Yesterday we learned that Justin, Angie, and I passed our Enhanced Concealed Handgun Carry License (E-CHCL) Instructor exam! By next week we should have our new Instructor Certificates in hand. Once we do, we can begin teaching the class and getting E-CHCL's in the hands of everyday Arkansas citizens.
So, what does Enhanced Carry do?
With a "regular" CHCL, licensees are subject to numerous "Prohibited Places". The Enhanced CHCL gives you the ability to carry and possess a concealed handgun in more locations. Those locations include:
You might be thinking, "But I don't go to those places." Ever been to the Revenue Office / DMV? That's a state office. Ever been to a movie theater that serves beer (you'd be surprised...most do)? That's an establishment licensed to dispense alcohol. Ever been to a bowling alley? That's an athletic event.
While the "Enhanced" license was originally about college campuses and college buildings (it still covers that too), its now about much more flexibility for everyone.
You might ask, "Isn't this just a ploy by the state to take more money?"
Hardly. The only additional fee paid to the state is a $15 license replacement charge (for them to re-print a new license and mail it to you) if you are 64 years of age or younger, or $7.50 if you are 65 or older.
"What's covered in the class?"
The class is approximately 8 hours long. A maximum of 2 hours will be spent on the range. Five to six hours will be spent in the classroom covering:
"What's required to take the class?"
First, you must possess a "regular" valid Arkansas CHCL. Other state's licenses won't work. You can't take Enhanced first. You must already have already gone through the "regular" training.
Second, you are going to shoot in the class. The course of fire involved making shots on a full-size B-27 target (see bottom of article for example), at different specified distances, within certain specified times. You will fire a total of 50 rounds and must score a 70% (35/50) to pass. You get three attempts. If you fail the three attempts, you must wait 90 days to take the class (not just the test...the whole class) again. (Don't worry, we aren't going to charge you multiple times for the class)
I find this causes people some stress, but this is very much within their capabilities. It may take a little work, but you know us. We're here to help you be successful.
The course of fire is as follows:
(1) Stage 1: 3 yard line – 20 Rounds
(A) 5 shots fired in a “one shot exercise” – 2 seconds allowed for each shot;
(B) 10 shots fired in a “two shot exercise” – 3 seconds allowed for each 2 shot sequence;
(C) 5 shots fired in 10 seconds;
(2) Stage 2: 7 yard line – 20 rounds
(A) 5 shots fired in 10 seconds
(B) 5 shots fired in 2 stages:
(i) 2 shots fired in 4 seconds;
(ii) 3 shots fired in 6 seconds;
(C) 5 shots fired in a “one shot exercise” – 3 seconds allowed for each shot;
(D) 5 shots fired in 15 seconds;
(3) Stage 3: 15 yard line – 10 rounds
(A) 5 shots fired in 2 stages:
(i) 2 shots fired in 6 seconds;
(ii) 3 shots fired in 9 seconds;
(B) 5 shots fired in 15 seconds;
All shots are fired from the "Ready" position. Reloads aren't timed. "Hits" are shots that either fall inside the 7 ring or cut the line of the 7 ring. There are no firearm, caliber, or equipment (laser) restrictions. Any shots that happen outside the time result in a -1 to your total score.
You need to practice for this test, but you don't need to stress about it. It is well within everyone's capabilities. Remember, we are here to help you be successful.
The shooting portion, as outlined above, are the only "physical" parts of the course. Don't let age and disability prevent you from taking the course.
"How much does it cost?"
In addition to the $15 / $7.50 you'll pay the state, we will charge $150 per student. We've shopped around, and are $50 under what many other instructors are charging. Remember, the "regular" class is only a 5 hour course. This one is an additional 8 hours.
"When will you start teaching?"
I hope to have our first class beginning within the next two weeks.
"How do I sign up?"
Get your name on our list. There is no charge to put your name and number on our "Interest" list. When we finalize our plans, we will start calling people at the top of the list and offering the course to them. If they pay for the class, they have the spot. If not, we go to the next person on the list.
"How many per class?"
We are thinking a max of 18 people is easily doable for us, while providing a safe, educational, and entertaining experience.
"How will class flow?"
This one is tricky. Most of you know that the range is often crowded on Saturdays. Kicking the general public off our range, on the busiest day of the week doesn't make a lot of sense. Because of this, we are taking a 2-step approach.
