Frequently Asked Questions
Below I have included a ton of information in the form of Frequently Asked Questions about our course, but again don't hesitate to call us if you have any further questions whatsoever or if you are ready to take advantage of one of our incredible deals on one of our upcoming Lifesaving Tactical CHL courses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I get my Texas Concealed Handgun License?
I. You must first obtain an application packet from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
There are three ways to do this:
1. You can fill out an application completely online & pre-pay the states application fee (This is by far the easiest, fastest, and best option and what I strongly recommend for everyone).
Click the link to go to the TXDPS Website and fill out your application: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlsindex.htm
2. The TXDPS can also mail you an application packet to bring with you to the class. (If you choose this option make sure you allow enough time to receive your packet in the mail or you will not be able to complete your paperwork in the class). You can print out the "Request for Application" here and mail it in, or you can just call the TXDPS @ 1-800-224-5744 and ask them to mail you one.
3. I can also provide one to you the day of class free of charge and you will have 2 years after successfully completing the course to send in your application along with the state's application fee.
The Standard state fee is $140 but there are discounts for active military, honorably discharged veterans, those over 60 and others. Click here for a list of discounted rates: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/feesReqDocs.pdf
II. You must complete the mandatory 10-15 hour CHL course given by a Texas Department of Public Safety certified instructor and pass both the 50 question multiple choice/true or false test as well as the shooting proficiency test with a score of 70% or better. (Don't worry they are both extremely easy, not a single one of my students have ever been unable to pass)
III. You must fill out your application to the state completely, perfectly, truthfully, and accurately.
To do this successfully you must also:
1. Complete one fingerprint card with your fingerprints taken at an authorized digital fingerprinting location recognized by the TXDPS. Click this link for more information on fingerprinting: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlFingerprintInfo.htm
2. Have two recent passport photos of yourself taken that meet the TDPS's specifications.
3. Complete, sign, and have notarized two affidavits that are included in your student packet (or online if you choose that superior option).
I will help you fill out all of your paperwork, provide a photographer to take your passport photos, and have a notary there to notarize all of your affidavits. All you will have to do after class is mail your application to the TDPS along with the state's required fee, and get your digital fingerprints taken.
If you completed (or wish to complete) your application online, all you have to do is get your digital fingerprints taken and mail in your certificate of completion for the course along with your passport photos.
What all is included in this "ALL INCLUSIVE" course?
We include absolutely everything possible to apply for your CHL for one low price and we complete it all during class:
• A minimum of 10-15 hours of instruction from a Texas Department of Public Safety certified instructor as required by the state. I am also an experienced Tactical Firearms Instructor.
• State application packet including all necessary paperwork (Which we will help you fill out 100% correctly during the class).
• 2 Passport photos
• 2 affidavits notarized
• Range fee
• Ear and Eye Protection
• State Required B-27 Target
• Our presentation is an entertaining multimedia presentation with multiple videos presented from a High Definition 1080p Projector
• Unlike other courses, we also give you Real Lifesaving Tactical Tools that could save your life and the lives of your loved ones, instead of leaving you with just the bare minimum required to get your license.
*As a FREE bonus we now also include morning donuts and LUNCH with complimentary coffee and bottled water!!!
How do I sign up and make my payment?
You can now sign up and pay right here on this site, just fill out your information and click "Register" and you will be directed to our secure PayPal payment center (You do NOT have to have a PayPal account to register, you can use any debit or credit card, or even a bank transfer to securely make your payment).
If you prefer to pay with any credit or debit card over the phone, or talk to me directly first, just give me a call. I use Authorize.net the most secure processor available so your information will be kept secure.
If you prefer to pay using a bank account payment, PayPal credit, or any credit card after receiving an invoice for the course, just email me with the email address associated with your PayPal account and I will email you an invoice (all done securely through PayPal).
If you would like to pay with a personal check, cashier's check, or money order, I will provide you with my mailing address but I can't confirm your seat in the course until I receive your payment.
Sorry, but all payments must be made first in order to reserve your seat in the course, if I held a seat for you without payment and you didn't show up, I would just lose the money for that seat that I could have filled with someone else who was eager to take the course. Payments can only be made the day of the class if the class is not full, which is EXTREMELY unlikely.
