[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1591296508569{padding-bottom: 100px !important;}”][vc_column][trx_section animation=”fadeInUp”][trx_title top=”tiny-“]Frequent Questions[/trx_title][trx_accordion initial=”12″ top=”small” style=”1″][trx_accordion_item title=”Why should I take this course?” icon_global=”icon-home-2″][vc_column_text]If you have any interest in pistol shooting, whether or not you intend to actually carry a handgun, be aware that in Texas it is a criminal offense to possess a handgun in any public area in Texas if you are not licensed to carry. This means that if you have a handgun with you and are stopped by police crossing a sidewalk or in the street, and you are not licensed, you could face charges. The course also familiarizes students with the laws and safety practices. Students find it interesting and rewarding – even if they never intend to go armed. A Texas License to Carry is recognized as a valid concealed handgun license in about 35 other states. Generally, it is the left and right coasts where the license is not recognized.[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”What is involved in obtaining a Texas License to Carry?” icon_global=”icon-megaphone”][vc_column_text]Here are three requirements:
Part 1: Take the LTC (formerly Concealed Carry) course offered by an instructor licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. (This is a two-step process that involves four to six hours of the classroom – or online – study, followed by an in-person shooting proficiency demonstration. In the case of the online program, you would complete the course and receive a certificate of completion that you would then bring to me for the shooting proficiency demonstration. Assuming you pass the course work and shooting proficiency, you will receive a certificate for each part of the courses.
Part 2: You must complete the DPS application form that will be used to run a background check on you and forward your certificates of completion to the DPS.
Part 3: You must be fingerprinted by the DPS contractor. Once the DPS has all three parts, it is required by law to provide you with a License to Carry within 60 days.[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”Who can take this course and become licensed?” icon_global=”icon-graduation-cap”][vc_column_text]Anyone over age 21 who has not been convicted of a felony, or convicted of a Class A or B misdemeanor within five years, is eligible. Active duty military is eligible to take the course at age 18. However, beware: some states, including New Mexico, only recognize the Texas License to Carry held by individuals over age 21.[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”How much does it cost?” id=”sc_accordion_item_1588280392204_0″][vc_column_text]I charge $85 for the in-person classroom and shooting test. My recommended online provider charges $50 for the online course, and I then charge $50 for the shooting test – which likely would be given on a one-on-one basis at a time and date that is convenient for the student. I am available most anytime for the shooting only test. I normally schedule in-person LTC courses once a month. The advantage of the in-person course is you get the whole thing done in less than a day. Please note my course fees are apart from some other required fees. The state of Texas recently reduced the state fee from $140 to $40, unless you qualify for a discount. The state fee is free to active duty military. There is a $10 charge for fingerprinting with the DPS contractor, and there may be a range fee that ranges from $5 at El Paso Gun Club to $13 at Fort Bliss and $17 at Gun Central. The private range I have been using lately in the Upper Valley has been charging $10.[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”What is involved in the shooting proficiency test?” id=”sc_accordion_item_1588280498943_0″][vc_column_text]The Texas LTC/CHL class IS NOT a beginners shooting class; rather, it is designed for the student to demonstrate the ability to safely load, fire and reload a handgun. The test is not difficult and I have had students that have never fired a handgun turn in great scores. The test consists of 50 shots, 20 shots at 3 yards, 20 at 7 yards and 10 shots at 15 yards. Recent code changes now allow the use of .22 caliber handguns and they can be either a revolver or semiautomatic. Open sights only – no optics or lasers are allowed.[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”What does the course cover?” id=”sc_accordion_item_1588280534774_6″][vc_column_text]The Texas DPS divides the course into four official segments (they sometimes refer to them as “the four food groups”):
- Laws that relate to the use of weapons and deadly force
- Handgun use and safety
- Non-Violent Dispute Resolution
- Proper storage practices for handguns
Here is some additional detail on what is covered:
- Places where you can carry and places that might land you with a felony charge if caught
- Best practices in dealing with police when you are carrying
- When lethal force may and may not be justified
- How to avoid getting into situations where lethal force might be required
- What should you do if you decide you have to shoot
- Safe storage of firearms around children
- Firearms safe handling procedures
- Range Procedures and Safety
Please note: a 25-question exam – the official DPS test — is given at the end of the online or classroom session. Students need to score at least 70 percent to pass. I follow the DPS prescribed course outline and my students never have difficulty in passing. However, I have woven into the course some additional things I have picked up from some of my training and course work, along with anecdotes from other instructors and tactical operators. Most people say afterward they found the course interesting (and that some of the jokes were funny).[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”Training opportunities for beginners” id=”sc_accordion_item_1588280578207_7″][vc_column_text]No experience with a handgun? No problem! I enjoy working with beginners and offer three courses, two of which are NRA certified. The first is the NRA Home Firearm Safety.
