Gun laws in Texas.?

Question

Hey- I'm really confused about gun laws in Texas from the multitude of things I've read. Does anyone know the following:

How do I buy a gun legally?

Where do I buy a gun legally?

Where do I get licensed to own said gun?

How do I get licensed to carry the gun?

Answer 1

Texas has no laws regarding possession of handguns, shotguns, or rifles by persons 18 years or older without felony convictions; a rifle, shotgun, or other long-barreled firearm may be carried openly, however, a permit to carry is required for handguns (issued only to those 21 and older), and they must be concealed.

To legally buy a gun from a dealer you have to be 21 yrs of age.  They will do a quick background check (takes about 5 minutes) and you're done.  To buy from a individual all you have to do is be atleast 18 and give them the money (no back ground check is necessary if buying from an individual obviously because they will not the ability to do the background check).  There is not license required to own a handgun.  You will have to get a concealed handgun license to be able to legally carry a concealed pistol.  There are several exceptions where you can legally carry a handgun in your car without having a concealed handgun license (has to do with if your traveling overnight, or so many miles away from your home).  

You can just ask any gun store personel for information on concealed handgun class and they will be able to help you out.  Not a hard course at all to find (because there are lots of people that teach it), and it's not a hard course to pass either.  

To summerize (sp).  18 to own, 18 to buy from an individual, 21 to buy from a dealer, you don't have to have a license to buy a handgun but you will have to have a concealed handgun license to be able to carry it on your person (have to wait til your 21 to get this license)  Just ask around to find a date when a class is given in your area (people that teach the course are always leaving their business cards at gun stores, and at gun shows).

Almost forgot.  Recent new laws place regarding carrying a gun while traveling.  The burden of proof is on the cops in the case of traveling.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PROVE YOU WERE TRAVELING.  THEY HAVE TO PROVE YOU WERE NOT TRAVELING.

To correct DJ.  If you have a concealed handgun license you can legally carry your handgun any where in the state EXCEPT, an establishment that makes more than 50% if it's profitt for the purpose of "on premise" consumption (a bar), in a court room when court is in session, on the premises of a school or UIL sponsored event (this does not include driveways, or parking lots, you can legally keep it in your car), at a professional sporting event, or any other place that has it written out in 1 inch block letters near the front door where it is clearly visible, a sign that states, "under article ____ section _____ a person licensed to carry a concealed weapon is prohibitted from carrying on this primisses".  Just wanted to clarify that you CANNOT carry in a bar even if you have a concealed handgun license.

Answer 2

Check with Texas Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Answer 3

Look up a few local guns shops and ask if they can help you select and purchase a gun for your needs. Screen them for attitude and their level of friendliness and customer service. Also, ask a few people to recommend a shop to you. You will be able to quickly determine which shops are inclined to helping novices like yourself understand all they need to know. When you pick that shop, they will help you answer all these questions and fill out all the forms and paperwork with you. That's their job, they are the professionals.

In Texas, there is no Permit to Purchase, License or Registration of most firearms, handguns, rifles or shotguns.

There is a Concealed Carry permit to carry a handgun in a concealed manner. Carrying a handgun concealed without a license is a crime. Carrying any firearm into an establishment that sells or serves alcohol without a concealed carry permit is a crime.

You can buy a gun from private individuals, gun shops, independent gun dealers or sporting goods stores.

When you purchase from a dealer, you will need to fill out a federal form, then they will call in your information for a background check approval. I have never had this process take over 30 minutes and I have bought several guns this way.

You can't buy a gun in Texas if you are a convicted felon, rules mentally defective, intoxicated or under the age of 18.

Answer 4

If you are qualified, that is are not a felon or mentally incompetent, you can buy a gun.

Depending on your age whether it is a long gun or a hand gun.

You can buy guns from individuals or dealers.

You do not have to have a license to own a gun unless it is a fully automatic gun and that is a federal license, not a state license.

You get a license to carry a concealed hand gun through a school, passing a shooting course, and a background check by the state.

There are lots of schools in the state that have a program.

Answer 5

here is a link for you to check out . . . there are many different laws set in place by individual states that govern gun owner ship . . . this site specifically covers the laws that govern gun ownership in the state of texas. however if you live in another state, you can get to the regs that govern your state through this link.

Answer 6

You can either buy a gun legally from a dealer, on an individual.

You can buy a gun from stores, gunshows, or (in the case of an individual) a person's house, back alley, or Wal Mart parking lot.

You don't have to license a gun in Texas. We don't do that c**p.

You can get a Concealed Handgun License from any CHL instructor. Check the Yellow pages.