Observations during my CHL exam
- Thread starter greyson97
- Start date
nik-e
You might want to learn and memorize "The Four Rules"
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RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET and what is BEHIND IT.
This page goes into more detail.
---------------------------
"sweeping" others with the muzzle of a gun is a violation of rule II and other "gunnies" take it very poorly.
Back to the original topic, my background could have exempted me from taking a CCW course, but it'd been a while and it just seemed prudent to go ahead and take it and see what new stuff there was to learn.
I had the excellent fortune to be able to take my class at the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, VA and I can't recommend that highly enough. The things I noted were the variety of people and especially the age range from two 21 year old twin brothers to an 80-something year old grandmother.
The only issue I saw was the grandmother could not load snap-caps into a magazine during the practice session but this wasn't so much of an issue as she brought a revolver for the "practical".
You might want to learn and memorize "The Four Rules"
-------------------------
RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET and what is BEHIND IT.
This page goes into more detail.
---------------------------
"sweeping" others with the muzzle of a gun is a violation of rule II and other "gunnies" take it very poorly.
Back to the original topic, my background could have exempted me from taking a CCW course, but it'd been a while and it just seemed prudent to go ahead and take it and see what new stuff there was to learn.
I had the excellent fortune to be able to take my class at the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, VA and I can't recommend that highly enough. The things I noted were the variety of people and especially the age range from two 21 year old twin brothers to an 80-something year old grandmother.
The only issue I saw was the grandmother could not load snap-caps into a magazine during the practice session but this wasn't so much of an issue as she brought a revolver for the "practical".
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Just a minor correction, but these rules should be gospel to any shooter, new or seasoned.
At the range I go to, along with their rules of:
1. No rapid fire.
2. No prone or kneeling.
3. No holstering weapons.
4. No fun ever.
...they have 2 range officers on the line at all times and when there is a ceasefire for whatever reason, they will shout it into their microphones and they each have a remote to activate spinning red lights on the top of the lanes which have "Cease Fire" written all around them.
I think it only responsible that ranges have both audible and visual cues to indicate a ceasefire. I personally pay more attention to the visual indications, as it seems there is always another shooter with a 30-06 and 1000 rounds to burn 2 lanes down from me.
Perhaps suggest this as a future upgrade to your usual range. Should help with safety and with new shooters who are unfamiliar with the usual practices.
Stay safe out there,
~LT
When I took my class a couple of years ago, it was given by a local county Sheriff's office Deputy. It was a 4 hr class, about half the time in the classroom, other half on the range. The class time was about half spent on proper handling of the firearm, and half on laws, where to carry, not carry, keeping it concealed, etc. The range portion was basically a joke for me. 50 rnds at 7yrds. No scoring, or anything, instructor just wanted to make sure we could hit paper. He did make one girl come back and do the shooting part again before he would sign her off, as her shots were all over the place.
spacecoast
New member
Florida's CC requirements are pretty lax... a couple hours of classroom blather and firing one round at the range... but I hired a very good local guy who does a nice job of it to do the course with my daughter and me. In addition to covering the law portion, he did some tactical instruction (how to position yourself, footwork, use of lights, etc. in an HD situation) in his kitchen and then took us both to the range for an hour of shooting instruction with several of his firearms (K-frame and J-frame Smith) as well as my LCP. I thought it was well worth the $90 each.
I have a rebuttal to that, too
He's wrong, and here's why:
"The area" may "not be dangerous enough" (for the purposes of argument). That's fine. So you're supposed to stay rooted to that spot forever, and so you'll never be "in danger"? What happens if you walk 2 miles down that road over there, when your car's broken down? Does the fact that "your area" is relatively "safe", with years between murders count a hill of beans?
Nope.
Citizen Carrier
New member
My ccw range time was fun as well. I was shooting a Colt Trooper Mk III .357.
The instructor looked at my target once and never again. Eventually, he asked if I could help other shooters.
Of the 6 other students, only one had a suitable handgun. An original WWI Springfield M1911 that was left to him by his father. He had no idea he was shooting a $900+ vintage collectible. We told him.
Others had brought really cheap stuff. One even had a "Cobra" derringer. They ended up using loaner guns from the instructor.
