TexasCHLforum.com

I've noticed an influx of new members recently which I think is really great. It seems many of these members are not only new to the forum, but sometimes to firearms in generally, or at least the carrying of firearms for personal protection. I'm soliciting input from some of the seasoned posters on what questions to include and how to put it together. I'll work on compiling the list. I will include some popular answers to said question and links to posts that discuss the question. I hope that this thread will serve as a scratch pad of sorts for us to compile some questions and answers and links. I really want the final product to have a "Welcome - let us share info with you" kind of feel. I know some boards have structured their FAQs with more of a "stop bothering us with your stupid questions - here are the links to do your own homework" feel to them. I would like to avoid that.

If we work together, I think we could come up with something useful to assist newer members, or even people finding us on google, with an introduction to carrying daily. Maybe some of our mods will find a good spot to sticky it.

Here are some questions I'm working on, feel free to add others. If you do have a contribution, please find some posts, possibly epic posts, that discussed the question.

• 
  I'm in the market for a new handgun to carry, which one should I get?
  What caliber should I get for concealed carry?
  How should I carry a concealed handgun?
  What holster should I buy?
  I heard about XYZ pre-paid legal protection for CHL holders, is this a good deal?
  I sweat alot, will this damage my handgun?
  Should I carry a less than lethal weapon?
  It's time to renew my CHL - what do I do?
  Can I drink alcohol while I'm carrying?
  Commonly used terms/acronyms list
  Where can I not carry?
  

I'm sure I'm just scratching the surface. Hopefully I'll have some help and this will be cool. Possibly some of you coders can share some input and we can even put together a concealed handgun wiki.

Who's in?

I'll help, but I doubt we can be very specific with some questions like the first two.

Can I go to the bathroom in the Post Office with my CCW after I've had a couple of beers?

What constitutes a proper 30.06 sign?

How can I tell if an establishment is 51%?

Gig,

Run the search below (just click the link or open in a new tab or browser) before you go too far.

http://texaschlforum.com/search.php?key ... mit=Search" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In all of the FAQs I created, I simply listed links to existing threads. It is something of a chore to synthesize all the information, and varying opinions and "intepretations" make it even harder. So my thought was just to point people to the existing discussions and let them figure it out for themselves. Much easier to just search out the links that mention a topic and past'em all in one post. I have been updating the ones I created as I see new threads on old subjects pop up.

But if you want to do it "the hard way," knock yourself out.

ELB wrote:Gig,

Run the search below (just click the link or open in a new tab or browser) before you go too far.

http://texaschlforum.com/search.php?key ... mit=Search" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In all of the FAQs I created, I simply listed links to existing threads. It is something of a chore to synthesize all the information, and varying opinions and "intepretations" make it even harder. So my thought was just to point people to the existing discussions and let them figure it out for themselves. Much easier to just search out the links that mention a topic and past'em all in one post. I have been updating the ones I created as I see new threads on old subjects pop up.

But if you want to do it "the hard way," knock yourself out.

I have been going through your posts actually, and remember when they went up. If we had one centralized area, I think it could make for a good sticky or even better, a wiki. Forum members, in my experience, do not search, or search too generically for information. I think back in 05 we could get by with what have been doing. This forum has literally exploded since then. I think this would be a great way to get this information to newer members.

gigag04 wrote:I've noticed an influx of new members recently which I think is really great. It seems many of these members are not only new to the forum, but sometimes to firearms in generally, or at least the carrying of firearms for personal protection. I'm soliciting input from some of the seasoned posters on what questions to include and how to put it together. I'll work on compiling the list. I will include some popular answers to said question and links to posts that discuss the question. I hope that this thread will serve as a scratch pad of sorts for us to compile some questions and answers and links. I really want the final product to have a "Welcome - let us share info with you" kind of feel. I know some boards have structured their FAQs with more of a "stop bothering us with your stupid questions - here are the links to do your own homework" feel to them. I would like to avoid that.

If we work together, I think we could come up with something useful to assist newer members, or even people finding us on google, with an introduction to carrying daily. Maybe some of our mods will find a good spot to sticky it.

Here are some questions I'm working on, feel free to add others. If you do have a contribution, please find some posts, possibly epic posts, that discussed the question.

• 
  
  I'm in the market for a new handgun to carry, which one should I get?
  What caliber should I get for concealed carry?
  How should I carry a concealed handgun?
  What holster should I buy?
  I heard about XYZ pre-paid legal protection for CHL holders, is this a good deal?
  I sweat alot, will this damage my handgun?
  Should I carry a less than lethal weapon?
  It's time to renew my CHL - what do I do?
  Can I drink alcohol while I'm carrying?
  Commonly used terms/acronyms list
  Where can I not carry?
  

I'm sure I'm just scratching the surface. Hopefully I'll have some help and this will be cool. Possibly some of you coders can share some input and we can even put together a concealed handgun wiki.