If you prefer to pay in face to face we are available at almost every single gun show in the Houston area. Just look for the Guardian Survival Tools, LLC banner featuring the Guardian Angel Michael pic at the top of this page.
What do I need to bring to class?
I. Payment if you have not already paid in advance
II. A handgun of .32 caliber or greater (e.g.: .32, .380, .38, 9mm,
.357sig, .40, 10mm, .45, etc. etc.).
I strongly recommend a semi-automatic handgun for the course. If you qualify with a semi-auto you will be licensed to legally carry either a semi-auto or a revolver, if you qualify with a revolver you may only legally carry a revolver.
The handgun does not have to be yours; you may borrow a handgun from a friend of family member for the course. Memorial Shooting Center also has a large selections of handguns for rent to use only at their location (Please contact them directly for details and pricing). Marksman Indoor Range does NOT offer firearm rentals. For liability reasons Guardian Survival Tools, LLC is no longer able to rent firearms for the course.
III. A box of 50 rounds of quality ammo that functions flawlessly in your specific firearms (see the range rules for your specific course location for that range's specific ammo restrictions and requirements).
IV. Your driver's license (or state I.D.)
V. Optional: You may also want to bring your own shooting glasses (eye protection) and over the ear muff style hearing protection if you have it. If not the range will provide you with some.
My all inclusive classes include all range fees and the B-27 target required for your qualification.
Are there any other costs or hidden fees?
No, other than the ammo that you bring, the fee mentioned earlier that the state charges for processing your application, the $9.95 fee you must pay the facility to take your digital fingerprints, and the postage costs to send in your application, there are no hidden fees.
The state's application fee is typically $140, but there are reduced rates for military (active and honorably discharged veterans) and those over 60. Don't worry if you can't afford the state's fee right away, your CHL course certificate is good for 2 years after you take the course, so there is no problem waiting until you have some extra money to send in your application.
Click the link below to view a chart of the state's fees:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/CHLwebupdatefees.pdf
IMPORTANT: The state's fees are non-refundable!!! If the state finds that you don't qualify for a license or you are rejected for any reason, the state will NOT refund your application fee.
What do we get for our free lunch?
We typically bring in pizza for lunch, but if you have special dietary needs, or just don't like pizza, then of course you are welcome to bring whatever you prefer. We have a working lunch in order to cover additional material that very well may save your life someday, so unfortunately there will not be time to leave and go pick something up for lunch. We also provide bottled water, but there are vending machines available for your convenience, or you may bring in whatever snacks or(non-alcoholic) drinks you prefer. : )
What if I haven't shot in a while, does the course teach me to shoot?
CHL courses do not teach you how to shoot; you must be proficient with your handgun and know how to handle it safely before you take ANY CHL course.
For those of you who haven't shot in a while, or even those who have never touched a gun but want to gain the skills necessary to defend yourself, I offer Private Defensive Handgun Courses designed to guarantee that you will greatly improve your handgun skills and easily pass your CHL qualification. No student that has taken my Defensive Handgun course has ever scored less that 92% on their CHL shooting qualification test (70% is passing). I am so confident that you will pass the CHL qualification after taking my Defensive Handgun Course that I will refund your money for the CHL course if you are unable to pass.
The regular price for up to a five hour block of Private Defensive Handgun Training is only $250 per person. Staying in practice and sharpening our defensive shooting skills is one of the MOST important responsibilities we have as CHL holders behind safety.
What is the shooting proficiency test like?
The test is pretty easy and a score of PASS or FAIL is all that goes to the state. Unless you've never spent any time learning how to shoot, or you haven't shot in a very long time, you should have no problem passing.
I strongly believe that if you are going to carry a gun that you should work on being as safe and as skilled as possible with it, not only for your own safety but for the safety of others as well. You will have plenty of time to improve your skills while you are waiting for your application to be processed, and I offer several classes to take you to whatever level you would like to achieve.
You will only shoot 50 rounds for the shooting proficiency test. There is a picture of the required B-27 target with scoring values at the top of this page. The distances, shots, and times are listed below.
