New Member Here

[bryan1980]

Just another noob here, wanting to get my CHL.

A little background on myself: I'm 34, married with two kids, live in Ft. Worth. I did quite a bit of shooting when I was growing up. We lived far enough out where we could at least do some pistol shooting on our own property. I haven't done much shooting of any kind in the last 10 years or so. However, I just feel that the time is right to pursue my CHL. I have three other people that look to me for their safety, and I'd like to make use of any legal means to do so. I've already taken the first step towards this, by purchasing the pistol I plan to carry with (a Springfield XD-S in 9MM). Probably premature, but it was a good deal I just couldn't pass up.

I've always thought that forums were a great place to learn about anything. You get a wide range of opinions, but you're left to decide which one sounds right to you. Plus, you get the benefits of others' experiences. Here are a couple of initial thoughts/observations I have:

1. Obviously, I need to get some range time in with my carry weapon. Also, since I've been away from shooting for a while, a class or private lesson is probably a good thing. There's a shooting academy near me that offers a Beginner's and an Intermediate course. I'm leaning more towards the Intermediate course, since I'm not "new" to shooting, and I know how a pistol functions, etc. I just need a refresher.

2. No news to anyone on this forum, but ammo is EXPENSIVE, and that's when its available! I've heard this for the past few years, but now I'm seeing this for myself. The talk is that the situation is improving, it seems. If I didn't have the desire to go through with this so much, this alone would scare me off. Right now, I need to at least get a decent quantity of practice ammo, plus a little bit of what I plan to carry with to send down the range and get the feel for it.

I'm excited about this, and look forward to getting any advice I can from the seasoned veterans on here!

[Beiruty]

Welcome home, rest assured you would like it here.

[RKirkwood]

Welcome, this is a great forum with plenty of information and good people.

It looks like you have a good plan going forward.

[jmra]

Welcome to the forum. Be sure to verify that your XDs has been back to the factory to address the recall issue. If it has there should be two roll pins, one that was installed during manufacturing and one in the grip safety that would have been installed as part of the recall.

[The Marshal]

Welcome, Bryan!

[RPBrown]

Welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of knowledge here.

One recommendation that I try to give the newbe's is to carry around your home while you are waiting on the plastic. Try different carry options to see what works best for you and then to get comfortable with your chosen method. Don't wait until you get your plastic to have this all settled.

Also, a good gun belt is a must. dont settle for an everyday type belt. Some can be a little pricey but well worth the money spent.

And finally, don't be afraid to ask a question or chime in on a discussion. Use the search feature if in doubt. There is not much about the carry laws that has not already been discussed here.

[bryan1980]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I've already been looking through some of the other subforums. No shortage of good info. on this forum.

Thanks for all of the tips, especially for the recall. I had read that the XD's had been recalled, hopefully the defect was corrected before mine was manufactured. I'll check it out this evening.

[jmra]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I've already been looking through some of the other subforums. No shortage of good info. on this forum.

Thanks for all of the tips, especially for the recall. I had read that the XD's had been recalled, hopefully the defect was corrected before mine was manufactured. I'll check it out this evening.

The second roll pin is now part of the new manufacturing process so if it doesn't have the second roll pin it needs to be upgraded. Even the new 4" version has the second roll pin.

[rtschl]

Welcome! If you don't already have a range, I shoot at Elk Castle in West Fort Worth.

Ron

[mojo84]

Welcome! It's never premature to buy a gun.

[bryan1980]

Welcome! If you don't already have a range, I shoot at Elk Castle in West Fort Worth.

Ron

I went there quite a bit with Dad when I was growing up. We also went to Alpine some, too. I'm up in far north Ft. Worth, so I've been checking out Shoot Smart Academy's website.

[bryan1980]

Welcome! It's never premature to buy a gun.

Indeed! It's not like they go bad or something.

[The_Busy_Mom]

Welcome! If you don't already have a range, I shoot at Elk Castle in West Fort Worth.

Ron

I went there quite a bit with Dad when I was growing up. We also went to Alpine some, too. I'm up in far north Ft. Worth, so I've been checking out Shoot Smart Academy's website.

Welcome - we must be neighbors!! I'm in far North Fort Worth, just a mile from Shoot Smart. You'll find some great information here!

TBM

[RetNavy]

Welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of knowledge here.

One recommendation that I try to give the newbe's is to carry around your home while you are waiting on the plastic. Try different carry options to see what works best for you and then to get comfortable with your chosen method. Don't wait until you get your plastic to have this all settled.

Also, a good gun belt is a must. dont settle for an everyday type belt. Some can be a little pricey but well worth the money spent.

And finally, don't be afraid to ask a question or chime in on a discussion. Use the search feature if in doubt. There is not much about the carry laws that has not already been discussed here.

having just received my plastic just this month couldnt agree more on the above... I carried around the house and tried holsters out... Also used the Texas MPA law to my advantage.... gets you used to stowing your weapon in case you have to leave your weapon in your vehicle..
Welcome Aboard

[ghostrider]

Welcome! It's never premature to buy a gun.

Indeed. These days they may be better investments than stocks and bonds :-0

welcome to the team.