Mandatory Instruction

[txinvestigator]

Firearms and range safety, as well as proper transportation and storage are all required parts of the CHL training.

As an instructor I emphasize safety. In fact, I teach that the most important aspect of any firearms training is safety. I go in depth all aspects of safety. That said, I also realize that the majority of CHL students are not operators, IDPA/IPSC or otherwise have much if any prior training. I also realize that many of these students may never actually carry, and I KNOW the next time many of them will shoot is their next mandatory qualification.

Because of this, I keep it simple. The 4 cardinal rules are hammered into them. In addition, I have some things that will cause a person to be removed from the line; a negligent discharge, allowing a muzzle to point at any person, or any other major safety violation I deem critical to pull them. My intent is not to make it difficult, but to keep everyone, me included, safe.

I don't care if a person cannot load a magazine, I'll show them or get them help. (I consider this as a possibility for additional business, as I offer to give them later, personal instruction or to attend a basic class) I don't care if I have to show them how to better grip, better hold, better stand, better sight, etc. I don't care if revolver shooters don't know which way the cylinder turns or how to load 5 in a 6 shot and be sure the first trigger press goes bang. I'll show them. As long as no one is endangered, they can make it.

I am an instructor, not simply a tester.

There are also people in classes who could probably teach me a thing or two, or have mastered the art of pistolcraft. It is my opinion that THEY have an obligation to be patient with those less capable or trained. When I go to schools as a student (I have not picked mine yet this year, any ideas?) I am always with less skilled and trained shooters, as well as those that can shoot circles around me. I hope that when I need to get caught up on a new drill or tactic, the more experienced or better trained shooters will have the same patience with me that I have with those less capable than me.

We should all help each other. ;)


Kumbaya, ya'll

[troglodyte]

+1 txi

I am not an CHL instructor but as a professional teacher I agree.

[WildBill]

To require more training puts the whole CHL program on the slippery slope. First it's the separate safety course, then it's a letter from your doctor, then an eye exam. Pretty soon you don't have a "shall issue" concealed carry law program.

To paraphrase another person from this forum - Getting your CHL is your license to begin learning.

[flintknapper]

I am an instructor, not simply a tester.

I like that!

[frankie_the_yankee]

One person showed up with a brand spanking new Bryco that appeared to be "bone dry" to me.

Even before the shooting part of the class began, the instructor offered his own personal pistol to the man to use for the test.

The man declined...and we were all treated to no less than 40+ stoppages. Of course, this required the attention of the instructor at nearly every shot.

Normally, this instructor would have removed the person from the firing line and had him re-shoot after the class had finished (probably with another weapon).

Instead...he allowed this guy to experience a very valuable lesson (for himself and others). Don't buy a cheap piece of junk...to protect yourself with, often times men do this...when purchasing a weapon for their significant other's. Terrible mistake.

For the most part, the Bryco this fella had was a "single shot", not by design of course, but simply because it wouldn't function.

Whenever I see someone do this I ask them if they would jump out of an airplane with a cheap parachute.

[aardwolf]

I just wish that you guys could have seen what I did......

Nothing you mentioned so far sounds unsafe.

[flintknapper]

One person showed up with a brand spanking new Bryco that appeared to be "bone dry" to me.

Even before the shooting part of the class began, the instructor offered his own personal pistol to the man to use for the test.

The man declined...and we were all treated to no less than 40+ stoppages. Of course, this required the attention of the instructor at nearly every shot.

Normally, this instructor would have removed the person from the firing line and had him re-shoot after the class had finished (probably with another weapon).

Instead...he allowed this guy to experience a very valuable lesson (for himself and others). Don't buy a cheap piece of junk...to protect yourself with, often times men do this...when purchasing a weapon for their significant other's. Terrible mistake.

For the most part, the Bryco this fella had was a "single shot", not by design of course, but simply because it wouldn't function.

Whenever I see someone do this I ask them if they would jump out of an airplane with a cheap parachute.