CHL SHOOTING TEST
3 yards, 20 rounds
• 1 shot in 2 seconds, we will do this 5 times
• 2 shots in 3 seconds, we will do this 5 times
• 5 shots in 10 seconds, we will do this 1 time
7 yards, 20 rounds
• 5 shots in 10 seconds, we will do this 1 time
• 2 shots in 4 seconds, we will do this 1 time
• 3 shots in 6 seconds, we will do this 1 time
• 1 shot in 3 seconds, we will do this 5 times
• 5 shots in 15 seconds, we will do this 1 time
15 yards, 10 rounds
• 2 shots in 6 seconds, we will do this 1 time
• 3 shots in 9 seconds, we will do this 1 time
• 5 shots in 15 seconds, we will do this 1 time
Scoring:
8, 9 and 10 rings = 5 points 7 ring = 4 points on target, outside rings = 3 points Minimum qualifying score is 175 out of 250 points (70%)
What if my gun or ammo jams/malfunctions during the test?
The TDPS states that if you know how to SAFELY fix the malfunction and can still get the shot off in time, that you may do so. If you do not know how to do this safely or can't get the shot off in time, then you lose those points. Just like in a real gun fight where your firearm or ammo may fail, there are NO "do over’s!" If your gun or ammo is unreliable, get it fixed by a qualified gunsmith or replace it with something that is reliable. DO NOT BET YOUR LIFE ON A CHEAP GUN OR CHEAP AMMO THAT YOU KNOW HAS PROBLEMS!!!
Where and when are the next classes being held?
SEE SCHEDULE TAB FOR ALL DATE AND TIME INFORMATION
How long is the course?
All CHL courses are required by State law to be 10-15 hours long excluding breaks and drive times (if the range is in a separate location). Never take a course that does not meet these requirements! The instructor will be arrested and prosecuted for a misdemeanor crime and your license could be revoked! All CHL courses are closely monitored by the Texas Department of Public Safety to be certain all instructors comply.
Our courses typically end between 7pm and 8pm depending on how many students we have, how many questions there are, if anyone needs help fixing malfunctions on the range, and if the class feels the need to discuss a topic further in order to understand it completely. Please don't schedule anything important directly after the class.
This is LIFE and DEATH material we are dealing with and I am NOT one of those instructors that will skip over important materials, not help you when you need it, or not answer your important questions properly just so I can get home on time. I am here for you to make sure you learn as much as possible in our extremely short time together. I will give you tools in class that very well may save your life or the lives of your loved ones some day, and I will not short you on that for my own selfish benefit. I will also continue to be available to you anytime after our course if you should have any further questions or problems, call me anytime.
Where are these ranges located?
Marksman Indoor Range
507 Nebraska St.
South Houston, TX 77587
MapQuest link: http://mapq.st/fvK4W8
Memorial Shooting Center
(Shooting qualification only, course begins in the classroom at Hampton Inn OR La Quinta Inn @ 8am Sharp) See below
Memorial Shooting Center
1106 Witte Road
Houston, TX 77055
(Near Memorial City Mall)
MapQuest link (Memorial Shooting Center):
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Houston&state=TX&address=1106+Witte+Rd&zipcode=77055-6047&cat=Memorial+Shooting+Center&country=US&latitude=29.788807&longitude=-95.54007&geocode=ADDRESS
Google maps link (Memorial Shooting Center):
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Memorial+Shooting+Center,+Houston,+TX&sll=29.762884,-95.383062&sspn=1.114626,2.110748&g=Houston,+TX&ie=UTF8&hq=Memorial+Shooting+Center,&hnear=Houston,+Harris,+Texas&z=12&iwloc=A
Hampton Inn
11333 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77079
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Hampton+Inn+Houston+I-10W%2FEnergy+Cor,+TX,+Houston,+TX&sll=29.762884,-95.383062&sspn=1.114626,2.110748&g=Houston,+TX&ie=UTF8&hq=Hampton+Inn+Houston+I-10W%2FEnergy+Cor,+TX,&hnear=Houston,+Harris,+Texas&ll=29.787323,-95.582428&spn=0.271145,0.527687&z=12&iwloc=A
La Quinta
11113 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77079
(713) 932-0808
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=La+Quinta+11113+Katy+Freeway,+Houston,+TX+77079&aq=&sll=29.766762,-95.546722&sspn=0.54061,1.055374&gl=us&ie=UTF8&hq=La+Quinta&hnear=11113+Katy+Fwy,+Houston,+Harris,+Texas+77079&ll=29.785833,-95.432739&spn=0.540507,1.055374&z=11&iwloc=A
What are the range rules for Marksman Indoor Range?
