how much trouble am I in?

[philip964]

philip964 ? Any update on your status?

Checked yesterday and it still says Application Pending just as before.

Interesting that so much information is required to be typed in to get your status. TDL, SS#, birthdate and pin #. Usually most sites only need one number and a pin#. I guess the state wants to make really sure its you. Would n't want just anyone to know that your Application Pending.

[seamusTX]

It may be bureaucratic overkill. It's not like they're protecting your bank account or medical information.

- Jim

[joe817]

philip964 ? Any update on your status?

Checked yesterday and it still says Application Pending just as before.

Interesting that so much information is required to be typed in to get your status. TDL, SS#, birthdate and pin #. Usually most sites only need one number and a pin#. I guess the state wants to make really sure its you. Would n't want just anyone to know that your Application Pending.

Well no news is good news, I'd think. You might want to wait a week or 2, and if it's still saying processing app at that time, give them a casual call to check on the status. I've got my fingers crossed for you.

[philip964]

Postby joe817 » Tue Oct 13, 2009 10:35 pm
philip964 ? Any update on your status?

I checked today it still says "Processing Application"

Since I was so tardy with all of this I certainly cannot complain. However with the nice weather, I am getting itchy to join Bayou Rifles and it is so much easier if I have the card already. I may have to break down and try and join without it.

[joe817]

Well, if they actually received it on 10/01/09, then it's been 37 days. If your app would have been rejected I'd think they would have done by now, IMO. So maybe in another 2 or 3 weeks?

[philip964]

My CHL license arrived today post marked December 1, 2009.

I have to say the state really didnt take as long as I did. They spent about 4 months, I suspect if I had sent in digital fingerprints in the first place it would have reduced the time to only three months.

So my only recommendations would be to forget the ink fingerprints you get from your instructor and go with the FAST prints right away, that and read everything they send you completely.

Thanks for everyone's encouraging words.

Phil

[seamusTX]

Great news. Be safe out there.

- Jim

[philip964]

As a post CHL arrived December 1, 2009 update, I attended the orientation class for the Bayou Rifles shooting range this weekend.

The class was well led and there was not a test at the end.

Bayou Rifles has two ranges in Houston. One near Eldrige and I10 and the other near Angleton off 288. They have been around a long time and I have to thank all the very smart and hardworking people who have been running it since its beginning.

It makes it pretty simple for a novice like me to pay a very small fee and join such a great organization. (I have not been accepted yet so I may be speaking out of turn).

I understand that since I have my CHL already, it makes joining much simpler.

The larger range is near 288, they have a 1000 yard range there. The rifles I saw at that range were very impressive. I will probably spend most of my time at Eldridge where they have several nice pistol ranges.

Since concealed carry has become law in so many states, the manufactures seem to be focusing their new designs in this direction.
The local gun store has three guns that seem to fit my size requirement. All use the 380 ammunition. I am leaning towards the Sig model over the Micro Desert Eagle or the Keltec. I initially liked the Micro Desert Eagle because of its weight and finish. But I realized that if I wasnt entirely careful and got in a hurry, I could loose a finger. The end of the barrel and the trigger guard seamlessly end together. The Keltec is the smallest and least expensive even with the slick lazer attached. However, I am concerned about its very light weight. The Sig ended up in the middle weight wise and although I like its fit and finish it tends to be sort of ugly unless you buy the more expensive grips. It is the most expensive of the three.

So that is the direction I am headed with my concealed carry pistol. If anyone wants to speak up now is your chance.

[seamusTX]

I guess you're talking about the SIG P238?
http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCa ... ductid=280" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can't go wrong with a SIG (other than the SIG Mosquito, which seems to have hit-or-miss quality). They're not barbecue guns, but pretty is as pretty does. The cost isn't so much if you spread it out over the lifespan of a good pistol, which is upwards of 40 years.

I suggest that you at least look at 9-mm models. Newbies often think they need a tiny handgun for concealed carry, but it's easier than you think to pack a full-size service pistol.

.380 ammo has been very difficult to obtain and expensive for the past 14 months.

Just search the web for whatever model you are looking at. You'll find people who love and people who hate it.

- Jim

[philip964]

I like shooting a 9mm especially the Glock 17, but it seems too big to carry. SW, Glock and Walther seem to make nice compact 9mm, I'll look at them again.

I was planning on getting a 9mm just for plinking anyway, but I thought it would be the 17.

When I took my class I had no gun, I borrowed the instructors. So I would ask everyone about the gun they had. Most seemed to have 5 or 6, as there was no perfect gun nor did they like the first one they bought or the second.

I intended to buy smarter.

[seamusTX]

The Glock 19 looks like a good compromise between performance and concealability.

It's overall height is 5 inches, which I think is concealable in anything but fitted suits. It looks like you can get all three fingers on the grip (I've never shot one). It has a 17-round magazine capacity. What's not to like?

I am not a Glock guy. You will probably get some other views.

- Jim