Wednesday nights starting at 6:30 PM, we will present the required range safety briefing and then conduct the qualification fire for registered students. Students will get three attempts to pass. If you pass, you attend the classroom portion on Saturday from 2 PM - 8 PM. If you don't pass, you will be rescheduled for a class that's at least 90 days away. You'll then get another attempt to pass the shooting test before attending the classroom portion.
We are thinking this will work for the most people, starting off. If it doesn't work, we'll change. Simple.
"How long is the Enhanced License good for? Do I have to go through more "Enhanced" training to renew my license?"
The "enhanced" license is good for 5 years and follows the same expiration date as your "regular" license. You have to renew your license as normal, but you don't have to take any additional "enhanced" training when you renew. Once "enhanced" it stays enhanced as long as your license isn't revoked or goes "inactive" (meaning expired for more than 6 months). Don't let your license expire for more than 6 months? If you do, you have to take the regular AND enhanced training again, if you wish to have an enhanced license. Think of it kind of like adding a motorcycle endorsement to your drivers license. It just stays on there.
I realize that many of you may have more questions. Feel free to ask them on Facebook, as I see the comments there more easily and can get your questions answered more quickly. Of course, you can always call the shop at 501-835-GUNS ( 501-835-4867 ).
I hope this helps! I'm excited to start helping each of you get your E-CHCL!
- Nathan
So, what does Enhanced Carry do?
With a "regular" CHCL, licensees are subject to numerous "Prohibited Places". The Enhanced CHCL gives you the ability to carry and possess a concealed handgun in more locations. Those locations include:
- Publicly owned buildings and facilities
- State Capitol grounds and the State Capitol Building
- Any meeting place of the governing body of any governmental entity
- Any meeting place of the General Assembly or a committee of the General Assembly
- Any state office
- Athletic events
- A portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
- A portion of an establishment where beer or light wine is consumed on the premises
- Inside the passenger terminal of an airport
- Any church or other place of worship
- Any place where a parade or demonstration requiring a permit is being held, even when the licensee is a participant in the parade or demonstration.
- The buildings and grounds of a public university, college, or community college.
You might be thinking, "But I don't go to those places." Ever been to the Revenue Office / DMV? That's a state office. Ever been to a movie theater that serves beer (you'd be surprised...most do)? That's an establishment licensed to dispense alcohol. Ever been to a bowling alley? That's an athletic event.
While the "Enhanced" license was originally about college campuses and college buildings (it still covers that too), its now about much more flexibility for everyone.
You might ask, "Isn't this just a ploy by the state to take more money?"
Hardly. The only additional fee paid to the state is a $15 license replacement charge (for them to re-print a new license and mail it to you) if you are 64 years of age or younger, or $7.50 if you are 65 or older.
"What's covered in the class?"
The class is approximately 8 hours long. A maximum of 2 hours will be spent on the range. Five to six hours will be spent in the classroom covering:
- Arkansas Law - ACA §§ 5-73-101 to 325 and all significant changes to these chapters as they occur
- The terms of an Enhanced License, including the rights and responsibilities of an Enhanced License holder and all locations where the carry of concealed firearms remains prohibited
- Self-Defense under Arkansas law, the use of deadly physical force, the subchapter of Arkansas Code on “Justification” (ACA §§ 5-2-601 to -622), and the potential criminal penalties that may be imposed when the use of deadly physical force is not justified
- Techniques for weapon retention
- General civil liability for personal injury or property damage resulting from use of a firearm
- Emergent situations in public locations, including the proper response to law enforcement and the duty to avoid injury to innocent bystanders
- Issues related to campus carry, including, but not limited to:
- Responsibility of the licensee to know and obey the campus’s weapons policies
- Distinction between “possession” of a firearm, which is permissible, and “storage” which is not permissible and
- Requirement to carry concealed and potential penalties for violation
- Other considerations for enhanced carry, including but not limited to:
- Dangers of carrying or deploying a firearm in proximity to hazardous materials;
- Possible ramifications of alcohol use while in possession of a firearm and
- Identification as an Enhanced License holder in contact with law enforcement
- Other options beyond using Deadly Physical Force - Non Violent Dispute Resolution
"What's required to take the class?"
