Firearm/CHL

[PaintitBlack95]

There have been a string of robberies here in stillwater over the last few weeks and I have decided that I need to get something to protect myself. What would be a good pistol, looking for something that would be good to carry on my person and keep around the house for protection. Also how exactly do you go about getting a CHL? I am from Texas and still a resident there I am just here for school, so if I got my CHL in Texas would it be valid here?

[TX21]

Glock 26 is what I am going to get. You will have to check the DPS as far as the state rules go. I believe a Texas CHL is valid in OK. You have to take a 10 hour class ($75-$150) and mail a bunch of stuff in to the state with $140. Check the DPS website for all the info.

[GrayStangGT]

Glock 26 or 19
or
XD

[GT98SVO]

Shotgun is best for home defense. 12 or 20 gauge with 4 shot. Mossberg and Remington are recommended quite a bit. My family shoots Remingtons.

If you are into pistols, then get a .40S&W or .45ACP caliber plastic gun made by Springfield, Glock, FNHerstal, Beretta, H&K, etc.

A Smith & Wesson .357 magnum offers better energy over semi-auto rounds and have 7-8 round capacity. It is less complicated than a semi-auto.

Revolver Snubbies, compact semi-auto and subcompact semi-auto offer good concealed carry performance.

.32, .380 and some 9mms are smaller, and don't inspire much confidence in shooter or intimidation to target.

Pistols you need to shoot from time to time to keep your skills up. A shotgun is as close to no-brainer as you can get in firearms.

There are lots of personal defense rounds. Hornady TAP, Remington Golden Sabres, Corbon DPX, etc. They usually come with low flash powder, and hollow points.

Personally, I have a Ruger Blackhawk .41 magnum with Remington 210 gr. soft points. This I keep at the house. This will kill anything pretty easily short of a grizzly, elk or moose.

I am looking at getting an XD45 or H&K USP tactical when divorce is final. Then a CHL.

[Kojak]

TX CHL's are valid in OK (and vice versa).

I'd recommend taking the course and applying for your license ASAP as it takes a while to get it processed (in OK anyway, I'm sure TX is faster).

You can't go wrong with a Glock. Booger hooker + trigger = BANG. I've got well over 2,500 rounds through one of mine and the only malfunction I've had was ammunition related (bad primer).

I'd say go with a model 26/27 (sub-compact 9mm/.40) or if you're a larger person and have more "area" to conceal it, go with a 19/23 (compact 9mm/.40).

And don't allow cost in the process to deter you in any way. Sure the CHL's aren't as cheap as a new DL, but hey, look what you're getting the license for.

That also means DON'T buy a cheap gun to save a few bucks...your life may depend on it. Is your life only worth a couple hundred dollars?

[PaintitBlack95]

TX CHL's are valid in OK (and vice versa).

I'd recommend taking the course and applying for your license ASAP as it takes a while to get it processed (in OK anyway, I'm sure TX is faster).

You can't go wrong with a Glock. Booger hooker + trigger = BANG. I've got well over 2,500 rounds through one of mine and the only malfunction I've had was ammunition related (bad primer).

I'd say go with a model 26/27 (sub-compact 9mm/.40) or if you're a larger person and have more "area" to conceal it, go with a 19/23 (compact 9mm/.40).

And don't allow cost in the process to deter you in any way. Sure the CHL's aren't as cheap as a new DL, but hey, look what you're getting the license for.

That also means DON'T buy a cheap gun to save a few bucks...your life may depend on it. Is your life only worth a couple hundred dollars?

I am liking the 26 right now, I havent actually held one yet but it looks like it would fit good in my hand. Where do yall store your guns? in a shoulder holster or something?

[93coupelx]

http://www.nraila.org/recmap/texasrec.pdf

Find a chl class and take it. They will/should spin you up on everything you need to know. Oh and get a shotty.

[Strychnine]

Shotgun is best for home defense. 12 or 20 gauge with 4 shot


For personal defense and law enforcement applications, the International Wound Ballistics Association advocates number 1 buckshot as being superior to all other buckshot sizes.

Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances.


Just sayin...

