Concealed Carry (CHL), anyone?

[♣ McKraut ♣]

it's the man, trying to put you down.

[never2loud]

[BarneePhife]

This thread is great; the only two reasons I thought  I should get a CHL was becasue I travel alone to Austin quite a bit, and, I figured it was about time to get proper training if we were to start hitting the shooting range on a more frequent basis. 

Now I'm not so sure...

So would I need to have a CHL to carry a handgun in the glovebox of my car when I'm travelling?

And what's the deterent to crime if criminals can't see you're just as armed as they are?

Don't get me wrong; I've got nothing against guns or their owners (like I said we've got two) but it just seems to me The Authorities don't want you to have 'em anyway.

Good questions, Cher.  I hope others will chime in on this. 

Your question regarding deterring crime is a common one, I think.   I'd like to give my humble opinion on the topic.

One of the things I learned in the CHL class was the intended purpose of the CHL laws.  My bottom line takeaway from the class was that the purpose of carrying a concealed firearm is not to deter crime, but to educate a lawful citizen on the use of deadly force.  Another way of putting it is, that being licensed to carry is not so that you can show you weapon to deter someone from commiting a crime, but that the only reaon your firearm is reavealed should be if you intend to use deadly force in order to protect your life or the life of another.  One argument that was repeated when I took the course was, that if you're in a situation where you feel your life is threatened, the first thing you (even when legally carrying a concealed firearm) is to flee if possible.

So, in my humble opinion, I think that many people feel that carrying a concealed weapon is intended to be a deterrent - a safety blankent in case you get into a bad situation where you think you might either be hurt, or be able to prevent something from escilating into something worse.  In reality, by educating yourself thorugh the CHL course, you are taking it upon yourself the responsibliity & liabilty of now knowing the Texas laws surrounding the use of deadly force thereby ultimately limiting (and rightly so) the purpose of an educated, law abiding citizen, for carrying a concealed weapon.

So... another way to answer your question, "what's the purpose if it's not a deterrant" is this:  You are actually taking steps to educate yourself on the laws, to understand the guidelines on the use of deadly force, and to differentiate yourself from those who carry a firearm for "protection" who may actually not fully understand the ramifications of brandishing or using a firearm and what the law will deem as acceptable use when you're trying to defend yourself from punishment in court.  Despite the concept of good and right that most well meaning citizens live by, and act by, we still have a legal system which will judge anyone who breaks the law (yes, shooting a bad guy is against the law, and unfortunately he or his survivors can sue you).  Hence, the CHL (training, test, certification) can be used by a lawyer as a defense to prosecution because it can show that you had been educated in the legal use of deadly force, you knew that your life was in danger, and you had no way to flee the situation and that your actions were taken based on your training in the CHL course.  (or some version of that concept, I would assume).

As fastwin and b. b. said, carrying a gun in your car (again, for protection) when you're traveling to and from Houston does not require a CHL.

Also, traveling to and from your local gun range does not require a CHL, but there are (or used to be) other laws surrounding that type of transportation of firearms (ammo separate from weapon, not in the passenger compartment or at least not in immediately accessable loaction such as under your seat).  In other words, it helps for the weapon to be obviously "packaged" in a way that is clear that you're just going to the gun range (in a box, ammo separate, ear plugs, or other hearing protection, all stored in the trunk, etc).

[Asia1098]

This is an excellent thread.  [thumbsup]I have a valid CHL and i do carry....once in a while. I guess the novelty has worn off. My thought about the subject is ---- I'd rather have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.

Regarding the drinking while carrying question: Yes you can carry when you are out drinking but, there is no legal minimum limit to being "intoxicated" when you are carrying. You can have just one beer and they can arrest you for being "intoxicated". In other words it's better to leave the toys at home when you plan to go out drinking.

I'm a member at The Bullet Trap in Plano (Ave K and Park). They have classes almost every weekend and do all your shooting qualifications, fingerprinting, and pictures there. I don't ever recall having to go to a courthouse for anything. As a matter of fact, I'll be needed to have my CHL renewed again next year of anyone wants to go take a renewal course together.

I usually carry a Keltek P3AT during the summer time. Winter time I carry my Kimber Stainless Goldmatch. There are gunshows every three months at the Dallas Market Hall if anyone wants to go. There should be one comming up soon!  [moto]

[♣ McKraut ♣]

just let me know when we're headed to the range...  i don't think i'll be very competitive, but i'll try my best.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

and hey, i clean what i shoot.

[cdc]

just let me know when we're headed to the range...  i don't think i'll be very competitive, but i'll try my best.

Using a .50 cal. machine gun does not require too much finesse.  I thought the deal was just to mow them down.

Whew, after Jim's explanation, anyone who still doesn't get it shouldn't have a gun or any sharp objects for that matter.   

cdc

[♣ McKraut ♣]

Using a .50 cal. machine gun does not require too much finesse.  I thought the deal was just to mow them down.

Whew, after Jim's explanation, anyone who still doesn't get it shouldn't have a gun or any sharp objects for that matter.  

cdc

there's something to be said for kentucky windage.

and hey, i clean what i shoot.

i continue to point out how valuable an offer this is...

[Kevin848]

i continue to point out how valuable an offer this is...

+1 ... bazillion!!


Cher you can only benefit from getting the CHL. I carry daily and just like Barry said, better to have and not need... Sure you can carry in your car without the lic. but what about to and from your car? Dark parking lot at night?? Not to mention they have some really cool concealment purses out there with nifty hidden pockets  Im a little jealous. Hmm man purse?

Im all over a ride to Market Hall for the next show as I now have a USP to replace 

[b.b.]

Im all over a ride to Market Hall for the next show as I now have a USP to replace 

FN 57

[never2loud]

Wow, thanks for all the responses.  Hadn't really gotten that far as to even consider liability (thinking the gun would just gather dust and I'd in all porbability never actually need it...) 

All good food for thought 

[RichD]

FN 57

Give me a holla' and we'll ride up.

...by the sound of this thread maybe en mass!
Barganing power of the LSD:
"Uh, yeah, ...what kind of deal can you work on six of those .45's there..."

   

[Kevin848]

FN 57

Ammo$$$$ 

Ive be wanting a Kimber RCPII

[BarneePhife]

Oh my God! I had no idea that we had another valedictorian graduate from the Fastwin University of Longwindedness. You have made me so proud. I think we have found a subject that he obviuosly did his thesis paper about.

The guys at work give me a hard time about that type of behavior.  Their simple email, "What's for lunch?" would garner a 23 paragraph novel from me (or so they would tell you).

[BarneePhife]

I used to live at the Market Hall gun shows.

Great place to escape from the family/in-laws during the holiday.

Or to hol' up should the family try to extricate you by force.  You'd definitely have them out gunned!