First, you must possess a "regular" valid Arkansas CHCL. Other state's licenses won't work. You can't take Enhanced first. You must already have already gone through the "regular" training.
Second, you are going to shoot in the class. The course of fire involved making shots on a full-size B-27 target (see bottom of article for example), at different specified distances, within certain specified times. You will fire a total of 50 rounds and must score a 70% (35/50) to pass. You get three attempts. If you fail the three attempts, you must wait 90 days to take the class (not just the test...the whole class) again. (Don't worry, we aren't going to charge you multiple times for the class)
I find this causes people some stress, but this is very much within their capabilities. It may take a little work, but you know us. We're here to help you be successful.
The course of fire is as follows:
(1) Stage 1: 3 yard line – 20 Rounds
(A) 5 shots fired in a “one shot exercise” – 2 seconds allowed for each shot;
(B) 10 shots fired in a “two shot exercise” – 3 seconds allowed for each 2 shot sequence;
(C) 5 shots fired in 10 seconds;
(2) Stage 2: 7 yard line – 20 rounds
(A) 5 shots fired in 10 seconds
(B) 5 shots fired in 2 stages:
(i) 2 shots fired in 4 seconds;
(ii) 3 shots fired in 6 seconds;
(C) 5 shots fired in a “one shot exercise” – 3 seconds allowed for each shot;
(D) 5 shots fired in 15 seconds;
(3) Stage 3: 15 yard line – 10 rounds
(A) 5 shots fired in 2 stages:
(i) 2 shots fired in 6 seconds;
(ii) 3 shots fired in 9 seconds;
(B) 5 shots fired in 15 seconds;
All shots are fired from the "Ready" position. Reloads aren't timed. "Hits" are shots that either fall inside the 7 ring or cut the line of the 7 ring. There are no firearm, caliber, or equipment (laser) restrictions. Any shots that happen outside the time result in a -1 to your total score.
You need to practice for this test, but you don't need to stress about it. It is well within everyone's capabilities. Remember, we are here to help you be successful.
The shooting portion, as outlined above, are the only "physical" parts of the course. Don't let age and disability prevent you from taking the course.
"How much does it cost?"
In addition to the $15 / $7.50 you'll pay the state, we will charge $150 per student. We've shopped around, and are $50 under what many other instructors are charging. Remember, the "regular" class is only a 5 hour course. This one is an additional 8 hours.
"When will you start teaching?"
I hope to have our first class beginning within the next two weeks.
"How do I sign up?"
Get your name on our list. There is no charge to put your name and number on our "Interest" list. When we finalize our plans, we will start calling people at the top of the list and offering the course to them. If they pay for the class, they have the spot. If not, we go to the next person on the list.
"How many per class?"
We are thinking a max of 18 people is easily doable for us, while providing a safe, educational, and entertaining experience.
"How will class flow?"
This one is tricky. Most of you know that the range is often crowded on Saturdays. Kicking the general public off our range, on the busiest day of the week doesn't make a lot of sense. Because of this, we are taking a 2-step approach.
Wednesday nights starting at 6:30 PM, we will present the required range safety briefing and then conduct the qualification fire for registered students. Students will get three attempts to pass. If you pass, you attend the classroom portion on Saturday from 2 PM - 8 PM. If you don't pass, you will be rescheduled for a class that's at least 90 days away. You'll then get another attempt to pass the shooting test before attending the classroom portion.
We are thinking this will work for the most people, starting off. If it doesn't work, we'll change. Simple.
"How long is the Enhanced License good for? Do I have to go through more "Enhanced" training to renew my license?"
The "enhanced" license is good for 5 years and follows the same expiration date as your "regular" license. You have to renew your license as normal, but you don't have to take any additional "enhanced" training when you renew. Once "enhanced" it stays enhanced as long as your license isn't revoked or goes "inactive" (meaning expired for more than 6 months). Don't let your license expire for more than 6 months? If you do, you have to take the regular AND enhanced training again, if you wish to have an enhanced license. Think of it kind of like adding a motorcycle endorsement to your drivers license. It just stays on there.
I realize that many of you may have more questions. Feel free to ask them on Facebook, as I see the comments there more easily and can get your questions answered more quickly. Of course, you can always call the shop at 501-835-GUNS ( 501-835-4867 ).
I hope this helps! I'm excited to start helping each of you get your E-CHCL!
- Nathan
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