Never had any kind of major issue with anybody, but as I feel more confident with my boating abilities I've started staying after dark more often and have seen some weirdo's on docks and ramps. I fish a lot alone due to work schedule and have wondered about personal protection a few times. Never felt nervous fishing, but have when unloading or loading my boat alone.

Thinking of getting a CHL for the first time and maybe getting a pistol. Very much on the fence about it.

It'd be my first pistol (shot a few when I was a teenager) but never owned one.

Suggestions, thoughts, advice for a first. Or even pro's and con's? Good first one? Affordable safe's, locks? I have kid's so safety is a MAJOR ISSUE of course!!

A really good friend of mine is thinking of doing the same so we may even take a class together and go to the range for some friendly competition.

Didn't grow up in a hunting household so my gun knowledge is limited to summer camp and older cousins.

P.S. I know this isn't the Hunting Forum, but since I'm not really a hunter and this is for when I'm fishing, well . . . . makes sense to me.

I would recommend that you go to a gun show, handle as many as you can to find the ones that fit your hands. Then limit your research to those guns. Find a range that rents out the ones you like and shoot away.

Unfortunately most lakes around here are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which limits the lakes that you can 'lawfully' carry. But personal protection is a personal decision that we all must make.

IMO if you are right-handed, I would first look at a Glock to see how they feel in your hand. If they feel like a 2x4 and/or you are left-handed then look at a S&W M&P. Both manufacturers make full-sized and compact versions of common calibers (9mm, .40, .357sig, .45).

Ever see someone buy a bunch of fishing gear, go fishing once or twice a year, and in spite of all the gear really suck at fishing? Same with carrying, only when you suck at pulling a gun you get dead. An if you accidentally allow someone to see it - you can get in big trouble, especially with future employers when your criminal history shows a firearms conviction.

My advice is to go to a gun range and rent a 45cal Glock and a Smith & Wesson M&P, an shoot 50 rounds through each. You can just walk in, with your ID, and they will set you up. Meanwhile get a 2lb rock and carry it around for a week without anyone noticing it.

Doing that might answer your question.

Additional sent in PM

wouldnt leave home without it!!. lots of ranges have pistols you can rent to see what fits you and you like the best. a couple of sessions with a rangemaster is worth the money just like hiring a guide on your home lake. shortens the learning curve. also once you figure out which gun you preferr. check out the different styles of concealable holsters. you will probably buy a few to find the one you like.

I pack everywhere i go whether it is home or away!!!!! Consealed carried is a total crock that allows almost any idiot criminal a liscense to pack as well!!!! Do yourselves a favor folks and get smart on the law, The true definition of concealed means on ones body. You can leagally store your firearm beside you. under the floor mat, in the glove box or anywhere else that you choose as long as it is not concealed (hidden) on your body.

Absolutely. Smith and Wesson Model 640. 2" .38. I have tons of autos but for carry and simplicity, the revolver is the go-to gun. For someone like yourself who hasn't shot anything in (I assume) a while, I strongly, strongly suggest a revolver.

Yes

All the bad guys have them, so the good guys should be able to protect themselves. If you carry, you need to have it to where you can draw down in 1 shake of a bulls tail, not 2 shakes. Go and take a CHL class. They will instruct you as to what would best suit your needs, and also give guidance as to how to be safe regarding the kids issue.

jeepthing,

TexasCHLForum is great resource for anything CHL in Texas. Very well mannered group.

+1 on the revolver for simplicity but I would qualify with a semi auto if you are going to get the CHL so you can carry both if you want if you qualify with a revolver you can only carry a revolver.

If I know that I'm going to be out after dark, I'll drive the extra mile to launch at a ramp that is well lite or in a park that you have to pay for.

Look at the Springfield XD's. Very shooter friendly, with a good trigger out of the box. The feel and accuracy of the higher end guns, with the mid-range price point.

If you want really smooth shooting, go for a 1911.

I do. I know of others on here that do as well.

Good signature!

FYI, it is illegal to carry a firearm on any Corps of Engineers Lakes and property unless you are an LEO or you are hunting. Heres the Federal law..

Under the US Code of Regulations, Title 36--Parks, Forests, and Public Property

CHAPTER III--U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

PART 327--RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING PUBLIC USE OF WATER RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ADMINISTERED BY THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS

327.13 Explosives, firearms, other weapons and fireworks.
(a) The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons is prohibited unless:
(1) In the possession of a Federal, state or local law enforcement officer;
(2) Being used for hunting or fishing as permitted under 327.8, with devices being unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites;
(3) Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.
(b) Possession of explosives or explosive devices of any kind, including fireworks or other pyrotechnics, is prohibited unless written permission has been received from the District Commander.

Nowhere does it state a CHL is valid, or that state guidelines overrule the federal.