LTC Shooting Test: Course of Fire, Passing Score & Tips - Texas Concealed Handgun Association

I’ve coached hundreds of Texans through the LTC handgun proficiency test, from folks who’ve never fired a pistol to competition shooters looking to formalize their training. The range day is simpler than it sounds, and almost everyone walks off the line smiling. But success doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from understanding the Texas DPS course of fire, preparing with the right gear, and using calm, repeatable technique under mild time pressure.

This guide is the straight talk I give my own students. We’ll walk through the Texas LTC shooting test distances, round counts, scoring, what firearms and optics are allowed, how the range commands sound, and the small details that keep people from losing points—the kind of stuff you only learn on the line. If you’re searching for the LTC shooting qualification near me or city-specific options in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, or El Paso, you’ll find the same principles apply everywhere in Texas. The format is standardized by DPS; the experience is shaped by your instructor and your preparation.

What Is the Texas LTC Shooting Qualification?

The LTC handgun proficiency test—often still called the “CHL shooting test” by old-timers—verifies you can safely handle a handgun and keep rounds within the scoring area of a human-size silhouette target at practical distances. It’s not a tactical gauntlet. You won’t draw from a holster. You won’t move. There’s no one-hand-only requirement. You’ll shoot two-handed from a ready position, with timed strings called by the instructor.

The Texas License to Carry shooting test is administered by an LTC instructor certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you completed the classroom portion online, you’ll bring your LTC-101 and finish the range qualification in person. Your instructor will provide the target and run the strings. You bring a handgun, ammunition, eye/ear protection, and a steady mindset.

Expect a calm, measured pace. The entire range piece typically runs under an hour, including the safety brief, loading, scoring, and any reshoots. The hard part isn’t marksmanship; it’s staying present, following commands, and trusting your fundamentals.

Texas DPS LTC Course of Fire: Distances, Round Count, and Times

Here’s the authoritative breakdown you’ll shoot for the Texas DPS LTC course of fire. You’ll fire 50 rounds at a B-27 silhouette target—20 at 3 yards, 20 at 7 yards, and 10 at 15 yards. Strings are timed, but the timing is generous. You’ll start from a low-ready position, not from a holster.

Course of Fire Summary

B-27 silhouette target
Total rounds: 50
Distances: 3 yards (20), 7 yards (20), 15 yards (10)
Passing: 175/250

Detailed strings and times:

Stage: 3 yards (20 rounds total)

1 shot in 2 seconds, 5 times (5 rounds)
2 shots in 3 seconds, 5 times (10 rounds)
5 shots in 10 seconds, 1 time (5 rounds)

Stage: 7 yards (20 rounds total)

5 shots in 10 seconds, 1 time (5 rounds)
2 shots in 4 seconds, 5 times (10 rounds)
1 shot in 3 seconds, 5 times (5 rounds)

Stage: 15 yards (10 rounds total)

2 shots in 6 seconds, 2 times (4 rounds)
3 shots in 9 seconds, 2 times (6 rounds)

Key points that matter on the line:

Strings are timed, but you are not racing a shot timer like in competition. The instructor will control the pace and announce “Fire” and “Cease fire.”
You may reload between strings. You do not reload on the clock unless your gun runs dry mid-string. Most instructors build in time to load what you need for the next string.
No drawing from a holster. You’ll begin each string from a low-ready position with your sights below the target, muzzle pointed safely downrange.
Two-handed shooting is standard. Strong-hand-only or support-hand-only is not required for the LTC handgun proficiency test.

Texas LTC 175/250 Passing Score and the B-27 Target Explained

Scoring trips a lot of people up in conversation, but it’s extremely straightforward. You can miss the center by a lot and still pass. That’s not a nudge to get sloppy—just a reminder to breathe, aim, and press the trigger cleanly.

B-27 Target Scoring

Total possible: 250 points (50 rounds x 5 points max per shot)
Passing score: 175 points

How each shot scores on a standard B-27 for the LTC test:

Hits inside the 8, 9, 10, and X rings: 5 points
Hits in the 7 ring: 4 points
Hits outside the 7 ring but still on the silhouette: 3 points
Shots off the silhouette (the white area around the silhouette): 0 points

What this means in practice:

If all your hits are inside the 8-ring and better, you score a perfect 250.
You can throw a handful of shots into the 7-ring or even the edge of the silhouette and still clear the 175 threshold.
Don’t overthink it. Aim center chest, watch your front sight or dot, press cleanly, and let the scoring take care of itself.

