Completed the class yesterday, some after-action thoughts:
The DPS Trainers are some great guys, and one gal. The facility is top notch, and I would love some time on the driving track... but that is a different animal.
The PowerPoint from the RSD is ATTROCIOUS! Covering 46.035(b) including (b)(4)(5)(6) and (c) and then not going over subsection (i), which basically voids those locations unless notice is given under 30.06 or .07. Same thing with covering 46.02, but not covering 46.15(b)(6). Lots of incomplete information, and if the instructor does not frequent a forum like this, they will systematically misinform their students. I have run into many LTC holders who would bet you $100 that carrying in a church is illegal, and have never heard of 46.035(i). The Troopers are only presenting what the RSD gives them and they have no control over the content.
Thanks for the heads up on the revolver... I scored 250 on both handguns, but my groups were better with the revolver... maybe it was the single action, but most likely it was having practiced a lot with it to prepare. As has been said, there is absolutely sufficient time to thumb back the hammer on your revolver so long as you have practiced it and know what you are doing. Most of the time, I had the hammer back before the target finished rotating into the firing position (They have a 60 lane turning target system down there, which cost you and me $330,000).
For any new Instructor who reads this later, oil your handgun well, and pay attention to the SAAMI spec ammo requirement. One guy had monarch that would not cycle his micro 1911 more than 50% of the time, another guy brought steel case that was screwing up his M&P, and according to the Troopers, our rally had more ammo issues than they had ever seen... ever. I used Remington UMC and did not have one single issue. Spend the money on good qual ammo.
Carry was allowed at all times if you are licensed, I even asked at the range about my concealed pistol (not the same one that I was qualifying with), and it was fine. At the end of the qual, they even gave time and berm space for anyone to load their carry ammo back in the qual gun and holster it for carry after, so it wasn’t even a “no ask, no tell” situation... legal carry was absolutely allowed.
Certificates are mailed in 10-14 days.
The Best Western in Georgetown was a good place to stay, decent breakfast, and discount rates for anyone attending DPS training was $80 per night, plus taxes and fees came to $90.40 per night.
All in all, a good time. I can’t wait to go back for School Safety.
All of that rain water had combined with my oil and formed this odd, tea colored, goo on every surface.. I never had a cycling issue, but goodness my girl Petra was a dirty, dirty girl...