Who's in?

Good luck with that!!

I requested the same from Mr. Cotton in June 2009. It was to be discussed by the moderators. No action.

In July 2009, dicion took it upon himself to create such a thread, but it was never made a sticky.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=26341" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yay! Someone remembered my old thread!

Actually, a Wiki isn't a bad idea. Setting one up is the easy part. Populating it is the difficult one.

If anyone really wants to setup some sort of Texas CHL Community Wiki, I've done it before.

Giga, how does CHLwiki.com sound? I'll register, set it up, and host it if you will agree to work on content. In fact I'll just go ahead and register it.

dicion wrote:Yay! Someone remembered my old thread!

Actually, a Wiki isn't a bad idea. Setting one up is the easy part. Populating it is the difficult one.

If anyone really wants to setup some sort of Texas CHL Community Wiki, I've done it before.

I believe in giving credit where it's due.

Yours was a comprehensive effort that I'm sure took some time to compile.

Posted for review:


I'm in the market for a new handgun to carry, which one should I get?
There are as more handguns out there than many of us will ever get to try out. As in all things in life, there are trade-offs, and you have to take into account your specific situation. Size, weight, caliber, and cost, are some of the major things considered. Some will say carry the largest caliber than you can comfortably conceal. Others say carry the most comfortable, easiest concealed handgun possible as this will ensure that you will be more likely to actually carry.

There is a whole different discussion on caliber selection. With answering the question of handgun selection in mind, I will assume that the decision of which caliber you are comfortable carrying has been reached. First, chose a handgun from a reputable manufacturer. While opinions on “reputable” will vary, for the first time buyer, I suggest sticking with the offerings from Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Sig Sauer, Taurus, Ruger, H&K, Kahr (just because a firearm is not listed in here does not mean it is not quality - after perusing the threads, these are frequently recommended, and generally agree to to be good handguns for those new to shooting). When I recommend a gun for a friend who is new to shooting, I steer them towards Glock, Springfield Armory’s XD line, or Smith & Wesson’s M&P line. I personally steer friends towards semi-autos, however revolvers fine as well.

You will notice that I have not included 1911 offerings. I am in love with 1911 pattern handguns, and I chose to carry one when I’m off duty. However, I feel that these are not the best choice for someone new to carrying a handgun for self defense. They require a more complex manual of arms, more complex for cleaning, and more subsystems to troubleshoot when having problems. For the person that is not as intense in their devotion to firearms as some of us, having a gun that is simple to employ, clean, and generally own is preferable in my opinion.

Besides the above considerations, I recommend that a person hold and manipulate as many possible models they can. Hold the gun in both hands, bring it up in line with your vision as if you were taking a shot. **A word of caution** do not even come close to pointing it in the direction of a person when doing this. I will stand near a corner and point towards the wall. If that isn’t possible, I will point it straight down, between my feet. Different handguns have different grip angles. Some will naturally rest at your point of aim - this will correlate to more accurate shooting. Ask the staff if it is ok to dry fire the gun (fire it while it is empty). This will give you an idea of the trigger pull.

A word about trigger pulls: There are a few different action systems in play for the modern defensive handgun market. They each influence the trigger differently. DAO stands for double action only. This means that when you pull the trigger, it cocks the hammer and causes it to fall, causing the gun to fire. I usually think of revolvers in this category but some semi-autos employ it as well. The trigger pull will be longer, and heavier, but requires the same amount of pressure for every pull. Striker driven designs, such as a Glocks, will have a consistent trigger pull every time, but they are not true DAO guns since they do not have a hammer. The trigger pull will be lighter. There are many Double-Action/Single-Action, abbreviated DA/SA options. The gun is designed to be carried hammer forward. The first trigger pull brings the hammer rearward, and then eventually causes the gun to fire. This trigger pull is the longer, heavier pull found on a DAO gun. However, after the first shot, the handgun will cycle, and return to battery with the hammer already cocked. The next trigger pull will be shorter, and lighter as it is a single action movement. The single action trigger, when pulled, only causes the hammer to drop, which fires the gun. The gun will return to this same condition. When it no longer needs to be fired, these guns employ a “decocker” that will safely drop the hammer without allowing the gun to fire. This returns the gun to its safer DAO state. Single action pistols are equipped with a trigger than only releases a cocked hammer, causing the gun to fire. In order to fire this weapon, the hammer must be cocked preemptively. Because this trigger is very light and short by design, these guns are equipped with a safety that must be deactivated prior to firing.

