Getting your CDL License

So ive gone shooting alot lately getting ready to take my test to get my cdl license. Ive been shooting with a 38 revolver has a bit of a kick for me though. I wanted to take it with a semi automatic but the kick back on that one hurts way to much. I found out today that if I take it and shoot with the revolver im licensed to carry any gun. The law didn't use to be that way. Use to you had to carry the gun that you shot with to get your license. When did this change and why?

Not sure. However, I do believe you mean CHL. When I read CDL, I just imagined your wonderful boobies bouncing in an 18 wheeler.

The CHL is now a LTC or license to carry as you can open carry or carry concealed in Texas.


You might try renting a small .380 at the range and practice a bit. If you think you are good enough with a .38 revolver to pass the test, I don't imagine you having any issues with a .380.

A Sig p938 is a nice small 9mm. Lots of the ranges have them to rent.

However, a big heavy 1911 might actually work because the weight of the gun absorbs a lot of the recoil.


Depending on where you test, you should be able to rent a smaller caliber for your test. Just talk to the range.

Again If you have been practicing, you'll pass even a gun you haven't shot before, more than likely.


Good Luck! Happy Shooting!

I'm not exactly sure when they changed the revolver only rule but it's been a few years at least. I want to say around the time that they cut the class time down to half a day.

I've never shot any revolvers but they say they have far less recoil than semi-auto. Out of the few semi-auto I've rented, the Glock 17 Gen 4 was the best as far as the amount of recoil...I think they specifically have features in the Gen 4 model for that. It's a larger size than I like but was for sure the most comfortable.

I don't recommend testing with a .380...those will beat your hand up for sure.

A S&W M&P Shield is a nice semi auto for someone with small hands. It's narrow and easy to handle, and doesn't punch too hard at all. Actually, any good 9mm single stack should be easy to hold on to and have enough weight to keep the recoil in check.

And, the license is actually LTC (License to Carry) now because you don't have to keep it concealed.

A S&W M&P Shield is a nice semi auto for someone with small hands. It's narrow and easy to handle, and doesn't punch too hard at all. Actually, any good 9mm single stack should be easy to hold on to and have enough weight to keep the recoil in check.

And, the license is actually LTC (License to Carry) now because you don't have to keep it concealed. Originally Posted by ElBombero

+1 on the shield, very good handling on that firearm. It was my first gun and still a favorite.

Go to a range and rent several guns to shoot, And use what you are comfortable with to qualify with. Then find some thing most likely smaller in frame size to carry. You could carry openly now. The only people I have seen carrying are cops and security people.

Yes thank you CHl. Here's what i shot at not to bad.

Tara,
As a long time shooter, I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, buy the best weapon you can afford. Kimber, Sig, Glock, all make good weapons. Or look at Wilson Combat, if price is not a factor. Second, a 40 cal or 45 are good choices due to the stopping power of the weapon. A 9 mm, while having less recoil, may not stop someone intent on doing you harm. In addition, the bullet might go through your target into a person behind you.
Once you purchase your weapon, there is a process called Magnaport. That a lot of professional shooters use to reduce recoil and muzzle flash.
Don't know if any of this helps

Yes thank you CHl. Here's what i shot at not to bad. Originally Posted by Tara Evans

You might get some b-27 targets at walmart like the one you will be tested on.

Good job on head shots! unfortunately those would not help your score. They want you to hit the biggest target area possible to prevent misses. Mid stomach to mid chest will get you the highest scores at 3 7 & 15 yards.

If you hit with all your 3&7 yard shots, I believe you'll have passing score.

If you're having trouble with the recoil (kick), you'll want to look for the biggest, heaviest gun that shoots the smallest round. Likely a full size automatic shooting a light 9mm load. Of course, you must consider the ergonomics and weight of the gun. If it doesn't feel good in your hand (not too big of a grip to feel like you can really control it), or if it's too heavy to actually hold at arms length over and over, then it's probably better to just deal with the recoil.

A lightweight gun shooting a big round is going to have the most recoil. There are plenty of options in between (like a .38 revolver), too!

Also, when you're shooting slow, the recoil may be annoying, but it does NOT affect your aim. Anticipating the shot going off is what affects your aim (although the strong recoil is what makes people want to anticipate the shot).

The suggestion to rent several guns before taking a test is a very good one! Revolvers are excellent carry guns because there's not much that can malfunction, but they're going to have more recoil than automatics just because of their design (there's no recoil spring transferring the recoil energy into making the gun ready to fire again).

Thanks everyone for the advise. Im going shooting again tomorrow and gonna take some of yalls advise of shooting with a different gun.

You def think highly of yourself. Geez

See if you can find a 1911 style pistol in 9mm. Not much recoil and longer site plane. A glock 42 in 380 might be an option also not bad on recoil.

Not sure. However, I do believe you mean CHL. When I read CDL, I just imagined your wonderful boobies bouncing in an 18 wheeler.

The CHL is now a LTC or license to carry as you can open carry or carry concealed in Texas.


You might try renting a small .380 at the range and practice a bit. If you think you are good enough with a .38 revolver to pass the test, I don't imagine you having any issues with a .380.

A Sig p938 is a nice small 9mm. Lots of the ranges have them to rent.

However, a big heavy 1911 might actually work because the weight of the gun absorbs a lot of the recoil.


Depending on where you test, you should be able to rent a smaller caliber for your test. Just talk to the range.

Again If you have been practicing, you'll pass even a gun you haven't shot before, more than likely.


Good Luck! Happy Shooting! Originally Posted by grean

What wound be a deal breaker as far as criminal record, surgeries, Medicines, time served in TDC, etc None of my crimes involved guns but couldn't get one.My body guards both got there. Should I even care if I have one with the boy with me 24.7

From what I see... you need to use more finger tip vs putting your whole finger in the trigger well. Also check to see if you are using your dominate eye vs your weak eye... good enough to defend close range. Just watch your trigger pull