What Firearms and Gear Are Allowed for the Texas License to Carry Shooting Test

The LTC shooting test is permissive. If it’s a safe, operable handgun, you’re almost certainly fine to qualify with it. The test doesn’t assign you a “semi-auto” or “revolver” restriction anymore—pass with one, and you’re good to carry either.

Handguns

Caliber: Any handgun caliber is permitted, including .22 LR. Many beginners qualify with a .22 to minimize recoil. If you carry a 9 mm or .380, it’s smart to qualify with it so your practice matches your real-world setup.
Semi-auto or revolver: Both are allowed. Revolvers are perfectly acceptable. Just ensure your timing and reloads are smooth between strings.
Barrel length and size: Full-size, compact, or subcompact—the target is big and the times are generous. Larger sights and longer sight radius make life easier, but you can pass with a small pistol if you control your grip and trigger.

Sights and optics

Red dots: Allowed and increasingly common. If your pistol has a mounted micro red dot, use it. Zero it at 10 or 15 yards for a clean point of aim/point of impact. Confirm it before test day.
Lasers: Typically allowed unless a particular range restricts them. If you use a laser, practice with it off too. Optics can fail.
Iron sights: Absolutely fine. White dots, blacked-out rears, fiber-optic fronts—pick what you can see cleanly against a black silhouette.

Magazines, moon clips, and loading

Bring at least two magazines for a semi-auto or two speedloaders/moon clips for a revolver. It keeps things smooth between strings.
You will not be required to reload on the clock. Prepping between strings is normal and expected.

Ammo

Any commercial ammo that runs reliably in your handgun. For 9 mm, 115-grain or 124-grain standard pressure works well. For .38 Special, 148-grain wadcutters are soft and accurate. For .22 LR, choose quality standard-velocity rounds like CCI Standard or Aguila SV.
Avoid ultralight vacillating loads or novelty ammo. Consistency beats velocity here.

Holsters and carry gear

No drawing from a holster during the LTC qualification. You’ll be at low ready to start each string.
If you normally carry appendix or strong-side, it’s still beneficial to bring your carry setup to practice safely before or after the test (if permitted by the range), but it won’t appear in the qualification.

Eye/ear protection and clothing

Over-the-ear muffs with a high NRR are more forgiving for new shooters than in-ear plugs. Double up if you’re sound-sensitive.
Wear a brimmed hat, closed-toe shoes, and a high-neck shirt. Hot brass finds gaps and reminds you why that collar exists.
Clear lens or light-tint eye pro is ideal on indoor ranges. Smoke or amber can be perfect outdoors depending on light.

What To Expect on Test Day: Range Flow, Commands, and Safety Rhythm

Good instructors run the LTC shooting test like a well-choreographed routine. The cadence is predictable, the commands are simple, and the pacing keeps everyone comfortable.

The flow typically looks like this:

Check-in and paperwork. If you took the online LTC course, bring your LTC-101. Present your government-issued ID. Pay range fees if not included.
Safety brief. The four rules, muzzle control, trigger finger discipline, and how to handle malfunctions. Your instructor will point out the backstop, the firing line, and how to call a cease fire.
Gear up. Eye/ear protection on, handgun cased or holstered until directed. The B-27 target goes downrange.
Load and make ready. You’ll receive a clear command to load. If you’re a revolver shooter, you’ll load the cylinder; semi-auto shooters will insert a magazine and chamber a round when told. Many instructors specify how many to load for the next string to keep counting easy.
The command cadence. It will sound something like:
- “Shooters to the line.”
- “From the low ready…”
- “On the command of fire, you will fire [one/two/five] rounds in [time].”
- “Stand by… Fire!”
- “Cease fire!”
- “Finger off trigger, muzzle downrange.”
- “Unload and show clear” or “Prepare for the next string.”
String-by-string progression. You’ll work through 3 yards, then 7, then 15, with pauses to load and prep between segments. If you have a malfunction, keep the muzzle pointed downrange and fix it if you can safely; otherwise, flag the instructor. You won’t be rushed through unsafe gunhandling.
Scoring. After the final string, the line goes cold. Instructors retrieve and score targets. Many will walk you through the scoring rings so you see exactly where your points came from.
Retests if needed. If your score falls short, a competent instructor will talk you through adjustments—grip, trigger press, sight picture—and, if range time allows, offer a same-day reshoot or schedule a quick retest.

