4th renewal: Take the course or not?

[Moonpie]

Question for the forum:

I'm up for my 4th CHL renewal later this year.
As I understand it the new regulations say the CHL-100 Training Form is good for 10 years after the 3rd renewal.
On my 3rd renewal the CHL-100 would be good for 10 years so I don't actually need to re-take the CHL course again correct?
Should I re-take the course anyway? If for no other reasons than to update my knowledge of CHL regs?

What says the forum?

[74novaman]

If its with a good instructor, can't hurt to hear it all again.

And maybe some of the people getting a CHL for the first time would appreciate having someone with experience so they can ask questions.

I'd take it.

[WildBill]

If its with a good instructor, can't hurt to hear it all again.

And maybe some of the people getting a CHL for the first time would appreciate having someone with experience so they can ask questions.

I'd take it.

[Thomas]

Haggle.

Ask when they usually have their smallest class and then ask for a discount if you go to that class citing that you don't need the class to renew, but that you'd like to exchange some money for a refresher.

If they say they don't offer any discounts or they only give discounts that don't apply to you, just say "Oh well, I guess I won't pay to take a class this time."

If they only offer you a paltry discount, say "oh... I was thinking more like (whatever is about half of normal price) dollars, I guess I could meet you in the middle at ... , but anything more and I think I'll just pass this time."

Don't be afraid to haggle, services are easily negotiable if one tries
(With practice, it's even possible to haggle at retail chain stores)
No one is going to make a deal with you if they're not making a profit, so there is no need to feel guilty or anything. I've negotiated a $1500 product (item worth $100, services valued at $1400) down to $350 from a national corporation. The more money you save by haggling, the more guns and ammo you can buy

[Crossfire]

Moonpie - You don't say where you are, but, if you are in DFW, any 3rd renewal is welcome to come sit in on our class anytime.

If we don't have to spend money on you, then we don't charge you anything. If you want to go to the range with the class, then all you have to do is pay your range fee.

Just send a PM if you want to come, and we will make room for you.

[baldeagle]

Moonpie - You don't say where you are, but, if you are in DFW, any 3rd renewal is welcome to come sit in on our class anytime.

If we don't have to spend money on you, then we don't charge you anything. If you want to go to the range with the class, then all you have to do is pay your range fee.

Just send a PM if you want to come, and we will make room for you.

Just watch out for the cowpies.

[longtooth]

Beat me to it Crossfire.

If you are near Lufkin, Diboll, Angelina County you are welcome in my class the 12th of Feb too.
LT

[Charles L. Cotton]

Those are very generous offers by Crossfire and Longtooth. If you're going to sit through the class however, I'd go ahead and pay the fee, take the tests and get the CHL-100 training form. That gives you another 10 years and you may want or need to skip it next renewal.

Chas.

[Moonpie]

Thank you for the kind offers gentlemen.

I'm down near Bay City so it would be too far of a drive for me to attend.

Do believe I will attend a local class to update the CHL-100. That way I'm covered.

[longtooth]

Those are very generous offers by Crossfire and Longtooth. If you're going to sit through the class however, I'd go ahead and pay the fee, take the tests and get the CHL-100 training form. That gives you another 10 years and you may want or need to skip it next renewal.

Chas.

Thank you sir. The Crossfire team was very gracious to me when I was getting started. They have invested much time & effort in a RedNeck country boy that was not required of them. I suspect I am not the only one.
Thank you both again.
LT

[jframe.38]

IMHO I think that it is a good idea to attend the class for the following reasons:

1. to get a classroom update on any changes to the law since your last course
2. it is a good refresher course, and a fun excuse to go to the range/gun store
3. If you take notes, it is a way to document that you understand the laws as currently written, and the current case law.

Personally, when one of my close family members or friends go for there class, I will go too. It makes for a fun family outing, and is more fun for them than doing it alone. It also let's me get a valuable update on changes to the statute from a qualified instructor. I try to attend at a bare minimum at least every two years ( ie after every legislative session).

Whenever a family member or close friend decides to take the plunge into CHL for the first time, I like to attend, too. After the class I compare notes with them from my prior classes.

Reviewing old notes like that is a fun way to look at how the law has changed over the years.

Best Wishes

[shootthesheet]

So, after a CHL has had a license for 10 years the next renewal they don't have to have the class, right? It isn't 3 renewals but initial issue and 2 renewals? Thanks.

[Charles L. Cotton]

So, after a CHL has had a license for 10 years the next renewal they don't have to have the class, right? It isn't 3 renewals but initial issue and 2 renewals? Thanks.

Correct; you do not have to take a class for your 3rd consecutive renewal.

Chas.

[Big Tuna]

If its with a good instructor, can't hurt to hear it all again.

Aye. There's the rub.

[fickman]

I'll offer the other perspective: I'm on a budget, so I wouldn't take it.

It looks like the rules are set up to reward you (time and money) for having your license so long, so you might as well take advantage of it. Being active on this forum will keep you better informed than many of the casual CHL holders I've run into who had low-quality instructors.

If you're itching to take a class, use the time and money to take an advanced tactics course!