[BP]

I really like my Sig P229 and the P239 is even smaller.

[usmcluke]

I like my Kimber and my next purchase will be a HK USP in .45.

[Vertnut]

My XD9 with 15+1 rounds is plenty. Easy to carry and handle...I don't carry it for intimidation. I carry it to use if I need it. I'm more than confident with it, and can use it very well.

[usmcluke]

My XD9 with 15+1 rounds is plenty. Easy to carry and handle...I don't carry it for intimidation. I carry it to use if I need it. I'm more than confident with it, and can use it very well.
I need to go shoot an XD, I want a good range gun.

[GT98SVO]

DFWgun on Mockingbird and 35 has a lot of guns to rent.

www.dfwgun.com - they have a list of guns for rent on their site.

Renting, buying their ammo, range fee, eye /ear protection, targets run about 40$.

When I rented 2 .45s, a Springfield 1911 and CZ 97b, it ran right around 40$.

[TX21]

I think my XD is too thick to carry. I have the sub compact and the 4" barrel. I like the glock for carry duty only because its slimer.

[ALLAN]

9mms are smaller, and don't inspire much confidence in shooter or intimidation to target.

.
Seemed like 9mm worked at VT

[Kojak]

Seemed like 9mm worked at VT

And .22 as well (apparently the 2nd pistol was a Walther P22).

I love how people rag on calibers like 9mm and .22 as if they are worthless and if you shoot someone with one they'll just smile at you like nothing happened.

9mm is a very good caliber for SD. Whether or not .40 or .45 ACP is better is subjective and based on your personal needs/wants in a SD round.

[Kojak]

I am liking the 26 right now, I havent actually held one yet but it looks like it would fit good in my hand. Where do yall store your guns? in a shoulder holster or something?

I store mine in a safe. I carry it in a holster. Which holster depends on what I'm wearing (gun and clothes-wise) and where I'm going.

I'd suggest an IWB (Inside the WaistBand) for someone in college (assuming you wear lots of t-shirts when you'd be carrying). They're fairly comfortable and pretty easy to conceal as long as the t-shirt isn't skin-tight. Here's one I like:

Galco IWB/Inside the Pant Holster (http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterT3.asp?ProductID=1187&CatalogID=7)

I have one like it but I cut the retention strap off the top of it. It's not needed because your waistband/belt will hold the gun tight against your body and tight enough in the holster. Besides, if no one knows it's there, why do you need a thumbreak for security?

[ThreeFingerPete]

I need to go shoot an XD, I want a good range gun.

All you have to do is ask, man.

[Trip McNeely]

I like my Glock 23 (.40) Its the compact so its made for small hands like mine. lol Shoots like a bat out of hell, and has never stove piped or FTE on me once.

[5.0LiterRiceEater]

Kimber ulta carry 2 or any Springfield 1911

[Hankman]

I have a Glock 23 and I love it...

Good resale value as well

[Vertnut]

Seemed like 9mm worked at VT
Amen, brother. I don't know who started the rumor that a 9mm wasn't "effective", but you can do SERIOUS damage with one, especially with a decent defense load. My future son-in-law and I put about 500 rounds through mine this last weekend, and he about shit. He's going to use it to qualify with in his CHL class, so I insisted that he spend some "quality" time with it at the range. I find it pretty easy to carry, similar to my Glock, but easier than the Sig.

[usmcluke]

Amen, brother. I don't know who started the rumor that a 9mm wasn't "effective", but you can do SERIOUS damage with one, especially with a decent defense load. My future son-in-law and I put about 500 rounds through mine this last weekend, and he about shit. He's going to use it to qualify with in his CHL class, so I insisted that he spend some "quality" time with it at the range. I find it pretty easy to carry, similar to my Glock, but easier than the Sig.
Generally speaking the 9mm is a good round especially with a defense load like you said but I personally saw more than one Iraqi take multiple FMJs and were still mobile. I like the knockdown of my .45 couple with the concealability of a single stack.

