Texas CCW strict ?

[yhtomit]

the cost of Texas CCW

beaucoup ammo wrote:

"My only problem with obtaining a Texas CHL is the price. Comes to about $140. Not every law-abiding, well intentioned Texan can plunk that down without skipping the car because of gas prices and taking the bus, or living on beans for a while.

Seriously, when I got mine I was happy to give a guy a ride who faced just such a situation.

Let's face it folks, we are lucky to be here on our computers discussing the nuances of reciprocal agreements. Lots of good, honest people are so financially squeezed $140 is just too much."

While I'm not one to talk (officially now in debt for grad school, having exhausted this semester the money I'd saved up for it beforehand), it should be possible for many, and I think most (I'm not saying "all") employed adults to scrape together $140. It's probably worth some time on beans!

Note: Not trying to be self-righteous here -- can't afford it. I agree that we're most of us in a lucky position to be able to sit here and discuss these things from the comfort of our computer chairs, but it's disconcerting how thin the buffer is that many people find acceptable. And living on a low-or-no-income, high-outflow money diet for a few years has really driven home that money is more easy-go than easy-come

I'd like to see a church fundraiser (think black movable letters on the marquee out front of seemingly every church in small-town Texas) like this: "EAT BBQ THIS SAT. NITE -- HELP OUR DEACONS CCW!"

(The $140 is just for the paperwork part, though, isn't it, not the required training as well? I've usually heard figures like $300 rather than $140 -- and $300 gets a lot harder to swing, IMO. Some places, that's rent ... )

timothy

 

[beaucoup ammo]

You're right as rain, Timothy. I just feel exercising a Constitutional right should be more viably priced than driving a car.

Your church supper fund raiser is a super idea..as would more volunteer work on the part of qualified licensed instructors, IMO. Anything that could lower the price of obtaining a CHL would be a good thing.

 

[Dallas239]

The answer isn't so simple

I don't think the Texas requirements are too strict in the absolute sense. That is, they are easily accomplished. All it takes is some $ and time. And we all feel better knowing that licensed carriers are "trained" and "tested".

But the question of whether they are stricter than they should be is not so simple. Lott's statistics show that greater training requirements moderate the benefits of issuing CHLs. It makes sense that this is true because most people with licenses never carry, and accidental shootings by licensees are extremely rare. However, crime reductions seem to be related to the number of permits issued. Obviously te easier it is to get a permit, the more people will have them. Since there is a strong correlation between the number of permits issued and the positive societal benefit of licensing, it would seem like the right thing to do is to lower the restrcitions to the point where negative outcomes increase.

 

[Geronimo45]

Shooting requirements may scare some people off - look at the folks who sometimes post here - wondering how they should practice for the shooting portion of their state's CCW class, thinking it's a hard one to shoot.

Don't think Texas' requirements are especially strict. I'd much prefer legal open carry to CC only - preferably without a license for either. I do like the 30.06 sign requirement for places who don't allow CC.

 

[wdlsguy]

(The $140 is just for the paperwork part, though, isn't it, not the required training as well? I've usually heard figures like $300 rather than $140 -- and $300 gets a lot harder to swing, IMO. Some places, that's rent ... )

For a first-time applicant, the license fee is $140, the training* is about $115.

For a renewal applicant, the license fee is $70, the training* is about $75.

* including prints, photos and notary

 

[Aguila Blanca]

In Texas you take a 12 hour class, pass the exam, qualify with your gun on the range, get fingerprinted and pass the background check. Pretty straight forward unless you have a criminal background, outstanding warrants, or history of domestic violence, then forget it!! I don't consider that strict just prudent.
I got my CHL in Texas because it gives you the legal right to carry and puts you in a better position legally if you ever have to use it.

I must have missed it. Could you point me to the part of the 2nd Amendment that calls for 12 hours of class and fingerprinting and a background check?

I don't think the Texas requirements are too strict in the absolute sense. That is, they are easily accomplished. All it takes is some $ and time. And we all feel better knowing that licensed carriers are "trained" and "tested".

"All"?

Please speak for yourself, or verify first before claiming to speak for "all." I, for one, do not feel better knowing that Constitutional rights have been severely restricted.

 

[Dallas239]

Well, you could deliberately misread my post and assume that I want to take away your rights, or you could ask, "Better than what?"

