Texas laws

[truthisfreedom]

Hey guys, I'm still pretty new to handguns, and I haven't taken a ccw course yet so I'm trying to figure out what is legal and what isn't. My girlfriend has decided due to the ever worsening state of affairs in the US, as well as the coming economic recession/possible depression. Im a psychology student here at Texas State University with a minor in forensic psychology and a specialty in crime/social deviance. I have done the research myself that when the economy goes down, people get desperate for money and robberies go up. Just a side note, as to the background of this post.

Anyways, my girlfriend wants a gun, but she has an immigrant visa (UK) and is not yet 21 years of age. I'm pretty sure she can buy a rifle or shotgun, but if she wants a handgun, could I buy it and give it to her as a gift? Also, if she could be given the item as a gift, where would she be allowed to use it/keep it (obviously not carry until 21)?

Any help would be great and I really appreciate all help.

(if theres good news for me, I'll have another fun question)

[firemedic24]

The best way to find out your states gun laws is to do a google search for texas gun laws. I would not trust that any one person know all the laws for your state. I am in Indiana and new to handguns also. I read all of my states gun laws online, and it asnwered all my questions.

[truthisfreedom]

Yeah, I actually read the TX laws that have been posted online but I'm having a hard time finding the information that I need. Maybe I should just ask my CHL instructor to break them down and explain them a little better to me.

[one-eyed-fatman]

This site may help but I highly recommend you ignore the one who states he's an ex cop and plays forum lawyer on this site. His name is txinvestigator.

TexasCHLforum.com • Index page

It's a good site but don't believe everything you hear without checking the facts first.

[mkb909]

Now I do not know the laws in Texas one bit, but my "understand" of federal laws is that no one under 21 may legally possess a handgun by themselves. Now if you were to purchase it and she went to shoot with you there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, I do it all of the time with my dad who knows nothing about firearms, you've just got to keep things safe. Now as for giving it to her as a gift I think you're stuck there to, and again this is my understanding of the federal system, she's got to have a handgun permit to be allowed to "recieve" a handgun into her posession for keeping, anything else is illegal. Sorry to burst your bubble.

[zac07]

In texas you can do what they call a face to face transfer and someone over 18 can own a handgun. But the normal no felons, etc. . . . still apply.

[texchef]

I spoke with a Dallas police officer at work a few weeks ago and had some specific questions about carry laws and such. 2 things I specifically asked about:

1. It is legal to carry loaded in the car WITHOUT a CHL. Outside your car you better have a CHL or it will be an automatic unlawful carry and could result in a felony charge.

2. You must be at least 21 to own a handgun and at leat 18 to own a long gun.

I asked about age because of my brother who is not yet 21. If she has an immigrant Visa that it may change things since she is not a naturalized citizen.

[oldfart]

Interesting question.
I am not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV so my advise is not to listen to anyone on the internet or depend on some internet site.

My suggestion short of talking to an actual lawyer is simply to call or email the Tx DPS and get the real scoop. I have found that while sometimes abrupt they do respond within a reasonable time by email but you could also call them.

The last thing you would want to do is put your girlfriends LEGAL immigrant status in jeopardy. BTW - thank her for visiting the US legally & welcome to her. I hope she never needs to worry about a gun & enjoys being here for all the good things our country has to offer.

[Myk9noseknows]

To further answer your #1 question. You can carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle, however it MUST be concealed. On top of that, it must be out of "general scope of the drivers reach". Basically it needs to be far enough away from you so that you cannot access it without moving out of your seat. So if you have it stashed between your seat and can reach it easily without much effort, then you would be in violation of the law.

However, if you have a CHL, then you can have the loaded firearm concealed close to you (the driver) etc...anywhere in the car as long as it's concealed.

To purchase a handgun, yes you must be at least 21 yrs old. if you plan on buying it from a "store" and not FTF, you will most likely have to have a state ID (state which you are a resident). I do not believe this is a law per se, but my local gun shop will not sell you a pistol if you are not a texas resident. However, you can buy a long guy if you walk in and have a drivers license from say, Nevada.

Your parents can buy your a pistol and give it to you as a gift if you are not 21 yet. However, since your GF is not a US (and thus not a TX) resident, I cannot comment on the legality of her receiving a firearm. My guess would be no, but definitely a question for you CHL instructor.

Originally Posted by texchef

I spoke with a Dallas police officer at work a few weeks ago and had some specific questions about carry laws and such. 2 things I specifically asked about:

1. It is legal to carry loaded in the car WITHOUT a CHL. Outside your car you better have a CHL or it will be an automatic unlawful carry and could result in a felony charge.

2. You must be at least 21 to own a handgun and at leat 18 to own a long gun.

I asked about age because of my brother who is not yet 21. If she has an immigrant Visa that it may change things since she is not a naturalized citizen.

[one-eyed-fatman]

Originally Posted by mkb909

Now I do not know the laws in Texas one bit, but my "understand" of federal laws is that no one under 21 may legally possess a handgun by themselves. Now if you were to purchase it and she went to shoot with you there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, I do it all of the time with my dad who knows nothing about firearms, you've just got to keep things safe. Now as for giving it to her as a gift I think you're stuck there to, and again this is my understanding of the federal system, she's got to have a handgun permit to be allowed to "recieve" a handgun into her posession for keeping, anything else is illegal. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Your right. You do not know Texas law. Because of this it is in your best interest (and the best interest of others) not to give advice on something you know nothing about.