I Have My CHL. Now What?

By Justin Gonzales

Six months.

Six months of class time, range time, two tests, multitudes of paperwork and $250 later, I finally obtained my concealed handgun license. That may seem a bit daunting and exhausting, just to get a piece of plastic that closely resembles a driver’s license, but the empowerment that accompanies it is indescribable.

Well into my fifth month as a CHL holder, however, I have yet to actually purchase a handgun.

Sure, there are pros and cons when it comes to choosing your very first handgun, but I think I have finally figured out what is keeping me from taking that final step: I lack the necessary level of security because my knowledge and experience with handguns is very limited.

The state of Texas requires an applicant to complete four to six hours of classroom training and pass a written exam and also a proficiency test (actually shooting at a target), according to the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

But I know that was not enough for me. Apparently, I am not the only one. Ignacio DeVega says there is always more to learn.

Jay Temple, owner of Straight Shooter and a CHL instructor himself, said he believes education is key when it comes to obtaining a CHL and owning a handgun.With Open Carry about to go into effect on Jan. 1 and Campus Carry on Aug. 1 next year, Temple has seen increased enrollment in his CHL courses.

An individual must be at least 21 and meet federal qualifications to purchase a handgun, according to the Texas DPS. Factors that make you ineligible to obtain a CHL include felony and some misdemeanor convictions, charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication, pending criminal charges, chemical or alcohol dependency and more.

Completing an application, paying the required fee, and submitting all of the required supplemental forms and materials also factor into the process of obtaining a CHL.

Maybe I won’t own a handgun before Open Carry and Campus Carry laws go into effect, but at least I have gained the education to make a decision. And maybe, just maybe, that will finally help me find the confidence to take the next step.