I'll take untrained armed citizens over untrained unarmed citizens any day of the week. But I'd prefer trained armed citizens over untrained armed citizens. I think most people would agree. That just makes sense, and it has nothing to do with rights.

By any chance did you read the rest of my post?

 

[Geister]

I DON'T like the revolver/semiauto issue on Texas licenses. Guys, according to the Second Amendment, we shouldn't have to ask the state for a CHL at all. Besides that fact, I know plenty of people who are proficient with both revolvers and semi-autos but prefer revolvers. If they don't have a semi-auto, they shouldn't have to retest with an semi-automatic if they want to use one eventually. If someone is going to buy a semi-automatic more than likely they are going to learn how to use it. At the very least, it would be in their best interests to do so.

Besides, why is it the State's business whether someone can use a semi-auto or not in a defense situation?

I really don't get the opinions on here. If someone buys a gun to CARRY, they will more than likely PRACTICE with it. Just because some states have lesser live-fire requirements doesn't mean those states have lesser trained CHLers. For the most part, most of them probably practice as much as everyone else.

My biggest gripe with Texas is the cost; at the very least you will pay $215, usually more. That and there's too many disqualifications, such as student loans. What does being a deadbeat on a student loan have to do with defending your life?

 

[Lurp]

I must have missed it. Could you point me to the part of the 2nd Amendment that calls for 12 hours of class and fingerprinting and a background check?

I agree completely. No where in the Constitution does it say one must provide a reason, training, back ground checks, registration, etc. for any arms. I do not see how "Shall not be infringed" turns into "may have reasonable restrictions placed". I realize that this thread is about the severity of the TX CCW restrictions and the answer is horribly severe because they have overridden the bill of rights by placing ANY requirements while acquiring a CCW. Also the government should not have any knowledge of who owns what firearms because that defeats the purpose of having the means to resist a tyrannical government if they can systematically go down the list and disarm their resistors.

 

[Autolycus]

I would argue that it is to strict. The cost is prohibitive to some. Why should someone be forced to scrape $140 and then cash for the class, ammo, and gun.

Why not let people buy their guns and carry them? It seemed to work well back in the 19th century. It seems to work well in Vermont and Alaska.

As far as current systems I think Texas has a lot of restrictions. I think PA, IN, OR, and CO are the best for CCW in my opinion.

I am a college student and I look to see if Bars and Colleges are off limits to CHL holders. I dont go to bars often but when I do I would like to carry. And I am in class a lot so I see that as being an integral part of my day to day life.

Either way Texas is much better than my state. Illinois is horrible for gunowners.

 

[oneshooter]

After reading these posts I have come to the conclusion that some people would complain if the classes were free, the test didn't count, the gun and ammo was given to you for free and the license didn't matter!!!

It's the system we got. Not perfect, but better than before. A VERY GOOD start. There is room for improvement and that is being done.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[aerod1]

The first year for CHL in Texas was 1996. I have had my CHL since thhe and I don't find our system very restrictive at all. The written test is easy and if you can't pass the performance exam you really need a "seeing eye dog" at your side. The class is really somewhat fun. I have never been the the class (4 times now) where I failed to learn something new. I think it is a great system.
The rest is background check, fingerprints and photos.
No big deal.

 

[thumper723]

Piggybacking on with a question

I have a FL Resident CWL.

I am stationed in TX (NAS Corpus Christi/NAS Kingsville)

I never shot in FL for my CWL, they used my Military qual. (M11/Sig 226) which is a DA/SA pistol.

Am I legal to carry my 1911 here? How about my K-Frame?

 

[Geister]

We have every right to complain, oneshooter. We are the PEOPLE, the FOURTH BRANCH of government.

You say it's a very good start but unfortunately I don't see the CHL laws in Texas getting much better.

You're perfectly legal, thumper. Some areas of Corpus I'd feel a lot better carrying.

I agree with you, Tecumseh. Sure, there were more shootouts in the 19th century it seems, but the lawlessness came from the vast geographic distances between settlements, not the guns.

No Texan should have to pay $200 to defend their lives. Nor should there be any requirements on student loans or even DUI charges. Granted, getting a DUI isn't the best thing to do but it should deny someone's Right to defend themselves in Texas.

I'm perfectly able to qualify for a CHL in Texas but I just don't like the setup.