One young guy brought in a Tec-9, if you can believe it. He couldn't get 4 shots off in a row without it jamming. I asked him how he was going to conceal that thing!
The instructor looked at my target once and never again. Eventually, he asked if I could help other shooters.
Of the 6 other students, only one had a suitable handgun. An original WWI Springfield M1911 that was left to him by his father. He had no idea he was shooting a $900+ vintage collectible. We told him.
Others had brought really cheap stuff. One even had a "Cobra" derringer. They ended up using loaner guns from the instructor.
One young guy brought in a Tec-9, if you can believe it. He couldn't get 4 shots off in a row without it jamming. I asked him how he was going to conceal that thing!
Lets see we met at instructors house, had coffee and talked for a few.. We them moved to the LR with our coffee and watched several boring videos. That Ky require you watch and discuss. Refilled the coffee cups and moved to covered patio and loaded mags . Firing line was just off patio in his back yard. We each shot the 21 required rounds at 7 yds. 11 hit anywhere and you pass. No score other than hits Oh please spread out , makes easy to count.
Refilled the coffee and sat on patio and cleaned our pistols. The took the open book test. All of us passed . After that we spent rest of afternoon shooting and drinking coffee switching pistols between us and just good time.
I think the whole Carry thing thing was a waste of time, and the 65 bucks it cost . But we had to make sheep happy. God forbid we just be allowed to carry with out state permission and bribe being paid .
Least we don't have the silly auto revolver thing ,must be 32 or larger, fingerprinting, and more rip off classes at renewal and new fingerprints. Last I looked fingerprints don't change . Sheriff takes are picture when you turn in you paper.. I love also the concealed deadly weapons part We are not
restricted to just a pistol for carry. Ky and I believe Fl allow all sorts of accessories to go with the pistol.
Old Ky saying. A man isn't properly dressed till he has his pistol and Bowie knife on.
Refilled the coffee and sat on patio and cleaned our pistols. The took the open book test. All of us passed . After that we spent rest of afternoon shooting and drinking coffee switching pistols between us and just good time.
I think the whole Carry thing thing was a waste of time, and the 65 bucks it cost . But we had to make sheep happy. God forbid we just be allowed to carry with out state permission and bribe being paid .
Least we don't have the silly auto revolver thing ,must be 32 or larger, fingerprinting, and more rip off classes at renewal and new fingerprints. Last I looked fingerprints don't change . Sheriff takes are picture when you turn in you paper.. I love also the concealed deadly weapons part We are not
restricted to just a pistol for carry. Ky and I believe Fl allow all sorts of accessories to go with the pistol.
Old Ky saying. A man isn't properly dressed till he has his pistol and Bowie knife on.
Our Ohio class was pretty thorough. We had 6 hrs. in the classroom going over the regulations plus two instructors doing the simulations of being confronted by BG with a gun, knife, or high on something. The importance of safety and legal obligations was very clear as was conflict resolution without drawing your weapons. And they did demonstrations of protecting your weapon from the attacker in various situations too.
6 hrs. on the range with rapid and slow fire drills from 3ft to 50 ft and one drill where we moved from target to target needing to reload along the way. I found that the most challenging.
The age range was what surprised me the most. Some younger than I am at 58 but most were older and there were 30 people in the class separated into two different days on the range. We had two instructors both LEOs and NRA instructors and at the range day we had another LEO who was recertifying and ended up instructing too. So plenty of personal attention if you needed it.
A very good experience and I will likely take the advanced training too.
6 hrs. on the range with rapid and slow fire drills from 3ft to 50 ft and one drill where we moved from target to target needing to reload along the way. I found that the most challenging.
The age range was what surprised me the most. Some younger than I am at 58 but most were older and there were 30 people in the class separated into two different days on the range. We had two instructors both LEOs and NRA instructors and at the range day we had another LEO who was recertifying and ended up instructing too. So plenty of personal attention if you needed it.
A very good experience and I will likely take the advanced training too.
I'll second that. The Sigma I had was dead reliable. It was accurate enough, too. I'd get 4" groups at 25 yards, it just took a lot to get over the horrendously heavy, long trigger pull.
Everybody hates Sigmas, but it seems they're okay if S&W makes them black and puts "M&P" on the side.
