Posted: 1/18/2007 1:06:42 PM EDT
|
Ok, now I've asked 3 people in 3 gun stores what the process of getting a CHL is, and have gotten 3 answers. Can someone that has gotten their CHL recently give me the quick and dirty process? One of the guys told me "just go take the class, that's all there is to it." And does anyone have a recommendation for a class on the north side of Houston? |
|
I would contact the folks at Gun Emporium up in Conroe. You have to take a class that lasts one full day. You will shoot 50 rounds at some point during the class. A proper class will have everything that you need. They will do pictures, fingerprints, notary stuff, etc. You will take the written test and the shooting test. If you pass all this, you will have a complete envelope at the end of the long day. Everything gets done in one day and at one place. You then mail that envelope to Austin with $140 and then you wait. |
One must apply to the DPS for a CHL. In that application packet is a background questionnaire, 2 fingerprint cards, 3 affidavits and a card for 2 photos. You complete all of that and include in the packet a check or money order for $140.00 along with a TR100. The TR100 you will receive from your CHL instructor after you complete the class. It is for both the classroom and range qualification. Some instructors have packets and you can get it from him, complete the class and send the completed packet back to DPS. Or you can go to here and fill out the online forms and pay online. DPS will send you a packet. You do not have to wait for that packet to take the class if the instructor has one you can get the affidavits, photo holder and print cards from. Once you finish the class you wait for your packet from DPS, place a form from there into your completed packet and send away. You must take a minimum 10 hour class which includes classroom and firearms testing. You must shoot with a .32 or larger caliber. If you qualify with a revolver you will be restricted to carrying only revolvers. Qualify with a semi-auto and you can carry whatever. If you have any other questions fire away. |
|
In the Houston area AM Star is the cheapest. The instructor is really cool and has been doing it for a really long time. His class fees are 89 bucks, 15 bucks for the photos and finger prints and then of course the 140 to the state. Not hard, take the class from them, they help you do everything except put the 140 dollars in the envlope and mail it off. They do the class near downtown but they are cheaper. FYI they do the qual at Top Gun (range fee included in price). ETA: You will not find their number on a website, gotta break out the yellow pages. I think I found them on google yellow pages.....cant remember. IM me if you want me to find it, I'll look it up for you. |
Let me know if you want to do it in Conroe, I need to do mine as well. Emmit is a slow boring teacher (so Im told) but hey, I can sacrifice 10 hours of my day so that I can carry. -Mrs.Snaps |
The name of the instructor at Am-Star is Eugene Pulaski, and you can reach them at 713-463-9625. I just happen to carry 2 of his business cards in my wallet.  If I remember correctly, he offers a Wednesday and Sunday classes. It's where I took my class at, and I think he's one of the best instructors around (personal opinion included free of charge). ViseGrip |
|
All the above is accurate information. I went through it about a year ago. Only thing to add is that once you mail your package in, expect it to take 60 - 90 days to process. DPS touts a 60 day turnaround, but that does not include "in transit time". They are valid for 4 full years and expire on your next birthday after the 4 year period. Well worth the time and effort. |
I got mine done at Gun Emporium as well. Thats the only range that i would shoot at in college and i know most of the employees fairly well. Emmit isnt a Vegas entertainer for sure, but he does a good job of presenting the necessary information to pass the test and get your liscense and they will literally hold your hand and guide you through the whole process. The person you spoke to was correct when they told you to just sign up and go take the class, its just about that simple. Also, as far as price shopping goes; they all cost $105 for the class. It may be 90 for the class and an extra 15 for the photos and fingerprints or it may be 105 all inclusive but they all cost just about the same at the end of the day. Just pick one close to home that you're familiar with and enjoy the experience! Getting my liscense was the best money i ever spent. The peace of mind is worth it ten fold sometimes when im lost in houston. |
...and you wait and wait and wait. The process and wait time is only supposed to be 60 days, but I've heard that we're so backlogged as a state, it's been taking up to 120 days. I sent my completed application with a Registered Return Receipt and got the receipt back December 11. I'll update this thread when my CHL arrives. |