[Trip McNeely]

9mm's are definately effective for the most part, and cheaper. I would however trust a larger caliber with hotter loads so I know the velocity will be higher. You never know when you come across someone on drugs, drunk, etc. They may need a higher punch than a 9 can offer, unless you can get some +P or +P+ rounds. Thats how I look at it. A .40 is smaller than a .45, but can project more muzzle velocity at the time of release. Thats what made me choose a .40.

[Vertnut]

9mm's are definately effective for the most part, and cheaper. I would however trust a larger caliber with hotter loads so I know the velocity will be higher. You never know when you come across someone on drugs, drunk, etc. They may need a higher punch than a 9 can offer, unless you can get some +P or +P+ rounds. Thats how I look at it. A .40 is smaller than a .45, but can project more muzzle velocity at the time of release. Thats what made me choose a .40.
A .40 is no doubt an EXCELLENT round for defense, and as USMCLuke has stated, a .45 is even better (especially for ridding the world of those nasty Iraqi's :D ). I think for me, it's easier to realistically hold my target line with the 9mm in rapid-fire mode, than with a .40 or .45. Recoil concerns me a little in a panic situation, and I think it's part of the problem for police when under pressure/durress. I always hear about how they fired 100's of rounds, and don't find the target (perp). I feel pretty secure carrying anything above a .380.

[Denny]

Just call me old fashioned, but I'm stickin' with my wheel gun.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m41/dennysiraqpics/guns/DSC00861.jpg

[Vertnut]

Just call me old fashioned, but I'm stickin' with my wheel gun.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m41/dennysiraqpics/guns/DSC00861.jpg
NIce! I carried a 5-shot bobbed-hammered Smith for years before it was "legal" to carry. ;)

[propellerhead]

Since we're posting pics... XD40 subcompact.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7853/cimg5660iv7.jpg

[LMPChris]

Not being a smart ass but the best weapon for you is which ever one you can shoot and hit something with. People get caught up in numbers ie - .50 cal or .45 cal. You can have the largest caliber out there but if you can't hit shit it doesn't do you much good. Go to a range rent some different firearms and see which fits your hand and you can fire well. Above all if you are going to carry a weapon don't be one of the jackasses that only practices just in time to renew your CHL. Remember every bullet not on target keeps going till it hits something!!!!

JMHO

[Roscoe]

My concealed carry weapon is a Sig Sauer P229 .40s&w two tone. I use a Fist-Inc IWB and use Winchester Ranger 155gr. :p

As far as getting your CHL, you need to take a course and apply. I don't recall the exact process as I did it years ago, but in WA all I had to do was pay $60 and get a background check/signature from Sheriff and it was in the mailbox a week later!

[AEA]

I like my Kimber and my next purchase will be a HK USP in .45.

I agree......I have both! Two Kimbers and the USP in .45.
I gotta admit though, I bought the USP for my Son who likes the style of it. I don't really like the style much as I am a 1911 NUT. You probably understand........

But If the world comes to an end, the USP may be one of the ones I grab for it's higher .45 capacity Mags. **Grin**

[Pokulski-Blatz]

I just bought myself a kimber Pro carry and couldnt love it more. I previously had a XD40 and to be honest i really didnt like it at all

[ThreeFingerPete]

I just bought myself a kimber Pro carry and couldnt love it more. I previously had a XD40 and to be honest i really didnt like it at all

They are definitely worlds apart as far as guns go. If I had to trust my life to one, it would be the xd though.

[Pokulski-Blatz]

They are definitely worlds apart as far as guns go. If I had to trust my life to one, it would be the xd though.


I had a profound hate for the trigger pull on my XD. felt real sloppy.

[ThreeFingerPete]

I had a profound hate for the trigger pull on my XD. felt real sloppy.

They can fix that pretty easily but I learned to shoot it fairly well.

[Pokulski-Blatz]

eh i just sold it and bought a kimber pro carry II. I really wanted a 1911 anyhow

[GE]

Best thing to do is rent a bunch of guns and find out which one you like the best. We need another range GTG!

I think any semiauto firearm can/will stovepipe, it's just a question of when. You're not as likely to encounter it when you're plunking down rounds downrage at some indoor place, as compared to an intensive shooting course over the weekend.