Range etiquette that quietly saves points:

Start with a clean, firm two-hand grip every string. Don’t “just go” because it’s only one shot. Build the grip like it matters—because it does.
Drive the gun to your line of sight and pause a micro-beat to confirm sights or dot on center chest before you press. That tiny check prevents the most common low-left misses.
Keep your trigger finger on the frame when you’re not actively firing. Instructors watch for discipline. It’s a pass/fail on safety.
If your sight picture bounces, freeze your trigger finger. Reset your grip and restart the press. You have time.

What To Bring to the LTC Shooting Test (Print-Friendly Checklist)

Bring simple, reliable gear. Leave the exotic stuff for range day fun after you’ve qualified.

Government-issued photo ID
LTC-101 (if you completed the online LTC course)
Handgun you run well (semi-auto or revolver)
Two magazines or two speedloaders (more is better)
70 rounds of ammo (50 for the test, plus extra for warmup or reshoot)
Eye protection and over-ear hearing protection
Brimmed hat, closed-toe shoes, high-collar shirt
A small bottle of oil and a cloth (insurance for a dry slide or a fouled revolver)
Water and a light snack if the range is hot or the session is crowded
A small notebook and pen to record sight zero notes and any coaching cues

LTC Shooting Requirements in Texas: Safety and Performance Standards

The LTC handgun proficiency test is about safe, consistent hits on a generous silhouette. The required pieces are:

Safe handling at all times: muzzle discipline, trigger finger discipline, and following commands.
Ability to place 50 rounds on a B-27 at 3, 7, and 15 yards within the timed strings.
Achieving the Texas LTC passing score of 175 points out of 250.

Nobody expects competition-gun precision. Instructors are watching for responsibility under light time pressure. If you demonstrate good habits and reasonable accuracy, you’ll pass. If something goes sideways—nervous jitters, a sight that’s not zeroed, an ammo hiccup—competent instructors can coach, steady your breathing, and set up a retest.

Tips for Beginners: The No-Drama Plan to Pass Confidently

The most common error I see is rushing the one-shot strings. Shooters hear “Fire!” and slap the trigger. The result is a low-left hole (for right-handed shooters) in the 7-ring or edge of the silhouette. Slow is smooth here.

Establish your grip like a ritual. High tang, strong wrist lock, support hand closing from the front, thumbs forward if semi-auto, firm pressure—then freeze it. Rebuild the same grip every string.
Front sight or dot, not both. If you shoot irons, focus your eyes on the front sight blade and accept the target as a blurry shape behind it. If you shoot a red dot, put the dot on the spot and press; don’t hunt for a perfect, motionless dot. Accept the wobble zone.
Press, don’t slap. Keep the pad of your index finger on the trigger and press straight back. Don’t hook deep; don’t press at an angle.
Visual call. After each shot, ask yourself, “Where were my sights or dot when it broke?” That visual call predicts your hit. Trust it. It’s the skill that makes everything else easier.
Breath management. Inhale as you present to the target, exhale slowly through the press. It naturally slows you down and quiets the mind.
Pre-flight your zero. Shoot five slow rounds at 7 yards before test day. Confirm that your sights or dot put the rounds where you expect. Mechanical zero is a gift to your future self.

LTC Shooting Test for Seniors and New Shooters

I love qualifying seniors. Decades of life experience translate beautifully into patience and discipline. The LTC course favors careful shot placement over raw speed, which plays to your strengths.

Consider a .22 LR or a soft 9 mm with a full-size grip. Your hands and joints will thank you, and your groups will reflect the reduced recoil.
Use larger, high-contrast sights or a pistol-mounted red dot. Visibility is yet another hidden accuracy booster.
Wear double hearing protection. When flinch disappears, accuracy improves overnight.
Ask for the end lane. Ejected brass from the next shooter can be distracting. An edge lane keeps you focused and more comfortable.

Disabled Accommodations for the Texas LTC Shooting Test

Texas instructors are required to make reasonable accommodations so long as safety and the integrity of the test are preserved. If you shoot from a wheelchair, use a cane, or require a seated position, that’s typically accommodated at the firing line. If you need help loading magazines, say so—your instructor or an assistant can assist before the strings. If you can safely manage the muzzle and the trigger with two hands from a stable position, you can usually complete the qualification.

Communicate before test day:

Explain any mobility or dexterity limitations so the instructor can plan the lane and timing around you.
Ask for extra prep time between strings if needed. The times apply to the actual firing, not the administrative loading between strings.