Reading the comments on other states, I'm liking Florida better and better all the time.
eagleninezero
New member
My experience here in San Antonio was quite good. My wife and I took the CHL class together and our instructor was great. I'll admit, prior to the class, that I was skeptical on its worth due to my military training. The legal material was dry as a popcorn fart, but the instructor spiced it up with commentary and practical facts. The class was held at the local Bass Pro Shops, so the range and the lunch (mmm...) were first rate.
The students were a healthy mix of military (current and former) and civvies. Overall, the shooting was good, with no safety issues of note (Bass Pro RO's are all over the safety shiz - there were about 3 range officials / instructors per 10 students).
All in all, I felt better about carrying and more confident of my CHL knowledge - my wife is certainly more confident after the class. In the end, I think that it is a reasonable request by the state for CHL applicants to attend the class.
The students were a healthy mix of military (current and former) and civvies. Overall, the shooting was good, with no safety issues of note (Bass Pro RO's are all over the safety shiz - there were about 3 range officials / instructors per 10 students).
All in all, I felt better about carrying and more confident of my CHL knowledge - my wife is certainly more confident after the class. In the end, I think that it is a reasonable request by the state for CHL applicants to attend the class.
Cheapshooter
New member
My class was very informative and professional. The instructor knew that everybody in this small class of 6 he had all people who were familiar with firearms, so he didn't dwell on types of guns etc. He went over preparedness, and awareness as defensive tools. He also covered all the legal ramifications involved if you ever have to defend yourself with a firearm. There were hand outs of legal material, actual state laws etc.
The shooting qualification was simple and easy. The state requires 50 rnds of practice with both a revolver and a semi-automatic. Although I think there is an "or" in the law if that much is not needed to show you can properly handle a firearm. The qualification part is 20 rnds at 7 yds. To pass you must hit 16 in the silhouette area of a standard B27 target.
There is no caliber required by the state, and the instructor provided 22 rimfire guns for your use, or you could use your own if you preferred. What the heck, use his ammo for part of my ticket price, why not? He had a S&W Mod 617 4" revolver ( after shooting his now I want one!) and a Browning Buckmark (after shooting his now I REALLY want one).
I fired 10 rounds from each for the practice, then was asked which I wanted to qualify with. I chose the Buckmark, and put two magazines worth into the center of the target.
A very pleasant and informative class.
In my state, the CLEO is required to provide you with the approved permit application within 45 days of applying. I filled out my application, and was fingerprinted the next day, and in 8 days had the approval letter to pick up my application and take it to the DMV to get my permit.
The shooting qualification was simple and easy. The state requires 50 rnds of practice with both a revolver and a semi-automatic. Although I think there is an "or" in the law if that much is not needed to show you can properly handle a firearm. The qualification part is 20 rnds at 7 yds. To pass you must hit 16 in the silhouette area of a standard B27 target.
There is no caliber required by the state, and the instructor provided 22 rimfire guns for your use, or you could use your own if you preferred. What the heck, use his ammo for part of my ticket price, why not? He had a S&W Mod 617 4" revolver ( after shooting his now I want one!) and a Browning Buckmark (after shooting his now I REALLY want one).
I fired 10 rounds from each for the practice, then was asked which I wanted to qualify with. I chose the Buckmark, and put two magazines worth into the center of the target.
A very pleasant and informative class.
In my state, the CLEO is required to provide you with the approved permit application within 45 days of applying. I filled out my application, and was fingerprinted the next day, and in 8 days had the approval letter to pick up my application and take it to the DMV to get my permit.
mr kablammo
New member
I recently observed a somewhat historic CHL class in Austin, TX. The University of Texas recently allowed the classroom instruction portion of the CHL class to be held in Welch Hall, the chemistry building. The CHL class was sponsored by the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. The instructor kept the class somewhat bearable with anecdotes and internet clips. He used Powerpoint and a laptop for the presentation. The instructor was interviewed by the Fox News channel. In the class, he said that sometimes the best solution is to just leave the situation. Good advice.
There were 55 or so UT students registered for the class. IIRC, regarding the demographics: about 12 male Asians, about 16 women, 4 or 5 male African-American, some Hispanics, the rest as Anglo males. Based on the questions in the class it seemed that personal experience with threatening situations was a motivator for some.