Range Rules:
Firearm Safety is YOUR First and Foremost Responsibility!!!!
1. Always treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
2. Never allow your muzzle to cover ANYTHING you are not willing to destroy (Always keep guns pointed in a safe direction/downrange).
3. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until your sights are on target and you are ready to shoot.
4. Remain aware of your target and what is in line with it (what's in front of it, behind it, and beyond).
5. Keep your gun unloaded until you are ready to use it (Do NOT load your gun in the lobby area, you may load magazines there, but do NOT insert the magazine into the gun or chamber a round).
6. Be certain your gun is well maintained and in good working order.
7. Know how to safely use the gun.
8. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
9. Wear eye and hearing protection BEFORE entering the range AND while on the range AT ALL TIMES.
10. Never use alcohol or drugs before and or during shooting.
11. Store guns so they are not accessible to children.
12. NO ONE is allowed past the shooting stations down range.
13. REPORT ANY ALL UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGES AT ONCE.
14. No Magnum Loads (.357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum), No calibers larger than .45 caliber.
15. Be positive that any ammo you use is both safe and reliable, and functions properly in your specific firearm (+P and "hot" reloads can be dangerous to both you and others on the range, you will be held accountable if someone is injured because of your poor ammo choices).
16. All down range & abandoned brass belongs to the range.
17. Due to concerns with the effects of lead exposure on pregnant women and the developing child, women who believe they may be pregnant should not be in the shooting range.
18. ABSOLUTELY NO HANDLING OF FIREARMS IN THE CLASSROOM!
What are the Range Rules at Memorial Shooting Center?
Memorial Shooting Center Safety Rules:
SHOWROOM & RANGE:
In order to ensure that you have a pleasant experience at our very safety conscious facility, please read and understand the following:
1. ALL weapons must be in a bag, case, or holster upon entering showroom. PLEASE DO NOT WALK INTO THE STORE WITH A GUN IN YOUR HAND.
2. Eye and ear protection must be on before entering the range and not taken off until you enter the showroom.
3. Weapons can only be in your hand while in your booth, on the range.
4. Do not step behind red line with a gun in your hand.
5. Do not physically pass a gun back and forth to other shooters. Change booths, not guns.
6. No bench rest shooting.
7. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
8. Keep the weapon pointed at your target while shooting i.e. only shoot at the target in your lane.
9. Even if you are not shooting, always keep your weapon pointed downrange.
10. If you need any help from our staff, keep your weapon in the booth, pointed downrange and come in and ask for a staff member.
11. Your safety is our highest priority at all times; if you see any safety violations or concerns please report them to a staff member so that we may remedy the situation immediately.
12. Memorial Shooting Center reserves the right to remove anyone that we feel is unsafe.
13. Only Closed Toe Shoes Are Allowed On The Range.
We ALLOW the following ammunition:
Full Metal Jacket
Brass Casings
Long Gun: Frangible ammo only.
We do NOT allow the following ammunition:
Steel or Aluminum casings
Magnums
Shotgun (unless training)
Please do not take these personally. We realize everyone makes mistakes or might be unaware of our rules; however, we must keep this range a safe place for all our patrons.
Guardian Survival Tools, LLC also highly recommends the following:
1. No open toed shoes - spent brass casings ejected from a gun are hot and will burn exposed skin on the feet.
2. Bring a baseball style cap with a bill - this keeps hot brass from landing in your shooting glasses and burning your face or eyes.
3. Wear a shirt with a snug collar - this keeps hot brass from going down the front of your shirt or down the back of your collar.
*** If hot brass does come into contact with you, do not freak out and wave your gun around pointing it at everyone risking their lives and your freedom! Simply brush the brass away with your NON-FIRING HAND or if it is down your shirt pull the brass away from your skin with your NON-FIRING HAND for a few seconds and the brass will cool. You can then let it go and retrieve it later after you have secured your firearm.***
Where are we required to park at the range?
