Concealed Carry

Springfield Armory XD

Last Sunday, I finally got around to taking the class to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit. I had been wanting to do so for years. One reason that it took so long was that I was never a great shot with any of the pistols that I have owned. A good shot ... just not a great shot.

However, I recently purchased a Springfield Armory XD-9. After reading a lot of reviews and opinions about the gun, I opted for the XD instead of the Glock 19. It is the best pistol I have ever purchased! The first range time I had with the XD gave me an indication that this was the right pistol for me. It had a natural point of aim with minimal recoil.

So, the day of the class rolls around at Guns & Leather in Greenbrier, Tennessee. I make it through the first half of the class (four hours of instruction, a video, more instruction, Q&A, and finally a written test). The second half was devoted to the firing line. Groups of five-at-a-time were taken into the indoor firing range. The range has a large window so others can watch, and perhaps, take notes. My number was 26, so I got to see quite a few shooters. A few were really good. Others ... well, ... were okay.

When it came time for me to shoot, I took my position on Lane 1. The routine was as follows:

• 3 yards - 6 individual shots (had to wait for the instructor's command after each shot)
• 3 yards - 6 shots at your own pace
• 7 yards - 12 shots at your own pace (6 shots x 2)
• 15 yards - 12 shots at your own pace (6 shots x 2)
• 7 yards - 6 shots at your own pace
• 3 yards - 6 shots at your own pace

That makes for 48 shots fired. My first shot went directly through the middle of the X in the bullseye. I was excited but thought maybe it was a fluke. The remaining shots in the first round never strayed more than an inch from the X. One of the instructors came over and commented, "It's gonna be hard to count your shots if you keep putting them through the same hole." Talk about being fired up! (no pun intended) When it was all said and done, I had scored 100% accuracy. If target scores had been taken, I would have had 476 out of a possible 480 (I had four shots in the 9-range). That same instructor put his arm around me and said, "I want you on my team."

With my certificate in hand, I made my way to the DMV a couple of days ago and waited for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to have my number called. Submitted the application, paid the fee, had my mugshot taken. I came back home and immediately called to setup an appointment for fingerprint registration (something I thought I'd never do!) and then the following day had that done.

It's a waiting game now ...