TexasCHLforum.com

I thought I would move this post over from The Waiting Room, where in the "May Applications" thread the following was posted by blacksheepmarty:

It only took 82 days since they received my application. I have spent the last 82 days studying CHL, training at the range, reading several books ...

I actually did all of this before applying for my CHL. How many others wait to become educated and trained with regard to carrying concealed until after they have already applied?

I have some ideas that are not quite ready to articulate about this but I'd like to get an idea of what's normal or expected.

I did most of my studying after I'd applied, but it was mainly because there was a very short amount of time between the point when I decided to get my CHL and actually taking the class.

It was an idea I'd batted around several years ago, when funds were significantly tighter, and I just never took the time. Then a friend of mine told me he was taking the class, and I decided I'd waited long enough.

I think it's a matter of personality types. Some people (like me) research everything to death. Others just jump in.

I also think the CHL class is an eye-opener for people who did not realize all the legal ramifications of carrying.

- Jim

Although I've used and fired weapons for over 40 years, I just recently decided to get my CHL and I signed up right away. That prompted me to get more involved, be more aware, read & read & read, and start going to the range on a regular basis. I've always been somewhat aware of what's going on, just not involved.

Most of those forty years was just plinking and playing*. Haven't hunted in over thirty years, still don't. Probably will start doing IDPA.

*Except for those eight years where shooting was very vital part of my life and career, although officers aren't supposed to be in the middle of things.

I'd say it was half-and-half with me. I did plenty of research (or so I thought) before taking the class, and then after the class I realized I needed to know more, so I hopped on TexasCHLForum.com

I was one of those who didn't know how much I didn't know until after I took the class. I had more questions than answers, so I started doing research, shooting, reading, shooting some more, and then somehow ended up at the instructors class.

And now, here I am. Still shooting, still reading, still researching.

Like several above, I have been shooting hand guns since childhood. Had 2 when I married at 19. When I decided to get my CHL that opened up a lot of new territory to explore. I started learning & training instedad of just target shooting. I am still learning & training.

I joined this site before I took my class. I had been wanting to get my CHL for a while but after my last close call and the feeling of uneasiness though the situation I told my wife that I was not going to feel that way ever again. I knew that carrying a firearm was going to have big responsibility but I was up for the challenge. I will still use my brains and experience and tactfulness that I had before carrying and hope that I never have to employ. So I guess you could say it was a mixture of several different things.

I know one thing I can wait for Charles to come up to Dallas and give his seminar about defensive situations again. I missed it last year but its defiantly going to be attended this year.

As a NRA Pistol Marksmanship Instructor as well as a Home Firearms Safety Instructor for many years before moving to TX, there was little I felt that I needed to study before applying, so I did so as soon as I was eligible. That's not to say I haven't continued my education since, just that I felt okay with applying "right away."

The reference from the OP is very similar to my case. When I decided to get my CHL, I had already been shooting for many years. I did some initial research and learned the basics of the law before I took my class, but after I went through with the class/application, I became more involved with reading about concealed carry and the law in general. I feel I have a better understanding of many issues just from reading the posts on this board. Also, once I applied, I did find myself at the range more.

Well I think it's an excellent use of the time between the class/application and the plastic, and interesting that it occurs to many of us that this is a good time to do the research. At the same time we whine about this time being way too long and if magically some of us got our wish of no license requirement or reduced infringement, maybe even just reducing the time from 90-120 days down to <30 days then we may inadvertently rob many of us of the opportunity to become as educated as we'd like.

Still just thinking out loud...

The arrival of your plastic is no reason to stop learning. It's just like getting a driver or marriage license. It's wise to keep learning. Some people won't bother.

I always point out in this context that the majority of CHL holders will die of old age without having to present their weapon.

- Jim

longtooth wrote:Like several above, I have been shooting hand guns since childhood. Had 2 when I married at 19. When I decided to get my CHL that opened up a lot of new territory to explore. I started learning & training instedad of just target shooting. I am still learning & training.

Just another area where LT and I agree.

We are both "ever the student", always wanting and willing to learn (from anyone).

I think I annoyed my instructor a little at my CHL class, because I already knew the material so well. I didn't know everything, but I had already dug pretty deep into this site and had downloaded the handbook from the DPS website (and read most of it). But I have to agree with LT, if I didn't still think I had more to learn, I wouldn't still be here reading (and occasionally contributing) this wonderful forum!

My experience was that i knew how to shoot, but the law was too confusing. It was after the class that I learned how little i knew, and i also learned that it was going to be my responsibility to learn the law, so i did. before the CHL class "I didn't know what i didn't know" and after whilst waiting for my plastic, i learned, studied, asked around, practically memorized that little white handbook. I feel much more confident now, and i know how to keep my self out of trouble.