Safeties - some handguns have multiple safeties, some have none. A passive safety is one that is automatically disengaged when the handgun is properly employed. Examples of this would be the grip safety on a Springfield XD - when the it is properly gripped, the tang of the thumb rests on top of the safety, disengaging it. Another passive safety is the Glock trigger safety, which deactivates when the trigger is properly pressed rearward. An active safety is a lever that must be clicked on and off, which can prevent/allow the firing of the handgun. My Kahr P380 has no safety. New handgun shooters coming from a background of shooting rifles may find this an alarming concept. However, in handguns designed for defensive uses, the 5+ pound trigger pull, combined with the carrying of the gun a quality holster, will prevent unintended firing of the handgun. The KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle prefers fewer required actions before allowing the handgun to fire. Under combat-stress, manipulating levers and buttons will become tricky, so if you opt for a handgun with a more complex system - train, train, train. Some weapons, such as the H&K USP series can be carried in a variety of ways.

Even better is to shoot your potential purchase. Many shooting ranges will allow you to rent an array of handguns. Once you have one (or a few) in mind, check for differences in felt recoil (how hard the gun “kicks”), smoothness of trigger pull, which one you seem to shoot best. If your local range does not have what you’re looking for, you may try posting on here. Many of us are more than willing to meet a member and let them try out our handguns out. The gun you chose should be comfortable in your hand. You should be able to manipulate the slide (for autos). This is not an optional suggestion - you must be able to ready the gun, as well as make it safe (by unloading it and clearing the chamber). All of these skills involve being able to manipulate the slide.

Another question that people face is whether to purchase their handgun new or used. A new handgun will come with a warranty, a nice carrying box, a manual, a trigger lock, an extra magazine or two, and the peace of mind that it has not been abused. Often times, gun store owners will be willing to show you everything about how to work your new gun, from disassembly to cleaning. This is of incredible value for many. If you are new to shooting, and do not have an experienced friend to help shop the used market, I recommend purchasing new from a reputable store. Some great deals are available for the used market, but it takes some research to make sure you get a quality piece and a fair price.

2 points:

1. I think the sticky idea has been discussed before and a conscious decision NOT to was made by Mr. Cotton et. al.
I need to find the post to cite this for sure.
If I remember correctly, they didn't want to curtail newbies asking questions and our members either
answering them or pointing them to a previous thread.

2. IF you do a wiki, are you going to do Texas Laws only, or general laws across the US?
If Texas Only, then I think the wiki name should reflect that fact.

I think starting with Texas Laws and branching out would be ideal.

G.A. Heath wrote:Giga, how does CHLwiki.com sound? I'll register, set it up, and host it if you will agree to work on content. In fact I'll just go ahead and register it.

I will definitely contribute to content, but I think it would be much better with input of some of the guys and gals on here as well. Especially FAQs for ladies. Without the help of others and left to my own devices, it would consist of mere strong opinions and outlandish commentary.

Is there a way to host the wiki under the banner of TexasCHLForum on its domain? I would like to keep it through our little community here. For example (and for some good info) check out http://badgerandblade.com/vb/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - they have a shave wiki that is through their site. I think it is powered on the backend through a different site but I'm not sure. We may be getting ahead of ourselves, I'm sure the mods are aware of this thread and discussing it with Chas behind closed doors. When we hear from them, we can proceed as they see fit. For now I'm wanting to at least get the content assembled.

Help!

Reserve161 wrote:2 points:

1. I think the sticky idea has been discussed before and a conscious decision NOT to was made by Mr. Cotton et. al.
I need to find the post to cite this for sure.
If I remember correctly, they didn't want to curtail newbies asking questions and our members either
answering them or pointing them to a previous thread.

2. IF you do a wiki, are you going to do Texas Laws only, or general laws across the US?
If Texas Only, then I think the wiki name should reflect that fact.

Re: Same Question again.
by Charles L. Cotton » Fri Aug 20, 2010 11:38 am

Thanks for the post LT.

As for stickies, we did discuss this among the Moderators when the suggestion was made, but we decided not to use them for the same reason we didn't set up an FAQ. The Moderators' concerns fall into three main areas; 1) discouraging new members from asking questions; 2) outdated stickies requiring updating; and 3) having to decide what post/thread warrant a sticky.

Whether you use stickies or FAQ's, there is a tendency with some members to refer people asking questions to those resources, sometimes politely, sometimes not. We don't want that happening.

Unlike the CorvetteForum that I read, most material that would be in an FAQ or a sticky is not static and would require updating. Laws, procedures and eligibility requirements change and an outdated sticky is not only useless, it could cause problems for people relying upon it. None of the moderators have time to monitor and update stickies.

The final concern is that Moderators don't want to have to decide what threads warrant being elevated to a sticky. If you let the members decide by popular vote as some boards do, then you wind up with so many stickies no one will take the time to read them before asking a question anyway.

So don't think we didn't consider recommendations for stickies, we just decided that they wouldn't work for us. I understand that some members get frustrated at seeing the same questions posted, but the solution for that member is easy; ignore it. Someone else will cheerfully answer the question.

Chas.