Left-Handed Shooters: Make the Line Work for You

Lefties fight ejection patterns and range layouts more than shot mechanics. Small changes make it easy:

Request the far-left lane if possible so brass from right-handed shooters isn’t showering your forearms.
If you’re shooting a semi-auto, confirm your ejection pattern doesn’t cross into the lane to your left. A simple grip adjustment can redirect brass.
Run your normal left-handed controls (mag release, slide stop) off the clock. There’s no requirement to perform administrative manipulations under time.

Practice Drills at 3, 7, and 15 Yards That Map Directly to the LTC Test

You don’t need exotic drills. You need a boring diet of confidence-building reps that mirror the course of fire. Focus on mechanical consistency and visual patience.

At 3 yards: build confidence and cadence

One-shot from low ready, 2 seconds: Fire a single round, reset your trigger under control, and recover your sights. Repeat 10 times. Work on pressing through the entire trigger stroke without interruption.
Two-shot, 3 seconds: Fire one shot, recover the sights/dot, then let the trigger reset to the click and press again. The first shot should be as calm as the second. Repeat 10 times.
Five-shot string, 10 seconds: Fire five rounds as five singles—not a burst. See a good sight picture before each shot. Count in your head if it helps to avoid rushing.

At 7 yards: confirm fundamentals at a slightly tighter margin

Five-shot, 10 seconds: Slow fire with intention. Stack hits inside the 8-ring. If one flies, diagnose—don’t just send more.
Two-shot, 4 seconds: Same drill as 3 yards, just with more attention to a stable front sight or dot return to center.
One-shot, 3 seconds: The most over-rushed string on test day. Practice being boringly deliberate.

At 15 yards: tame the wobble

Two-shot, 6 seconds: Present, settle, press two clean shots with a pause to rebuild the sight picture between them. Trust your wobble zone; it’s normal at this distance.
Three-shot, 9 seconds: Same tempo. Call each shot visually, don’t chase holes.

Dry-fire at home (truly the secret sauce)

Ten perfect presses a night at a blank wall, front sight razor-sharp, with a coin balanced on the slide if you like old-school tests. For dot shooters, watch the dot’s movement—learn the pattern of your hold and keep the press smooth through it.
Presentation to a small target spot: “Dot on spot, press.” Build visual patience.

Choosing the Best Handgun and Ammo for the LTC Qualification

If you already carry a specific pistol every day, qualifying with that gun is ideal. You’ll validate your setup and gain confidence. If recoil or small sights are undermining your accuracy, there’s no shame in qualifying with a softer, more forgiving pistol and then training up on your carry gun afterward.

Reliable, forgiving options:

Full-size 9 mm with large, high-contrast sights
.22 LR training pistol with the same grip angle/controls as your carry gun
Revolver shooters: a K-frame with wadcutters is incredibly gentle and precise

Low-recoil ammo picks that stay consistent:

9 mm: 115-grain standard pressure from a reputable manufacturer; 124-grain standard pressure often tracks better for some pistols.
.38 Special: 148-grain wadcutters are famously soft and poke clean, easy-to-score holes.
.22 LR: CCI Standard, Aguila Standard—reliability first.

Red dots vs irons:

If you already train on a red dot, it’s not a “cheat”—it’s a precision tool. Confirm your zero and brightness before the test. Bright enough to see; dim enough that it doesn’t flare.
Irons are unbeatable when they’re crisp and visible. Black out a rear sight with a marker to reduce glare if needed.

