Texas Handgun Academy

My wife and I prepaid the $ 60 fee and took the LTC class on a Saturday morning with 62 other people. It lasted longer than expected due to eight-​at-​a-​time shooting groups but with so many people wanting to get these classes in I can’t say it wasn’t expected. Marshall’s drawl & banter made the 4 hours of classwork fly by and Ben the range instructor was not only crystal clear with our shooting instructions but, with novice shooters in the mix, impressed me with his unwavering professionalism in making sure things stayed safe. Do the rest of your class a solid by practicing at a range prior to going through your LTC licensing so you’re not the one that slows down the range qualification for everyone… my group was in and out in 20 minutes but other groups before us took 40+ minutes. I highly recommend these guys for the LTC class.

Didn’t have a great experience with the receptionist due to a misunderstanding with my sister in law’s registration, but the instructor, Heather, was really friendly and helpful. She used the range time to help each person one on one, which is nice if you are a real beginner.

The people were nice, but the time it took to get through the class and then gun range was unnecessary. It could have been over in 5 hours (which is what was estimated), but unfortunately it took closer to 8 hours.

Loved taking my CHL class with Blake and Ben. Great instruction, educational and entertaining. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to get their CHL or handgun instruction.

The good:
The instructors seem to be knowledgeable and well qualified.
Our instructor did this sort of Don Rickles thing where he had a lot of? Trying to be funny? insults for everyone in the class. He did not seem to do as well taking as dishing, however.
They got everyone at least to pass the written portion.
The Bad:
The range only handles 8 people at a time. The classes have 24 seats, so after the first hour, which is marginally used at best, the next long period of time is spent waiting for other groups to go through the firing qualifications. The range itself is also pretty low tech, there is a single top mount that all the targets hang from. There are no weights on the bottom of the targets, so the targets flutter a lot. I scored a 250, but several times I had to wait for my target to stop fluttering to shoot during the timed shooting events. They will put on some dubious quality videos on like in the movie «Bad Teacher». I guess that qualifies as classroom time? The tv was pretty small to see across the room. Regardless it elongates the class without adding much value or learning during that interval.
The Ugly:
Before they will close out the class and let you take the written test, they will make you go through roughly an hour of a high pressure sales presentation. «Ya gotta buy today or this offer is not good anymore» Yes, about an hour trying to sell CHL insurance policies. I found this to be a truly amazing lack of consideration for our time. This pushed a 4 Hour 20 minute class to over 6 hours if you include the lack of sufficient range facilities.

Took the CHL course here with Marshall as the instructor and Hank as the range qualifier.
First thing is qualifying. Hank took us out in groups of 8, clearly explained what was going to happen and certain things he does not want to see for his safety and the safety of the group. Although he is trying to be efficient and move us along quickly, he was willing to help those with mechanical failures rather than kick people out. Note: please know how to shoot and know how your gun works.
Once the whole class has had the opportunity to shoot, we got started right away with Marshall. His format is direct and hits key points that every CHL holder needs to know. He was always willing to answer questions and provide real life examples. I found him to be funny and engaging. He will pick on a few people in class but in a light joking way. I can see where he could rub people the wrong way if you are easily rattled or take offense to sarcasm. It’s easy to fly under his radar if you pay attention and don’t interrupt.
Ben came in near the end to do his Law Shield speech. If you’re on the fence, it’s better to sign up and cancel later should you choose. Even better is to research ahead of time and possibly take advantage of the perks they offer.
Overall, my experience was great and I’m glad I found that Groupon.

This was a fantastic class. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining which prevented boredom in the class. Range time was professional and well run. I would not hesitate to recommend this class and facility to anyone. The class was full so might think about getting there early for a choice seat. Also bring snack and drink because it is a long day.

Took the CHL class last night, our instructor Blake was informative and entertaining. The shooting test was quick and in a safe environment. For the price, you really can’t go wrong here. They do try to sell you on a subscription of sorts, Texas Law Shield for $ 11, but it also comes with a range membership at their range which allows you to shoot there for $ 5. Most ranges charge close to $ 20, if you hit the range more than once, a month it pays for itself. Plus you’re covered if that dreaded day comes and you actually need to your firearm on something other and paper silhouettes.

Blake Beidleman great instructor. Very informed and easy to understand. The class was awesome. I will recommend this to friends and family.

Went to get my CHL here. Marshall and Ben did a great job teaching all the material. They kept your attention and knew what they were talking about to the last detail. I highly recommend this place to get your CHL!!! But if you are not familiar with pistols or never shot please go get instructions and do not waste these guys time with that. Take the initiative lower your pride and get some familiarization classes before getting your CHL and do not place the burden on these instructors or waste their time or put the safety of others at risk because you did not want to take the time to learn about pistols before you went. Otherwise best training for your CHL by far!!! Great job Texas Handgun Academy!!!

