self defense. My CHL instructor pointed out that if someone breaks into your house and is in the process of stealing a TV, you very well could have a legal cause to shoot. But, the replacement cost of the TV is dwarfed by the costs of having to defend yourself in court even if you're ultimately exonerated.

Anyway, I took the time to ask around, as the OP is doing. I think it's time well spent.

I really think a good class is important. I just took mine a few weeks ago and was not very impressed with things. The instructor was friendly but spent the class showing unrelated videos and skimming through the laws.. They were really patient at the range. I appreciated that for the ladies there ( still scary having someone's first time handling a gun in a class). Either way I think y ou should research a bit.. Maybe see what instructors on this forum teach I Austin area.. You can get a good feel by their forum presence and ask the, questions!
Brian

I wanted to add something.. The one thing that stood out to me and I immediately told my mother and gf DO NOT listen to him on this.. He was discussing being disarmed by LEO and he didn't feel thy could safely remove and clear his weapon so he would do it f or them. Sounds like a sure fire way to end up on the news..
Brian

A well taught class is going to be much more beneficial than one that is not. One that keeps you engaged is better because you will learn more than if you are trying to "stay awake" in a badly taught class. Keep doing your research and find a class that is recommended. If you want to take this class, ask the instructor for a list of referrals.

heinecke wrote:Has anyone used Ready Learning Academy in Austin/Georgetown?

A friend just went a few weeks ago. He had a good time and learned a lot too. Another friend is going in the next couple of weeks. That is what I've heard from friends I trust.
Thank you,

I was not suggesting that a good class was not important. What I am saying is no matter what class you take, there is much more learning to be done on your part.
I believe that my initial class was about as good as they get. But, after spending some time on the forum I realized just how little I know. After 4 years on this forum, I am still learning things frequently about CHL that I either did not know or had a misconception.
Which brings me back to my original statement. It's a one day class that is going to give you very basic information about the law. Try to use someone reputable and then dig into the forum.

jmra wrote:there is much more learning to be done on your part...... .......It's a one day class that is going to give you very basic information about the law. Try to use someone reputable and then dig into the forum.

The class is just the beginning

I appreciate all the answers. I have already downloaded the CHL-16 and have been studying it along with all the great advice on this forum. I'm glad to hear mojohn has heard good things about the academy. Makes me feel better about it. I'm kind of anal about learning as much as I can about something before I attend so I will continue to do research. The idea about asking for referrals is a good one also.

Thanks everybody.