So do I, but I never get any "takers".

[TDDude]

No.

The embarrassment should be enough to get the flunky to take some private instruction.

- Jim

My renewal had quite a few who rented pistols for the test and some of the shooting was pretty pathetic. I don't know if anyone flunked but the instructor did call out everyones score as he shoed the class the targets. I only had one get out of the X ring so I was OK but some of those targets were pretty widely punched and some guys were humbled.

[TX Rancher]

Whenever I see someone do this I ask them if they would jump out of an airplane with a cheap parachute.

So do I, but I never get any "takers".

When I was in the military, I jumped using a chute manufactured by the lowest bidder on a govt contract...which probably qualifies as "cheap"...

So you see guys, there are people out there dumb enough to do it, and I'm living proof...you guys just need to ask the right idiot

[The Annoyed Man]

Agree that an instructor ought to DQ a student who is a safety threat to other students or to the instructor. I would think that for any sentient being, if this were to happen to them - particularly when they see other students doing just fine - that perhaps they would come to the realization on their own that they need help and ask the instructor for an appointment for some gun training at a later date before continuing any further with the project of getting a CHL.

[Rokyudai]

As far as making it a prerequisite (lawful requirement) prior to attending a CHL class? Not a chance for the same reasons previously stated by Wildbill. Do I wish everyone would arrive to the course with some basic knowledge of handgun operation and safety? ...YOU BETCHA. I know I'm in the majority when I say I firmly believe it's in the best interest of anyone who is contemplating a CHL, to get some range time and practice with an experienced shooter who can teach you proper handling techniques and safety. It can't get much more straightforward than that.

[bpet]

No to the safety cert for CHL. I don't even like the requirement for Hunter Safety Training certificates.

Safety certification is NOT required to purchase a firearm in Texas. Anyone who buys (or is given) a firearm here can be a total idiot in the privacy of his home, on his private property, or even a public shooting range, and not be required to undergo safety training. I don't think that taking a 4 or 8 hour safety training course adds any level of maturity to a person who is, by nature, irresponsible. And, yes, I have taken the hunter safety training course (and enjoyed it).

Sorry, but I think CHL instructors and range safety officers should continue to enforce proper gun handling safety during qualifications/shooting, take appropriate and immediate action when required, and not introduce additional roadblocks to gun ownership.

[45 4 life]

I hate to bring this up, however being a former LEO (while living in Colorado) I have witnessed pour shooting and gun handling at that level, but that is probably for another topic.

I hope the majority of instructors here in our great state have the common since when to DQ someone and possibly direct them to some proper training.

When home I usually try to get the family together for target practice session. For my family that qualifies as quality time together. We normally wind up at Bass Pro in Grapevine. I have seen some interesting things while there, performed by individuals that freely advertise that they have a CHL. It is a little scary witnessing a simple task like clearing a stove pipe.

For you instructers out there. Do you have carte blanch to DQ?

[txinvestigator]

For you instructers out there. Do you have carte blanch to DQ?

A student has to complete the 10 hour course, pass a written and shooting test. I can disallow them to continue the class for any reason. If they do not complete the class, they cannot get their proficiency certificate (TR100). No TR100 no CHL.

[ElGato]

Failure to follow instruction or any unsafe act immediately terminates your test and you will have to schedule time to repeat the proficiency demonstration later. Sgt Adams at DPS made a similar statement but failed to follow through with it when I went to the DPS Instructor Renewal in December. I really wished he'd followed through because at least two guys near me didn't need to be there.

I have seen that too GCM, it was that way in my first Instructor class in 95 and every one since, there are also the Instructor's who ask the same question's that they have been giving on the written exam for the last several year's.
I feel that I shouldn't expect more of my student's than they ask of Instructor's.
The class is designed for the average citizen to be able to pass it and in real life we know it's working very well.

By the way I hope to be in another of your CQC classes, I was really enjoying it right up until the Thunder Storm part, I hope you will leave that out of the next one.