Texas has some of the most classically liberal — meaning free of government interference — gun laws anywhere. Take this page of law from TexasGunLaws.org.
The Basics
Q: How long is the waiting period to buy a Handgun / Shotgun / Rifle in Texas?A: There is no waiting period for purchasing a firearm in the state of Texas.
Q: I just moved to Texas, do I have to register my firearms?
A: No, there is no state registration of firearms.
Q: I just inherited / bought a gun from someone in Texas, do I need to transfer the gun to my name?
A: No, there is no state registration of firearms, thus there is no requirement transfer the firearm in your name.
Q: What is required to purchase a firearm in the state of Texas?
A: You will need a valid state-issued ID. Many FFLs will not sell to out-of-state residents. This is due to the FFL’s requirement to uphold your resident state’s gun laws, and the inherient complexity associated with many states.
Q: Can I carry a firearm on my person?
A: Yes, with proper licensing (Concealed Handgun License) you may carry a pistol or revolver on your person so long as it remains concealed. Long guns (rifles / shotguns) do not have to be concealed, but must be carried in a manner not calculated to cause alarm, and do not require a license.
Q: Can I strap a gun on my hip in Texas?
A: No, with some exceptions. Open carry is not legal in Texas, but you may open carry on your own property, in the commission of a sporting activity (competition, shooting ranges, etc.), and while engaged in hunting.
Q: Can I carry a firearm in my vehicle?
A: Yes. With the passage of the Motorist Protection Act you may now readibly carry handguns, loaded and within reach, so long as you conceal the firearm. Long guns (rifles / shotguns) do not have to be concealed and may be loaded and within reach.
Q: Are machine guns / suppressors / short-barreled firearms, etc. legal in the state of Texas?
A: Yes. All NFA rules apply. See this FAQ for more info regarding Class III / Title II items.
Q: Are “assault weapons” banned in Texas?
A: No. Texas abides by Federal law which at this time has no restrictions on so-called “assault weapons” such as semi-auto AR15, FAL, G3 / HK91 rifles.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of rounds a magazine may hold?
A: No. The only limit on magazines in Texas is the number of rounds you are physically able to cram into the thing and/or carry and/or afford.
No waiting, no worries. Not coincidentally, the lone mass shooting that has occurred in Texas since the Luby’s massacre in October of 1991 was a terrorist attack on Ft. Hood, ironically a gun-free zone. The Obama administration does not classify the Ft. Hood massacre as a terrorist attack, though, but an incident of “workplace violence.” That label is one of the current government’s more heartless lies.
Texas’ classically liberal gun laws came about in part after that Luby’s massacre in 1991. Suzanna Hupp lost her parents in that killing. She became the face, not of gun control, but of the right to bear arms and legalizing concealed carry. She became one of the most effective Second Amendment advocates anywhere, and later served in the Texas House of Representatives. One person can make a huge difference for good, and Suzanna has. She even makes a case for the personal possession and use of so-called “assault weapons” in this clip. The line she delivers directly to the legislators at the 5:20 mark is absolutely priceless.
Just about every house in this state is likely to have a firearm somewhere in it. It’s likely that someone in every crowd is carrying a concealed weapon. Most of us grew up around firearms when we were young and appreciate the right to own them now. Our governor has a gun named after him. Many have been the times I have been surprised at meetings around this state, when a woman proudly reveals that she is following Suzanna’s example and is carrying a licensed and concealed firearm.
Quick aside: Texas women tend to be awesome.
The Obama government says it is coming after guns “quickly.” We’ll see about that.
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