Baker Guns offers Concealed Handgun License (CHL) training and testing for the license; they hosted 15 attendees at their February 4 class. The classes started in 2010 and Baker Guns is prepared to continue the classes.

Mike Cox of Driftwood CHL does the instructions at the Baker conference room and then the range portion at the Baker Ranch just 5 miles north of Blanco.

The class involves 10 hours of training and testing in one Saturday so that working people can take the course without lost time from work.

More than 100 local citizens have received their Concealed Handgun License through these instructions. The demand for small handguns for concealed carry is increasing, possibly because of knowledge of the law or a need felt by the public.

Amil Baker of Baker Guns recommends obtaining your CHL before purchasing and carrying a gun for your personal and family protection. There are purses built that have an easily-accessible pocket for the carrying and quick access to your weapon. The .380 and .9mm semiautomatic and the .38 revolver are the favorite carry weapons.

A very important part of the selection of the weapon is to find one that fits your hand, is easy to use and, of course, to make sure you are familiar with the operation of the weapon.

Baker Guns is located at 2250 U.S. 281 N. in Blanco.