Let me start off by saying: please, please don’t take a chl class for your first time handling a pistol. At the very least take an intro to shooting class.
Took my CHL class here and it met my expectations. Range master (Ben) was curt at best on the range and very efficient, but that’s exactly what I’d want it in a qualifications range master. His job is to run qualifications, not teach you how to use a pistol. He was efficient at removing hazards from the range. If you are loading your bullets in the mag backwards, expect to get kicked off. As you should. You have no reason taking a chl class. Did I hit that twice? Meh… Rant over.
Instructor (Marshall) was old school Texan with a ruff, possibly less than modern PC attitude (though not specifically non-​PC) and sense of humor, which I appreciate. There are probably some people who don’t. He did a good job of expressing the importance of last resort lethal. Last resort lethal… that’s got a ring to it. I should trademark that.
Honestly, there was more down time than I desired, but I got all my classroom and qualifications done in the same day, at the same place, and for not much more than I’d spend walking onto garland public range to shoot the first time. Many facilities add range and qualification fees outside of class cost and require you to qualify at a different time/​day. Big bonus points with me, which earned extra patience, by wrapping it all into one package. A lot of the downtime can easily be attributed to unprepared shooters, whether they lacked items (ammo) or practice (oops, hit it again).
The legal retainer sales pitch was a bit longer than someone who had no desire to sign up might want, but Ben did a good job of explaining the financial side of good legal representation in the civil and criminal systems following an incident with a lethal weapon. I’ve read up on the legal group at two different ranges and two gun retailers and have been planning on signing up, so just the application would’ve been enough for me. The only truly «high pressure» points in the presentation were the same day sign up benifits.
The range was basic, but fully functional. Utilitarian would sum it up well. I don’t know if I’ll ever use it due to the hours available. Plus I prefer individual target/​adjustable rail systems when I practice.
If you managed to muck through this overly long review, I commend you!

Went to Texas Handgun Academy for the state required concealed carry permit training.
To be honest, most of the course was great.
But at one point, a guy came in (wish I could remember his name — long funny hair with beard) and went on about getting legal protection by a law firm he was obviously in cahoots with.
He ranted that this «wasn’t a sales pitch» however, it was… obviously. He took far too much time during an already late night session.
I am all for legal protection but the way this sales pitch was introduced during class, was obnoxious; It simply wasn’t the time or place.

Instructor Marshall was crude and had a sense of humor that was not for everyone. His comments throughout the class were condescending on every level. He asked the class several times if he had already talked about topics and took smoke breaks every 45 min.
There was a lot of down time in the class where people were talking and hanging around waiting. First hour and half was Marshall randomly halting yelling things the next 2 hours waiting for everyone to shoot then the 25 question test. Another 35 min for paperwork. Plan on a minimum of 5 hours.
Somewhat of a sketchy crowd, but no surprises there
There was a range nazi named Ben. He is the kind of guy who thinks he knows everything. The only positive thing is that u greatly appreciate his approach to keep everyone safe.
I couldn’t believe they let people attempt to test for Chl who never had even held a gun. A few people were sent back and not allowed to shoot. Thankfully. While Ben’s attention to detail and safety were paramount, he’s the kind-​of person who always thinks he’s right. No matter what. I wasn’t impressed.
This place majorly pushes an insurance plan at the end of the Chl course. I’m always skeptical of places the say you must do this today. Do your research before you go and figure out what personal insurance is best for you.
If you have a chance look other places. This wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t a place I would recommend either.

I took a Handgun class at Texas Handgun Academy and was very impressed. The instructors are really nice. I will definitely come back for other classes.

Got my CHL from here. Carrying a gun is not supposed to be fun therefore you should expect your class to be a serious discussion of when it’s appropriate to use a gun. I enjoyed the class. Helps you become more aware of your surroundings too.

Took my CHL course there. It was great the instructor was superb and the staff was down to earth.
Staff A Facility B– Price B

Convenient class schedules, fair pricing, and excellent instructor. Recommended.

This was the range that I went to for my firing range test when I was getting my CHL with Elite Handgun Academy. The location is really easy to get to from 635 and is actually pretty large.
Although this was my first time at a firing range, I wish the firing stalls were a little farther apart or at least had more extended walls so that the shells didn’t hit everyone because it made it hard to focus.
However, I don’t know whether or not this is normal but I felt very confident in the location and the safety equipment we used there!
As soon as I try other locations I might update this review, from what I understand they also host their own classes here so definitely check them out!