Marksman Indoor Range has kindly asked us all to park on the right hand side of the building since we are going to be there all day and they don't want their regular customers thinking that the range is packed full. Please park reasonably close to each other so that everyone can fit. Thank you very much for your help on this. Our classroom will be the door on the far left hand side of the building.
Memorial Shooting Center Just pull through the black iron gates and please park toward the back of the lot so it doesn't appear that the range is packed full for their other regular customers.
How long will it take after I send in my application to receive my license?
Recently this has been taking as little as 21 days, but unfortunately on occasion with the HUGE increase in demand for CHL's at times it can take as long as 9 months. You can expedite this process by completing your application online and/or making sure you fill out all of your paperwork completely and accurately. This time frame is only going to grow in the future, so please don't wait to take the course thinking this will improve.
With a current 21 day average turnaround we are currently experiencing the quickest turnarounds in the history of the CHL program, so now is the best time in history to apply for your Concealed Handgun License!
How long does my license last?
Your first license will last 4 years from the date it is issued and then until your very next birthday. When you renew your license it will be good for 5 years and will always expire on that year’s birthday.
Can I get a refund if I can't make it to the class?
Unfortunately because of the huge expenses associated with advertising and executing a course of such incredible quality, and offering it at such an amazing price, we cannot afford to offer any refunds on our course.
If you have a legitimate emergency that prevents you from being able to attend the class, I will gladly give you a credit that you may apply towards the next course but there will be a rescheduling fee of $35 if you do not inform me at least 10 days before your scheduled course date.
Please keep in mind that even with this unlikely $35 fee, this is still an incredible value for our unparallelled Lifesaving CHL Course and still cheaper than many other courses. We also can NOT offer refunds for those who do not qualify for a license or who's application is rejected by the state.
Can anyone get a CHL?
Absolutely NOT! This program is designed for good law abiding citizens and has severe restrictions that prevent criminals from obtaining a CHL.
It is 100% your responsibility to determine if you are eligible to get your CHL. The TDPS does not allow instructors to tell students whether or not their specific legal situation will allow or deny the student from being approved for a CHL. If you need assistance please contact the TDPS CHL division directly at 1-800-224-5744 as I am only allowed to read you the law.
I. At minimum you must meet the following standards to be eligible for a CHL:
(Other regulations may also apply)
1. You must not have been convicted of a felony.
2. You must not be charged with the commission of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, or of a felony under an information or indictment.
3. You must not be a fugitive from justice for a felony or a Class A or Class B misdemeanor.
4. You must not be a chemically dependent person.
5. You must not be incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun.
6. You must not in the five years preceding the date of application been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or an offense under Section 42.01, Texas Penal Code.
7. You must be fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun.
8. You must not have been finally determined to be delinquent in making a child support payment administered or collected by the Texas Attorney General.
9. You must not have been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of taxes or other money collected by the Texas Comptroller, Texas State Treasurer, or tax collector of any agency or political subdivision of this state.
10. You must not be currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, not including a restraining order solely affecting property.
11. You must not In the 10 years preceding the date of this application, have been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony.
12. You must agree to obtain a handgun proficiency certificate by completing a course of instruction taught by a certified Handgun Instructor.
13. You must be at least 21 years of age (or between the ages of 18 to 20 plus meet the additional military eligibility requirements).
Where can I get additional information?
If you need any additional information, please feel free to email or call me directly.
You may also find a wealth of information on the Texas Department of Public Safety's web site below:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlsindex.htm
Here is a link to TDPS's Frequently Asked Questions PDF:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlfaq.pdf
Or you can contact them directly:
Phone: 1-800-224-5744
Email: chl@txdps.state.tx.us
Thanks again for your consideration.
All the best,
Anthony McGaugh
Founder/CEO & Chief Instructor
Guardian Survival Tools, LLC
P.O. Box 24309
Houston, TX 77229
Office (713) 453-3230
Email: Anthony@GuardianSurvivalTools.com
Web: www.GuardianSurvivalTools.com