Do I need a CHL?

[Hutch]

With Texas law allowing us to carry a gun in our cars, do I really need a CHL? I mean, for the most part, if Im not at home Im in my car.
Thoughts....

 

[GI-John]

prepare

Prepare to be swarmed with nothing but reasons why you "SHOULD" get your CHL and "NOT" just "LEAVE" a gun in the car.

 

[Texas1911]

You can be hassled, and/or arrested for having the gun in your car without the CHL. Then you'll have to prove that you were traveling and all of that mess. I don't think the whole Motorists Protection Act has been dealt with ad nauseum in courts to really set down the precedent for a good defense.

I would look to get your CHL for the added benefits and peace of mind.

 

[mmay1]

Get the CHL then all options are open to you. Do you shop, eat out, use an ATM, etc. When you are not in your house and not in your car, you are vulnerable and unarmed.

 

[Hutch]

Thanks for the feedback. Probably need to go ahead and get it as originally planned. I'm really not comfortable leaving it in the Jeep anyway.

 

[Texas42]

I believe the phrase is, "hurry up and wait" on getting a CHL.

 

[TxEMTP69]

I believe the phrase is, "hurry up and wait" on getting a CHL.

 

[DoubleActionCHL]

The MPA allows you to carry as an unlicensed citizen, but there are some gotchas. Namely, the "not involved in a crime, other than a class C misdemeanor traffic violation." A lady in another instructor's class had a verbal altercation with her ex's new wife. They called the police and she was arrested on a domestic charge AND UCW.

Even though it's the law, many officers are just not completely comfortable with carrying under the MPA. You'll generally get better treatment when you have your CHL.

 

[Big_Blue]

I completely agree with the Above, and know having my CHL gives me peace of mind when it comes to carrying, even in my Vehicle. Good luck with taking the Class, and getting your Plastic in a Timely Manner!!

 

[TexasRedneck]

I carried for 10+ years under the old laws, with several encounters w/LEO's. Most of 'em were cordial, but there were a few memorable encounters that were close to being detained - and I know V.A.C.S. verbatum regarding defenses to charges of carrying a firearm. The average layman can easily get themselves in trouble in a heartbeat - and to me, it just ain't worth it. Besides - with a CHL there's no more NICS checks and possible delays. Walk in, find the Gun Love of Your Life (GLoYL) an' walk out with it - period.

Gun shops will love you, women will swoon, an' the unwashed masses will grovel at yer feet!

 

[ExpatBen]

You are better off getting the CHL. With new laws there are always many different interpretations, including by Police Officers, DAs, and Judges. You are best not be one of these test cases that an unfriendly DA wants to challenge the law, or a police officer that forgets, or doesn't know about the entire law yet.

This goes under avoiding a dangerous situation before it happens. The price to get a CHL is high, but the price of spending time in Jail, court, and lawyer fees are worst. Don't risk it. Just get your CHL.

 

[Amistad]

...women will swoon...

Er, Tex... PMFJIH, but tell me more about these women that swoon...

Amistad

 

[DCortez]

women will swoon

I'm always being asked, "Is that a Desert Eagle in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?".

 

[ZX9RCAM]

I'm always being asked, "Is that a BABY Desert Eagle in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?".

Fixed it for ya DC.......

 

[DoubleActionCHL]

If nothing else, the knowledge you'll gain concerning the use of force/deadly force is worth the time and money.

 

[TexasRedneck]

Er, Tex... PMFJIH, but tell me more about these women that swoon...
Amistad

I would - but then Cortez would git his hopes up - an' with that infant eagle of his.....

 

[Wedge]

Agreed
(1) No yellow form for gun purchase
(2) If you carry a gun in your car to protect yourself then wouldnt u want to be able to allways protect yourself all of the time. Unless the law says u cant like schools.
(3) Were all here because we believe in the 2nd ammendment. There are power in #s. The more CHLs the longer it will last.
Plus what everyone else has already said. IMOatriot:

 

[DCortez]

with that infant eagle of his.....

Them's the twins.

 

[Hutch]

Agreed
(1) No yellow form for gun purchase
(2) If you carry a gun in your car to protect yourself then wouldnt u want to be able to allways protect yourself all of the time. Unless the law says u cant like schools.
(3) Were all here because we believe in the 2nd ammendment. There are power in #s. The more CHLs the longer it will last.

Good points. Thanks

 

[TexasRedneck]

Them's the twins.

Ah....the original "little people"......