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My Review of Getting a Texas Concealed Handgun License

dracphelan

My Review of Getting a Texas Concealed Handgun License

Earlier this month I started the process of getting a Texas Concealed Handgun License. I know, I know. Shame on me for not getting it sooner. The steps of the process, as I have followed it are:

  1. Send off to the Texas Department of Public Safety for the application packet, or fill it out online. This will cost you $140. The $140 is non-refundable. If you don’t qualify, you have lost the money.

  2. Arrange to take the required course. I have seen it offered for anywhere from $75 to $140. The more expensive places will take your passport photos, do your fingerprints, notarize the necessary documents, and provide the firearm and ammo for your test. I went the cheaper route of $75. This provided me with the course (taught in a conference room at the local Bass Pro Shops), a 30 minute drive to the range, notarization of the documents (I didn’t realize he offered this), and the fingerprinting. I purchased my passport photos for $10 and provided the ammo (50 rounds of factory ammo) and a firearm.The class is a long one. It started at 9AM and I was not finished til after 7PM.

  3. Send off all of my filled out documents and wait for the state to finish my background check and send me my license (6-10 weeks).

I recommend everyone eventually take this course for one big reason. It goes in depth of when you can and can not use deadly force. Also, why it is not always a good idea to use deadly force, even if it is legally justifiable.

On the instructor, and the course I took. The instructor’s name is Sergeant Ken McKeown of the Terrell Police Department. He interjected humor and examples from his real world experiences. A good example is why he emphasizes you must practice. You can not just get your license and then not practice shooting. If a civil case is brought against you, the attorneys can use your lack of practice as proof of negligence. This is on top of your needing to be able to operate your weapon and shoot well in a highly stressful situation.

If you want to take the class, you can contact the instructor at gun-class@hotmail.com
The next class for new licenses is being given August 30th.