Baker Guns, located at 2250 N. US Highway 281, is offering concealed handgun license (CHL) training and testing on Saturday, October 6. This class will be for first time applicants and renewals.

Since starting the class in 2010, nearly 200 people, both local and from surrounding communities, have received their CHL through instructions from Baker Guns.

The 4 hour portion for people renewing will be conducted along with the regular class with 3 hours of instructions, in the morning, then out to the range for the required proficiency test for both new and renewal applicants. Then back to conference room for the written examination for the renewals, while the new applicants continue the remainder of the instructions and then the written Examination. All renewal applicants may stay for the full 10 hours of instructions.

Mike Cox of Driftwood CHL leads the classes in the Baker conference room; attendees then head to the Baker Ranch just 5 miles north of Blanco for the range portion. The classes involve 10 hours of training and testing; they're held on Saturday so people don't have to miss work.

The class is designed for those who are seeking their first license as well as those renewing. Keep in mind that the CHL class doesn't teach attendees how to shoot--the proficiency exam tests the applicant's ability to handle and shoot a handgun. Don’t worry about the proficiency as

"A student must take a four-hour renewal class within six months of the expiration date of their CHL," notes Mike Cox. "The class is required for first and second renewals--not the third [or subsequent]. If the student attends the regular 10-hour class, they only need four hours--they're welcome to stay the entire 10 hours--but they must take the same 50-question written test and shoot the same 50-shot proficiency exam as all applicants.

Amil Baker recommends obtaining your CHL before purchasing and carrying a gun. "The .380 and .9mm semiautomatic and the .38 revolver are the favorite carry weapons,” says Baker. Something new is a very small (6.5 ounces) single action .22 Magnum Revolver.

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

Visit Baker Guns at 2250 N. US Highway 281 or call 830-833-1414 for more information about handguns, their CHL class, and more.