I recently worked with an 18-year-old student who attended one of my in-person Texas License to Carry (LTC) classes.
He was a high school student working as a server and, like a lot of younger LTC holders, he had one main goal:
He wanted to get comfortable carrying daily, primarily due to crime, don’t blame him.
Not just legally—but practically.
Starting Point: First-Time Shooter, Passed the Test
For his shooting proficiency test, I rented him a handgun.
He passed on the first try.
Good start—but passing the test is not the same as being ready to carry every day.
That’s where most people get stuck, some especially at his age don’t own a gun yet due to federal laws for young adults in this bracket.
Session 1: Choosing the Right Everyday Carry (EDC) Setup
In our first coaching session, we focused on selecting a firearm that would realistically fit his lifestyle and at work as a server, example printing and getting complaints, having to tuck shirt in, wiping tables etc.
He ended up purchasing a Glock 43 with defensive hollow point ammunition.
Because of his work environment and clothing limitations, we made a practical decision:
Pocket carry with a proper holster
We also had an important conversation about where he could legally carry.
- No carrying at school, (no not even locked in your car)
- Workplace had no posted policy or legal restriction
- He had the option to store it in his car using a safe
But ultimately, he made the decision to carry at work—mainly because it also gave him protection walking to and from his car.
That’s a real-world decision—not something you get from a standard LTC class.
Session 2: Carrying Daily (Unloaded at First)
We didn’t jump straight into loaded carry, he wasn’t comfortable with that yet.
Instead, I had him start carrying daily unloaded.
Why?
Because comfort comes from repetition.
I introduced him to dry fire training and showed him exactly how to do it safely.
We worked on this:
- Multiple sessions per week
- Supervised on Zoom and in person
- Focus on safe handling and consistency
This is where confidence actually starts to build.
Session 3: Safe Storage and Real-Life Scenarios
Next, we purchased and set up a handgun safe.
We programmed it together and discussed when and why to use it.
This included:
- Leaving the firearm in the vehicle
- Traveling to states where a Texas LTC may not be honored
- General security when not carrying
Again—real-world application, not just theory.
Session 4: Chamber Carry — The Big Step
Eventually, the question came up:
“Should I carry with a round in the chamber?”
We talked through the pros and cons. My message was clear, chamber is the best way but only to be done when the student is comfortable doing so.
Based on my observation of his safety habits—he was extremely disciplined—I gave him the green light when he felt comfortable, with one condition:
The four rules of firearm safety must be followed every single time.
No exceptions! Guns are not forgiving when safety rules are ignored.
Session 5: Use of Force Questions (Where Most People Struggle)
After a few weeks of carrying, he came back with a serious question.
He had seen a scenario online:
An aggressive individual approaching, hands up, removing their shirt—clearly preparing for a fight, but not visibly armed but calling on armed person with a gun drawn at suspect, LTC holder then shot the aggressive subject and he had questions.
His question was simple:
“Do I shoot or not?”
This is where real training matters.
We broke it down the good and bad (mostly good)
- Texas use-of-force law
- Threat vs. deadly threat
- What I’ve seen in real-world situations
- What can lead to criminal charges
These are the kinds of decisions that happen fast—and most people are not prepared for them.
Where He Is Now
He’s now 18 and a half and carrying daily.
More importantly:
👉 He’s comfortable
👉 He’s consistent
👉 He understands the responsibility
He was an excellent student who picked things up quickly—but more importantly, he put in the work.
What Most New LTC Holders Get Wrong
This is what I see all the time:
- They take the class
- They get the license
- They never actually carry
Or worse:
- They carry without understanding real-world situations
That’s where problems happen.
If You’re in Texas and Want to Start Carrying the Right Way
If you’re in Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, Austin, or San Antonio, the process starts the same way.
👉 Complete your Texas LTC course
👉 Then build real comfort through training and repetition
Start Your Texas LTC Course
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👉 Start your Texas LTC online course today — $49