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Getting Permit- I have questions
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:35 pm
by shawn
I want to get a permit, but I have questions as to how the timing off all this works. I have seen some classes that can do the shooting qualifications right after class, and some that can not. How much time after the class do you have to do your qualifications. I thought I read some where 6 months, but I haven't been able to find it again. I am wanting to take the class now and wait a little while to do the rest due to budget constraints and to do a little more practicing etc. Thanks in advance.
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:45 pm
by AOPAPilot
My class was all in one day (including the qualification) We were in class in the morning then went to the range, then back for more class and then the written exam.
That said, you should be able to get all of your stuff done in one day including all your fingerprints and paperwork. If you are looking for a class in the greater Houston area give "ElGato" a PM and get signed up for his class. That is where I took mine and I really learned alot and we had a great time in doing so.
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:58 pm
by Charles L. Cotton
Welcome to TexasCHLforum Shawn. One of the instructors on the board will give you a better answer, but I wanted to comment that I've never heard of an instructor that didn't include the range time with the course.
Where do you live? If it's anywhere near Houston, I'd be happy to take you to our range at PSC and we can practice the course you'll be shooting. Trust me, it isn't hard! I have plenty of ammo that's itching to be burned up.
Regards,
Chas.
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:58 pm
by shawn
I am north of dallas. I've looked at a couple places, bullet trap and collincounty gun range. Bullet trap said they could only do a few after class since they have big classes...
I guess a follow up question would be, if I do everything, what is the time limit for me to send it all in (mainly how till I have to write a check to the state)

Thanks!
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 4:09 pm
by AOPAPilot
shawn wrote:I am north of dallas. I've looked at a couple places, bullet trap and collincounty gun range. Bullet trap said they could only do a few after class since they have big classes...
I guess a follow up question would be, if I do everything, what is the time limit for me to send it all in (mainly how till I have to write a check to the state)

Thanks!
think you've got a year to get your paperwork in, it is $140.00 with no special considerations. Here is a link that you might find usefull
http://www.packing.org/state/texas/
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 4:14 pm
by txinvestigator
shawn wrote:I am north of dallas. I've looked at a couple places, bullet trap and collincounty gun range. Bullet trap said they could only do a few after class since they have big classes...
I guess a follow up question would be, if I do everything, what is the time limit for me to send it all in (mainly how till I have to write a check to the state)

Thanks!
I am the Training Director at the DFW Gun Range in Dallas. We do a class every Saturday and include the prints, photos, notarize your documents, class, range and paperwork.
Also once a month we have a class over three evenings.
Call 214-630-4866 for details or to get on the list. Reservations are required.
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 5:52 pm
by shawn
Thanks TXinv! 3 weekdays would be nice! I'll keep that in mind.
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:32 am
by Paladin
DFW gun range is a nice range, but I have to say I'm curious about what's up with that whole "Ali G" thing?
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 12:04 pm
by dws1117
shawn wrote:I am north of dallas. I've looked at a couple places, bullet trap and collincounty gun range. Bullet trap said they could only do a few after class since they have big classes...
I guess a follow up question would be, if I do everything, what is the time limit for me to send it all in (mainly how till I have to write a check to the state)

Thanks!
I was told by DPS that you had 2 years from thedate that you took the class.
I took my class in Sept. 03 and sent my paperwork and fee into the state in Jan. 05.
Oh, and the shooting portion is easy. If I can pass it, anyone can. The course of fire seems as if it was designed so that it was easy to pass. Personally I would like to see it a bit more challenging. Just my .02.
Good Luck
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 1:56 pm
by txinvestigator
Paladin wrote:DFW gun range is a nice range, but I have to say I'm curious about what's up with that whole "Ali G" thing?
????

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:33 pm
by stevie_d_64
Classes
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:51 pm
by cxm
Doing all in one day is difficult if the instructor acutally complies with the law.
Texas law requires not less than 10 hours and a maximum of 15 hours of instruction. It is pretty hard to stuff that all into one day.
My classes are done with the class on a Saturday and qualification the following day... which usually takes less than an hour total. That way I am sure I comply with the minimum instruction requirements.
A friend who is an instructor does the classes three nights and the qualification on Saturday. Both work... both of us make sure we give students all the required instruction.
Your certificate is valid for six months from the date of training. After that you would have to go through the process again.
Classes are really not a problem... you should go for it...
FWIW
Chuck
shawn wrote:I am north of dallas. I've looked at a couple places, bullet trap and collincounty gun range. Bullet trap said they could only do a few after class since they have big classes...
I guess a follow up question would be, if I do everything, what is the time limit for me to send it all in (mainly how till I have to write a check to the state)

Thanks!
Re: Classes
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 7:43 pm
by txinvestigator
cxm wrote:Doing all in one day is difficult if the instructor acutally complies with the law.
Texas law requires not less than 10 hours and a maximum of 15 hours of instruction. It is pretty hard to stuff that all into one day.
My classes are done with the class on a Saturday and qualification the following day... which usually takes less than an hour total. That way I am sure I comply with the minimum instruction requirements.
A friend who is an instructor does the classes three nights and the qualification on Saturday. Both work... both of us make sure we give students all the required instruction.
Your certificate is valid for six months from the date of training. After that you would have to go through the process again.
Classes are really not a problem... you should go for it...
FWIW
Chuck
shawn wrote:I am north of dallas. I've looked at a couple places, bullet trap and collincounty gun range. Bullet trap said they could only do a few after class since they have big classes...
I guess a follow up question would be, if I do everything, what is the time limit for me to send it all in (mainly how till I have to write a check to the state)

Thanks!
You are right about being a long day. We start at 0900 and end after 2000. That gives us 11 hours, and we take a short lunch and work while fingerprints and pics are being done.
I seldom finish by 2000 though.
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:40 pm
by ElGato
Mine are 8:am to 8:pm, sure hard on an old man (65) but most students perfer to get it done in one long day.
The first time certification must be recieved by the DPS before its 2yrs old, the renewal certification is good for 6mo. or 1yr. after your expiration date, which ever comes first.
Tomcat
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:07 pm
by shawn
cool, thanks! I am definitely gonna do it... but man a whole day seems like a killer... I mean thats defensive driving twice

Not that I'd know 8)