Playing the Waiting Game

Okay paperwork, fingerprints and photos done. Package is in the mail on its way to Austin. From what I can tell the common turnaround time right now is about 35-40 days, so here I am, waiting.

You guys sign up for my contest and give me something to do or this is going to be a long month...:D

Have a great day!!

CHL Class

This Saturday the Cowboy and I went and took our CHL class and test. We passed with flying colors! The Cowboy even shot a perfect score. I shot a 234, which is great (a 94%), but I think I would have done better, had I not had multiple issues with my firearm.

When I heard "ten hour class" I was sure it would be boring and dull, but I was wrong. The instructor was tons of fun. My classmates helped to make it fun as well. We had a great group of about 15 people there and we joked and laughed and had a great time. If you live in the Panhandle and are looking for a class, call up Sheriff Dave Medlin in Vega. In my opinion, you won't be disappointed.

Just a warning, when you go for your CHL class, don't bring your gun in a plastic bag...I didn't do it, but another girl did and oh my, did she get a ribbing. I got a nudge from the Cowboy when the instructor said something about texting while walking through a parking lot, which resulted in me actually being called by name and asked about it...ugh, thanks Cowboy. But it was so much fun. There were bankers, real estate agents and even three L&D nurses in our class.

The written test is 50 questions, all multiple choice and true/false and if you have half a brain, it's not difficult at all.

The shooting test is not as bad as I thought it would be either. It's fifty shots and most of them are from the 3 and 7 yard markers, which allows you to pass the test even if you're not a crack shot at 15 yards. It's not like you would ever be shooting someone in self-defense from 15 yards. If they're that far away, you can probably run away from them much easier than trying to shoot them without any peripheral damage.

So, the test is passed. Fingerprints and pictures tomorrow and then it's off to the State with the paperwork and the waiting game for the license to come in.

I hope to have our first reviews and give aways very soon!

Have a wonderful week, friends!

CHL Jitters?

I have been asked several times if I am afraid or nervous about taking the test. The answer is, "not at all."

I am not an excellent marksman and I do not know the ins and outs of the Texas Gun Law but I do know two things:
1.) They will tell me everything I need to know to pass the written test in the class
2.) If a lady who had never shot before can pass the shooting portion with a borrowed gun, so can I

I don't know anyone who knows anyone who has ever failed the test. If you can shoot well enough to hit the target at all, and you handle your weapon safely, I am told there should be no problem passing the test.

If you want to see what the shooting portion of the test includes, visit this website http://www.krtraining.com/KRTraining/TexasCHL/CHLtest.html

One thing I would highly recommend. Know your gun. Most instructors say that they will have a few extra guns in case you don't have one, but I do not recommend using a loaner. If you don't own a gun but want to take the class, borrow one but at least a couple of weeks before the class. Familiarize yourself with it. Know what it is, what size ammo it uses, how to take it apart, clean it and put it back together. Know how to load it and shoot it. Know how much ammo the clip holds and where the safety is. You will be nervous enough taking the test in front of strangers, you don't want to be trying to use a strange gun as well. As I read on a recent thread, "You wouldn't show up at Driver's Ed not knowing how to operate a vehicle would you?" If you shoot yourself in the foot trying to cock the hammer, you probably won't pass.

I have faith in myself. I have faith in you. We can do this.

Have a great day!

What? Only a week?

Okay dear friends, I just looked at the calendar and you know what? My CHL class is in one week! I haven't been to the range. I haven't decided which gun to use. I haven't even cleaned and tried out the new Ruger yet!!

This is a really exciting time for me. To go to this class with my husband, to learn the rules that we don't know yet, to take the next step in responsible gun ownership, and to exercise our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

If you live in a bigger town be sure to check out your options for shooting ranges. Practice is important for any adventure, and especially this one. Having an oven doesn't do any good if you don't know how to cook and having a self-defense firearm is no good if you can't use it to protect yourself. But you don't want to pay for a yearly membership at a crummy range if there's a nicer one right down the street. Check them out, ask about events and programs. Be sure to find out if they have an NRA Member discount, gotta love those!

As we travel and go to different ranges, I will review them, so you know what to expect if you visit these towns. I will also have guest posters review gun ranges all over this great state!

Remember as soon as they arrive, I will be testing, reviewing and giving away some great holsters for women.

Have a great day!