Common Questions About the Texas LTC Shooting Test

How hard is the LTC shooting test? Not hard if you show up with a safe mindset, a zeroed pistol, and a willingness to slow down. The target is big, the time is ample, and the instructor guides the cadence. Beginners pass every day.
Can I use a .22 for the Texas LTC test? Yes. A .22 is allowed and a smart choice if recoil management is your main concern. Passing with a .22 does not limit what you can carry afterward.
Can I use a revolver for my LTC shooting qualification? Absolutely. The test does not restrict you to what you qualified with. Revolvers count the same as semi-autos.
Are red dots allowed on the LTC test? Yes. Pistol-mounted red dots are allowed. Confirm zero at 10–15 yards and set brightness for the lighting conditions.
Do I have to draw from a holster? No. The Texas LTC handgun proficiency test starts from low ready, not from a holster.
Do I have to shoot one-handed? No. Two-handed shooting is standard. There is no strong-hand-only or support-hand-only string in the DPS LTC course of fire.
Do I reload during the LTC test? Not on the clock. You’ll load between strings. If your gun runs dry mid-string, keep it safe and manage it, but instructors try to stage round counts to avoid that.
What is the passing score for the LTC test in Texas? 175 points out of 250. That’s 70 percent.
What target is used? The B-27 silhouette. You’ll shoot at 3, 7, and 15 yards, and scoring favors center hits but is generous overall.
How many rounds do I need for the LTC test in Texas? Fifty rounds for the qualification. Bring at least 70 so you have extra for warmup or a retake.
Is there a time limit for the Texas LTC shooting test? Yes, each string has a time limit, but the limits are forgiving. You’ll shoot strings like 1 shot in 2 seconds, 2 shots in 3 seconds, 5 shots in 10 seconds at 3 yards, and similarly at 7 and 15 yards as outlined above. Your instructor calls the cadence.
What’s the LTC shooting retest policy? If you don’t pass, most instructors will allow a same-day reshoot if time permits, or they’ll schedule a quick retest. Some include one retake in the fee; others charge a modest range/instructor fee for retests. Ask when you book.
What does the LTC shooting test cost? It varies by city and range. In large metros like Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or Fort Worth, the total range qualification cost commonly includes lane fee, target, and instructor time. Expect a transparent breakdown when you schedule your LTC range qualification.
Is there an LTC renewal shooting test in Texas? No. There is no shooting test for LTC renewal. Renewals are processed through DPS without a proficiency retest.
Permitless carry vs LTC in Texas—why get an LTC? Permitless carry exists, but a Texas LTC still matters. Benefits often include carry on many college campuses where permitless is restricted, reciprocity when traveling to other states, streamlined firearm purchases at many FFLs, and formal training in use-of-force law and de-escalation. An LTC can also provide clearer protections around certain signage and school zones; always verify current law and local policies.

“Near Me” and City-Specific Notes: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, and Beyond

If you’re searching ltc shooting test near me or ltc range qualification near me, the experience is fundamentally the same across Texas. In big metros, you’ll find more scheduling options and weekend LTC shooting test dates; in smaller towns, you’ll often get more personal attention and quieter firing lines.

Regional nuances that matter:

Indoor vs outdoor: Houston and Dallas often lean indoor with climate control. Austin and San Antonio mix indoor and outdoor lanes. Outdoor lanes can give you better lighting on the B-27; indoor lanes offer consistent conditions and less wind.
Range rules: Some ranges have stricter rules on lasers or caliber restrictions for steel targets. Since you’ll shoot paper on a lane, any reputable range will accommodate your LTC qualification.
Ammo sourcing: Buy reliable ammo in advance. Don’t gamble on whatever the range has left on the shelf that morning.
Instructors: If you want the best LTC instructor in your city, look for bios with law enforcement, military, or competition backgrounds and read reviews that mention clear communication and a calm demeanor under pressure.

Finding the right slot:

Search phrases like “ltc shooting test Houston,” “ltc shooting qualification Dallas,” “Austin ltc range qualification,” or “weekend ltc shooting test [your city].” Check availability, ask about retake policy, and confirm what to bring.

B-27 Target: Visualizing Scoring and Hits

If you want to practice ahead of time, many printable B-27 target PDFs are available. Print at full size on a plotter or buy standard B-27s at your range. The silhouette is generous; your goal is to put a tight cluster at center chest. For self-coaching:

Draw an index box in the center mass the size of your palm. Hold yourself to that box at 3 and 7 yards in practice.
At 15 yards, accept a slightly larger wobble zone, but commit to breaking shots with a clean front sight or dot confirmation.
Mark your strings with a marker so you can see how your groups evolve, not just the raw score.

Range Commands for the LTC Test: Hear It Once, Recognize It Forever

Command language varies slightly, but the structure doesn’t. Here’s the heart of what you’ll hear:

“Shooters to the line.” Move to your lane. Keep your handgun cased/holstered until directed.
“Load and make ready.” Load the prescribed number or prepare for the next string.
“From the low ready, on the command of fire, you will fire [X] rounds in [Y] seconds.” Don’t overthink the time; trust the cadence.
“Stand by… Fire.” On “Fire,” present to target and execute your plan.
“Cease fire.” Finger straight, muzzle downrange. Decompress.
“Unload and show clear.” Administrative clear. Semi-autos: magazine out, lock slide back, visually and physically check. Revolvers: cylinder open and check.
“Holster or case.” Only when directed.

If you miss a command or get lost in the moment, ask. Instructors want you safe and clear-headed more than anything.

