Much has been said and even more not said about getting the Utah
Concealed Handgun License. I am surprised that any self respecting Texan
would commit this borderline blasphemy, but there are always the get rich
quick types that like to make life harder on themselves.
     Since this type of self defense minded amigo does exist, let me cut
to the chase on a few things.    Yes, it is cheaper.     Yes, it is quicker.    Yes, as a
Texan you can get a non-resident Utah concealed handgun license (although this is currently up for debate in the Texas Legislature).    Yes, it
is legal to carry in all the same places it is legal if you have the Texas CHL.
BUT…… What are you missing? Ahhhhh, the Utah licensees will never
know will they?
     Well, you would be shocked at the things that you DON'T learn in
the UTAH class. Could these things that you don't learn be critical to your
safety?   Yes.   Could the things they don't tell you have to do with where it is
illegal to carry in Texas?   Yes.   Could these things that you don't learn put
your butt in jail?   YES!
     I am neither kidding nor exaggerating, amigos. I have read their
curriculum. They do not cover critical issues that make carrying in Texas
not only legal, but survivable. They don't cover child safety laws here in
Texas. They don't cover where it's legal and illegal to carry here. They don't
cover non-violent dispute resolution. They don't cover what to do if you're
involved in an incident. What do you do when you get pulled over? And so
on, and so on…..
     I've asked several of my cop buddies what they think about Texans
that get a Utah license. The general consensus is that it angers them that
someone would try to actively pursue the least amount of work possible to
obtain something that is so important to your safety and survival.
     One cop friend of mine said, "It makes me question that person's
core intentions. Why is he trying to circumvent a system which is already so
simple to go through for something that is 'easier' and totally inadequate? It
basically screams to me that he is totally unprepared to carry here." ...Ouch…
     Is it legal?   You bet.   But the question should be….is it safe? Let me
put it like this. Would you go to your local skydiving school and say, "Hello,
sir.  I'm looking for the cheapest parachute you have and the quickest, easiest way to learn to use it!"
     Gulp.