After the classroom instruction the class "fired away" in four relays at the Lone Star range near Lockhart, TX. The final relay finished in the dark and in a light rain. There were several students that had never fired a pistol before. I know that some students were on the UT Rifle and Pistol Team and others grew up with guns in the family. The instructor provided handguns but some did shoot their personal guns. A friend had a ported Glock and it was pretty cool watching the V-shaped flames as he was on the last relay. Overall, it was a good effort and I did not see any obvious safety issues or hear any 'vigilante' type questions.
There were 55 or so UT students registered for the class. IIRC, regarding the demographics: about 12 male Asians, about 16 women, 4 or 5 male African-American, some Hispanics, the rest as Anglo males. Based on the questions in the class it seemed that personal experience with threatening situations was a motivator for some.
After the classroom instruction the class "fired away" in four relays at the Lone Star range near Lockhart, TX. The final relay finished in the dark and in a light rain. There were several students that had never fired a pistol before. I know that some students were on the UT Rifle and Pistol Team and others grew up with guns in the family. The instructor provided handguns but some did shoot their personal guns. A friend had a ported Glock and it was pretty cool watching the V-shaped flames as he was on the last relay. Overall, it was a good effort and I did not see any obvious safety issues or hear any 'vigilante' type questions.
ursavus.elemensis
New member
The process in PA was very difficult and time-consuming. First, I had to find a place to park my car outside the Lancaster County courthouse so I could go into the Sheriff's office. Then, I had to wait in line to go through the metal detector. they make you empty everything out of your pockets, not just metal stuff. Really takes a while because i carry a ton of stuff in my pockets, none of it any use in self-defense, just a lot of junk I might need someday like eyeglass cleaners, etc. OK, so I was like person number 2 or 3 in line. I get through the metal detector, then spend like 15 minutes shoving all the junk back into my pockets. Then I go into the Sheriff's office and wait for the 2 people ahead of me to finish up. Then I hand my paperwork to the Sheriff's Chief Deputy, who handles the LTCF applications. He asks where I work, what I do for a living, I buy a t-shirt and patch which depict the County's Sheriff's Office K-9 dog, beautiful looking dog, by the way, and he tells me they will process my application and mail me a postcard to come in and get my picture taken for the ID card. Then I go back outside and get in my car to go home. Darn, I still had 21 minutes on the parking meter! I hate wasting money. Anyway, a week later, the postcard comes in the mail (see, none of you guys with the 8 hour classes had a week-long process...) and I go back down there to get my ID card. Well, this time, I am smart enough to empty my pockets before I get out of the car. Then I go through the metal detector process again, and of course i found like 4 poiunds of junk in a pocket that I forgot to empty back at the car, and then I go in an get my ID card picture taken, buy another t-shirt, and get my ID card. Whew!! What a difficult and time-consuming process. They sure make it a burden to go through here in PA.
Nebraska CHP class experience:
My class was given by a Lawyer and firearms enthusiast (Paul Horvick, out of Minnesota)..... most everyone in the class was fairly familiar with handguns ..... the most intersting and informative part was dealing with the Legal aspects of deadly force and the defects in our (at the time) brand new Concealed Carry law.
The 8 hour class was not boring ..... the written test was not difficult.
The live fire portion was not difficult (fartherst targets were less than 30 feet, IIRC), and nobody did anthing stupid. The lady next to me in my relay had difficulty operating her firearm (a Walther PPK looking thing)..... it was not going fully into battery after each shot, IIRC.
It was very cold and windy, so it was hard to enjoy shooting ..... I just wanted to qualify and get someplace warm!
My class was given by a Lawyer and firearms enthusiast (Paul Horvick, out of Minnesota)..... most everyone in the class was fairly familiar with handguns ..... the most intersting and informative part was dealing with the Legal aspects of deadly force and the defects in our (at the time) brand new Concealed Carry law.
The 8 hour class was not boring ..... the written test was not difficult.
The live fire portion was not difficult (fartherst targets were less than 30 feet, IIRC), and nobody did anthing stupid. The lady next to me in my relay had difficulty operating her firearm (a Walther PPK looking thing)..... it was not going fully into battery after each shot, IIRC.
It was very cold and windy, so it was hard to enjoy shooting ..... I just wanted to qualify and get someplace warm!