Mistakes That Cost Points—and How to Avoid Them

Slapping the trigger on the one-shot strings. Solve it with a deliberate prep and press. You have the time.
Heeling the gun. Anticipating recoil pushes shots high. Cure it with a neutral wrist and a surprise break.
Chasing the dot. Dot shooters should accept a small wobble zone and break the shot inside it rather than waiting for a perfect stillness that won’t arrive.
Moving the muzzle during reset. Keep the sights on target while resetting the trigger. Add a tiny pause to rebuild the picture before shot two in a two-shot string.
Losing your grip build between strings. Rebuild your grip every time. Rituals win.

If You’re Nervous, Try This 10-Minute Warmup Before the Test

At 3 yards, dry-present from low ready 5 times, sighting center mass and breathing slowly.
Fire 5 one-shot reps, deliberately, calling each shot.
Fire 2 two-shot reps, focusing on a clean reset and second sight picture.
Holster or case, reload for the test, and step into the qualification with a calmer mind.

Online LTC Course Plus Range Qualification: Making the Pieces Fit

Many people complete the classroom portion online and then book the ltc range qualification near me to finish the LTC-101. That workflow is perfectly normal. Ensure your online provider is DPS-approved, then schedule your range block right after you pass the written portion so your classroom learning is still fresh when you hit the lane.

Clarity to confirm when you book:

What exactly is included in the LTC shooting test cost (lane fee, target, instructor time)?
Retake policy if you need another attempt
Any range-specific gear rules (lasers, ammo, calibers)
The paperwork you need in hand (LTC-101, ID)

Spanish Snapshot: Puntos Clave de la Prueba de Tiro LTC Texas

Curso de fuego: 50 disparos en blanco B-27 — 20 a 3 yardas, 20 a 7 yardas, 10 a 15 yardas. Cadenas con tiempos, desde posición de listo (no desde funda).
Puntaje de aprobación: 175 de 250. Zonas 8–10/X valen 5 puntos, 7 vale 4, silueta exterior 3, fuera de silueta 0.
Armas permitidas: Pistola o revólver, cualquier calibre (incluido .22). Mira de punto rojo permitida. No hay disparos con una sola mano en el examen.
Qué traer: Identificación, certificado LTC-101 (si el curso fue en línea), arma, 70 cartuchos, protección ocular y auditiva, gorra y zapatos cerrados.
Consejos: Respirar, ver la mira delantera o punto rojo, presionar el gatillo suavemente, no apresurarse. El tiempo es suficiente si se mantiene la calma.
Repetición: Si no aprueba, muchos instructores permiten repetir el mismo día o programar otra fecha.

Why the LTC Course Still Matters in the Era of Permitless Carry

Training clarifies judgment. A Texas LTC doesn’t turn you into a different person, but it puts structure around what matters most: safety, marksmanship, and a working understanding of the penal code. You’ll carry more comfortably across state lines, navigate signage with fewer surprises, and shorten some firearm purchase processes. Most importantly, the LTC sets a standard—one you meet visibly on the range. That confidence can’t be borrowed; it’s earned one good press at a time.

If You Want to Over-Prepare (and That’s Okay)

Zero your sights or dot at 10–15 yards. Confirm with a slow five-shot group.
Shoot two practice courses of fire on your own time: one cold to see your baseline, one after 10 minutes of deliberate practice to see your improvement. Record your scores.
Practice reloads during administrative pauses. Make them smooth, not fast. The goal is calm handling.
Build a five-shot “group standard” at 7 yards. Strive to keep all five inside the 8-ring with clean, called shots. When you own that, every other string feels easy.

Closing Thoughts: Calm Is a Skill You Can Practice

I’ve watched students’ hands shake on the first string, then steady to surgeon level by the last. The difference is always the same: they learn to trust their eyes and run their trigger like a metronome instead of a doorbell. The Texas LTC shooting test rewards exactly that kind of composure. Show up with safe habits, the right gear, and a plan for 3, 7, and 15 yards. Understand the B-27 scoring, respect the time windows, and use the low-ready start to center yourself before each string.

Whether you’re looking up the “ltc shooting test near me,” planning a weekend LTC shooting test in Houston or Fort Worth, or finishing an online LTC course plus range qualification, the path is straightforward. Slow down, see what you need to see, and press. The score will take care of itself, and you’ll walk away with something more valuable than paperwork—a quiet confidence in your ability to handle a handgun responsibly when it matters.