Have some experience but need to get beyond the basics? I also am certified to teach the NRA’s Basic Pistol Shooting class. This can be done online or in-person but the shooting test is in person.
BASIC HANDGUN INSTRUCTION – $100
I also offer a private, half-day short course that begins with the functions of various pistols and types of ammunition, then covers stance, posture, grip, and sight alignment. Here is some additional detail of what is covered:
- Safe Handling of Firearms
- Range Safety
- Handgun Function
- Loading, Unloading & Magazine Changes
- Proper Stance and Grip
- Sight Picture & Alignment
- Clearing Jams & Handgun Malfunctions
- Texas DPS Practice Course of Fire
This is an excellent “pre-course” for those wanting to get their license. Students will fire approximately 150 rounds with a semi-automatic handgun or revolver.
CAUTION: Even if you become licensed to carry, you Should NOT be carrying until you have developed the skills necessary to defend yourself and you are confident and safe in what may be a situation with innocent bystanders on hand. There is a saying that in a life and death situation you should not expect to rise to the occasion. Rather, you should expect to sink to your level of training. Shooting a pistol proficiently at tin cans or targets is a fine skill. But in the real world, you may have to defend yourself against a midnight home invasion or a parking garage encounter with innocent people in the background.[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”What do I need for the shooting proficiency test?” id=”sc_accordion_item_1588280731638_10″][vc_column_text]
- You must have a certificate that you have passed the classroom portion
- Photo ID (Driver’s License or ID Card)
- A handgun can be .22 caliber or larger, semiautomatic or revolver
- 50 rounds of ammunition (reloads are prohibited by the DPS)
- Hearing protection – can be over-the-ear protectors or in the ear
- Eye protection – some kind of glasses, wrap around preferred
- A hat is recommended to keep hot spent casings from burning your scalp
- Ladies should NOT wear any scooped or low neck blouses that might be prone to catching an ejected hot casing
- Stable shooting shoes – for ladies – no high heels or open-toed shoes, please.
- Cash, check or Credit Card for payment (unless you paid online)
Tips for success:
- Bring a handgun that works! Most students who fail the proficiency demonstration fail because of their handgun malfunctions. Understand it, clean it, and lubricate the handgun before the class. You should know how to clear a malfunction.
- Remain calm. There is plenty of time for accurate shooting. Often I have students that are nervous and shoot much faster than is necessary. Take your time, shoot a good score, and be proud of your result.
[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”What if I don’t have a handgun?” id=”sc_accordion_item_1588280807243_6″][vc_column_text]I rent handguns and if you do not own a handgun I will be happy to advise you on what would be a good choice. We can discuss the pros and cons of various options, styles, and calibers. Some of the area shops provide discounts to my students.
Here is a list of the handguns I currently have available, along with the respective charges. Please note that the prices include 50 rounds of brand ammunition (and I clean the guns afterward). I charge $15 for the use of the pistol, plus $5 for a box of .22 ammunition, $15 for 9 mm ammunition and .38 special, and $20 for .45 ACP. So, here are the pistol prices, with the ammunition included:
No. 1 — .22 Smith and Wesson revolver. Very fine sights, excellent shooter, very easy to load, unload. Excellent for those without a lot of pistol experience or who are not familiar with a semi-automatic. $20.
No. 2 — .22 Colt Woodsman semi-automatic pistol. $20
No. 3 – Glock 19 in 9 mm. A magazine loader is available for this handgun. $30.
No. 4 — .38 special Smith & Wesson, stainless steel, short barrel, five-shot detective double-action revolver. You would want to shoot this handgun single action. $30.
No. 5 — .45 semi-automatic (45 ACP), Kimber Ultra Carry II in 1911 style, with the three-inch barrel, $35.
No. 6 — .45 Long Colt, long-barreled Ruger Vaquero, single action. This is a replica of the 1973 Colt Peacemaker, but it is not recommended for those not familiar with loading and unloading this old-style cowboy single-action handgun, $35.
If you would like to rent one of my guns for the test, be sure to let me know in advance to be certain both the handgun and ammunition will be available.[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][/trx_accordion][/trx_section][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” inverse=”” css=”.vc_custom_1591296477225{background-color: #191919 !important;}”][vc_column][MEC id=”1452″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
