Open Carry Of Handguns In Texas: Ten Things To Know

May 31, 2015 - PRLog -- Ten things to know about the ne Texas Open Carry Law for handguns:

1)      The new Texas Open Carry Law takes effect January 1, 2016.
2)      To carry a handgun – open or concealed – you MUST have a valid carry license issued by Texas or one of the other states whose licenses Texas recognizes:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/Legal/Reciprocity/index.htm
3)      The licensee will have the option to carry a handgun openly or concealed, so long as it is secured in a belt or shoulder holster.
4)      A law enforcement officer MAY ask a person displaying a handgun if they have a permit to carry it.
5)      The law does NOT apply to rifles or shotguns or handguns held in the hand.
6)      "Handgun" means any firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand.
7)      The Texas licensing class to obtain a handgun permit will not change other than to put new emphasis on weapon retention in a proper holster.
8)      The shooting proficiency of the test will not change. Fifty rounds will be fired at a silhouette target at 3, 7 and 15 yards. The handgun used must be at least .32 caliber. It does not matter whether the handgun is a semi-automatic or a revolver; the licensee may carry either type or handgun in any caliber.
9)      A business manager or property owner may post a sign requesting that handgun carriers may not enter the property while armed. In addition to the sign, somebody in authority must give a handgun violator a verbal warning that they must leave the premises. The property does not include open parking lots or public walkways
10)  Places handguns are prohibited for carry are the same under the open carry law as under the concealed carry law.
      This list was compiled by Bob Wieland, Texas Concealed Handgun Instructor and founder of Gatling Gun Rescue™ in Plano, Texas.
     Gatling Gun Rescue is a free, confidential service that provides in-home removal and disposal of unwanted firearms. We encourage gun owners to exercise safe gun storage: keep the weapon unloaded, locked up, with ammunition stored separately. If the gun owner is unable or unwilling to do that, we encourage them to give the gun to a friend or relative who appreciates the responsibility and understands how to handle the gun safely.
     However, if somebody has a gun they don’t want, Gatling provides safe in-home removal and disposal of guns and ammunition.
     We are bonded and hold a Federal Firearms License for collecting curios and relics. Appropriate guns are sold to law enforcement officers. Non-functioning guns are broken down for parts. Guns that are collectible or of value to hunters are sold through gun stores since Gatling does not maintain a storefront and does not sell to the general public.
    Contact Gatling at www.gatling.biz to help us make homes safer, one gun at a time.