Tx has open carry?

S

Satanta

New member
just saw that on another thread here....do we? Haven't been in Tx for several years. I know we can get a CCpermit...but open?

Just got back from AZ...had open carry there and was more than midly pleased at how quiet things were in the area I was and how polite people-even when I wasn't carrying, were.

Anyone got an reccomends on a place in San Antonio to get a handgun parkerized and to take my 'training' for my permit?
 
Satanta,

I just ordered the Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States, by J. Scott Kappas, from www.gunlaws.com . I quote: "Texas' concealed carry law allows for the concealed carry of a handgun on one's person and in one's vehicle by properly licensed individuals."

Apparently, unlicensed carry of handguns "on or about one's person" is strictly prohibited by statute, with the important exception of the allowance for self-protection while traveling across Texas on a "bonafide" journey or on a trip to the range or to the hunting club. I suppose that could be construed as going from one county to another. Or just name a county that's half way across the state to the officer that stops you and then hope and pray he doesn't decide to follow you for the next 100 miles.

I don't see anything about open carry, but the whole subject of this little volume is concealed carry.

[This message has been edited by sensop (edited July 07, 2000).]
 
Texas does not allow open carry of handguns, except on your own property, San Tone has many places to take the course but first you will need to get the pre approval from the DPS, this is done by sending in a postcard with your ID info and Austin will run a back ground check, then they send you a packet that you will take to the private instructor, take the written and shooting test and sit through a day of classes, then the completed packet is sent back to Austin for the final approval, sheesh, the thing takes a month or two, be patient, it will come. PS it will cost about 2 to 3 hundred bucks by the time you pay the instructor and pay for the 4 year license. Good luck.
 
I've seen nothing in Texas statutes that prohibit open carry of rifles and shotguns generally, although it is prohibited in certain places-sporting events, govt. buildings, schools, and so on.

Remember the Black Panthers demonstration in Jasper, TX a few years ago? Some were carying SKSs in their march up the middle of main street. They were within the law.
 
Satanta,

Try www.sammymiller.com for CHL classes in San Antonio. He let me monitor his class and I recommend it.

You do NOT need to be approved by the state to take the class; however, should you take the class and then fail your background check, you've only bought some good training.

Go to the site:
- Note that one of his trainers is the city attorney who determines whether a case is to be tried in court! Who better to tell you what can be prosecuted.
- Sammy Miller is a LEO and has been doing this for years. He's pretty good. His site has all the info needed for you to make a decision about CHL training.

PS. Next class is July 15th. Move quickly! (Mention my name and see if he remembers me. ;) )

Dennis Bateman

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Either you believe in the Second Amendment or you don't.
Stick it to 'em! RKBA!
 
In regard to the traveling "laws" in Texas that allow one to carry a concealed weapon when traveling, don't count on them to cover you. "Traveling" is not defined in Texas law and how "traveling" is viewed varies by county and even by LEO. I have heard that you must be traveling across 2 county lines (not the same county twice), that you must be traveling over night, justification by way of luggage may be requested, etc. In other words, it is screwy. A good source on this is The Texas Gun Owner's Guide" by Alan Korwin and Georgene Lockwood.
 
A few weeks ago I spoke to the formewr Texas State legialator who authored the Texas CHL bill. He said the law regarding carrying a weapon in your car while traveling is generally interpreted as meaning, "traveling across 2 county lines with the intent to stay overnight".

He did say that most suburban or rural places in Texas would probably not make big deal out of this, but...

CMOS

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NRA? Good. Now join the GOA!

The NRA is our shield, the GOA will be our sword.
 
Some localities get excited about loaded long arms in the car. San Antonio does. Is this legal given state laws - well, your lawyer will figure this out for you.
 
Satanta, open or concealed carry of long guns whether loaded or empty is permitted in Texas. Some areas are restricted like those that sell alcoholic beverages, including 7-11. Carry of handguns 'on or about the person', open or concealed, loaded or empty, is prohibited except for some special 'innocent purposes', or concealed when in posession of a CHL.
 
Thanks for the info all. I didn't THINK they'd gone for open carry...but when I left there was no concealed carry either.

Will check into the firearms classes. Background is no problem, I'm clean.

Ran a horseranch between Austin and San Antonio, little spec of dirt called 'Neiderwald'...truck broke down about 8 miles from the ranch so I decided to walk. Also decided the eaisiest way not to have to walk far was to carry my M1 carbine with me. Sure enough, a Sheriff's officer pulled up and gave me a ride home. We had a couple of laughs about the amount of calls they got on 'the strange man with a rifle' walking down the road. :D

How about a place for parkerizing? And will I need to shell out another chunk of change for a background check to get my own weapon back? wanting my handgun parkerized BTW.
 
In Texas, "the deal" on travel with a handgun is a matter of court precedent, not law. This began back in horseback days, and was modified as travel changed over the years.

So, basically, "Out of home county, overnight" means you can carry your pistola. When you get where you're going--and it should be by the most direct route--you are then considered to be under the protection of the local law enforcement...

Brewster County being the size of Delaware, they ain't quite so picky out here. Well, outside Big Bend National Park, but that's federal country, not Texas.

:), Art
 
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