Have they really dropped the requalification with a weapon? Wow.

I renewed my CHL last thursday and had to requalify. They dropped the scoring though, its pass or fail now.

Yeah when we run your DL it will also advise if you have a CHL

Yeah but if I remember correct, you starting reaching for it when he kept ordering you to leave it where it was. His 45 on the side of your fat melon stopped that pretty quick though

What was she supposed to do - lean out the window and shout "I have a gun!!" Police sometimes have a bad day - I reckon this was his day and unfortunately your friend caught it. She did correctly - don't fret it.

That's what I remembered.

I know some guys in the military and don't think they should be allowed carry a pocket knife much less a gun. So don't think just because there military that there superior to everyone else. I appreciative everything they are doing for the country, but think your views are ridiculous.

I just did my 4th renewal online. I did not have to take the course, shoot, send pictures or prints, just send money. 6 weeks later I got my new license in the mail, it expires in 2016.

Here is the latest on renewals...

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlfaqs.htm
37. My license is about to expire and I heard that I don’t have to take a renewal course; is this true?

In certain circumstances, a person may be exempt from taking a renewal course. If you have been continuously licensed for three (3) renewal periods, you may contact the Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau to see if you are exempt from attending a renewal course.

However, if you are exempt from a renewal course, the next time your license is up for renewal you would be required to take a renewal course.

The law change was designed to allow those long time license holders to only need to take the class every ten years. But it is important to remember that you are still responsible for keeping current with any changes in the law.

Come on Vernon, really? I've got 4 different handguns that I use for everyday carry, should I have to qualify with all 4? What about if change my LCP out for Keltec 3AT should I have to requalify? I didn't own my Springfield XDSC when I qualified, should I be forced to requalify?

I for one am glad the nanny state isn't telling me (or any of my other fellow citizens) what they can or can't carry.

David

Yeah, but you can't qualify with a 500S&W and carry a .380 Auto.

When I have been stopped I have both my d.l. and c.h.l. in my hand (with my hands on the steering wheel with the window down)when the officer comes up to my truck. If it is night, I turn on the inside light. Every time I have been stopped the officer has been very professional and very friendly. They have always asked me if I was carrying and where it was. They have never asked to see it. I did have one tell me if I didn't draw he wouldn't, and we both laughed. Like some have said, their job has to be tough, always have to be prepared for the worse. Alot of idiots out there.

My point was the fact that the qualification standards aren't high enough. I agree CHL help protect people and so far have done a good job of it, all I'm saying is there is room for improvement on the shooting standards and the need to requalify.

Going along with that LEO have to qualify at least 1 time a year(depending on department may be more) as well as military(at least the Marine Corps does), they may not shoot the best but they are required to shoot every year and meet standards. Can't say that for CHL holders. But is it realistic to have every CHL holder qualify every year? I'd say no just for the number of people who have them. But it would be something to strive for.

And I'm saying that civilian CHL carry has nothing to do with LEO duties. Civilian CHL are defending their own lives - there is no requirement (or ability) to enforce the laws as a LEO, the requirements are different.

I believe the requirement to have a CHL is an infringement on the 2nd amendment (right to BEAR arms....). The standards are loose enough now that people like my 74 year old father can still pass relatively easily. I have no desire to make the standard any more difficult.

We'll agree to disagree - I'm glad the legislature doesn't see it your way.

David

I have been pulled over 2 times since having my CHL, both times I had my pistol on me.
First time I was on the way to the lease and was in Downtown Dallas pulled over by a constable. I handed my license, CHL, and Insurance. He asked if I had a gun and where. Told him my pistol was on the seat under the bag, a deer rifle in the back, 22 in the other case, and AR in the other seat. He walked back and came back with a warning.
Second time was a Trooper. Handed him the same info, he asked me where it was. I told him my backpack and he had me exit the car and stand on the shoulder. Came back with a ticket for me....

Wow, lots on this post.

Yes, I would say she did fine. I have been pulled over a number of times since gettingmy CHL and always do as some here have stated. Put BOTH hands out the window, TXDL & CHL (on top facing police officer) with them. I keep them there or on the steering wheel during the entire traffic stop. I have been told before that is was okay to remove them but I do it for officers piece of mind (their job is hard enough, they dont need me adding any tension to it). I have been disarmed once (tiny, overbearing local jurisdiction known for that kind of thing) but other than that all officers were very polite and professional. Kept me from getting a few tickets too

As to only ex-military or LEO's carry. Thats ridiculous! Falls back to the same flawed logic that only LEO's should carry. I cant depend on them to be there when I need it. So I dont.

I'll qualify as often as they want but I also switch my carry guns depending on the whether, dress, etc so qualifying with my exact carry gun maybe not. I agree that the standard is low but as someone else stated it is done so for a reason so that those with health issues, etc can get a CHL, which I agree with.

Great post and good question.

Heck let's just start wadding up the Constitution like the 2nd Amendment and throw it out the window.

Absolutley sad, no other words for it...

x2

So what if I have pistol in the car, but I'm not CHL licensed? The pistol is hidden from view and not on my person? Am I required to state I have a weapon in the car without being asked? No right? So I have more effective rights than a CHL holder at that point, it makes little sense to me. The CHL holder should only have to let the officer know if a weapon is on their person or they are specifically asked if there is a weapon in the car.

What if I am CHL, but I have no weapon in the car; am I required to let the officer know I am CHL licensed?

if you have a CHL but are not carrying, i do not believe you are required to show your CHL. Having said that, i think its always best to present your DL and CHL anytime you are stopped by the police. Thats my feeling at least. As a CHL holder, i have nothing to hide so i am not afraid of showing my license. i dont know about carrying in the car without a CHL but again, i think its best to let the office know you have it. If you are not doing anything "wrong" you should have nothing to worry about. again, just my thoughts.

Alan D hit the nail on the head with this post. We are ingrained from the first day of the academy to always stay tactically minded. There is NO SUCH THING AS A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP. I treat every stop the same way until I make contact with the driver. My approach is the same, same contact, same information required from driver, I explain the reason for the contact and we go from there.

As for as the original post, if all the facts where presented in it, the cop was completely wrong (IMO) for the actions he took. Many people have CHLs, they are great. 9 stops out of 10 I don't even bother asking to see there weapon. Ever so often I will have to ask someone to exit there vehicle and stand in front of my car while I write a citation or use the radio. (No, I don't have any back up to watch them. I work alone for most of my shift. That's just the way it is in a small city.)

That mind set will stay with me. I was trained that way and I made a promise to my wife that whatever it takes I will come home in the morning. I don't mean to cause anyone any inconvenience, but I am going to do what it takes to keep me safe.