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How to Buy a Gun in Texas: A Complete Guide

buy a gun

What if you lived in Texas but weren’t able to defend your family?

In the great state of Texas, about 36% of adult residents own a gun. While that’s a healthy percentage, it still means nearly two out of every three residents is unable to defend themselves and their families against threats like violent intruders.

One reason that some Texas residents don’t own a gun is that they don’t know how to buy one. Wondering how to buy a gun in Texas? Keep reading to discover our complete guide!

Try Before You Buy

We have all the details you need to know about how to buy a gun in Texas. But we wanted to start with some very simple advice: it’s always good to “try before you buy.”

There are plenty of amazing gun ranges throughout Texas. These ranges will provide you with an opportunity to use several different firearms before making your purchase.

Remember, a good gun isn’t cheap. Visiting the range before purchasing firearms is a great way to make sure you are satisfied with what you get!

With that out of the way, let’s review the different steps you need to take to buy a gun in Texas.

Try before you buy in Texas
Some ranges may allow you the opportunity to try out different firearms before you purchase one.

Bring Your ID

Relative to other states, Texas gun laws are pretty generous. You don’t have to register your firearms, and you don’t even have to put up with an annoying waiting period. However, you will still need to bring an ID to make your purchase from a firearms dealer.

This needs to be some form of government-issued identification. For most gun owners, a driver’s license is the easiest thing to provide.

So long as you have some form of government-issued ID, you can proceed to the next step.

Time for Paperwork

While Texas has far fewer regulations than many states, there is still paperwork associated with every gun purchase. And you’ll need to complete this paperwork and turn it in to the dealer before you can proceed.

The primary bit of paperwork you must deal with is Form 4473. However, most Texas residents refer to this form by the more common name: the Firearms Transaction Record.

This is a federal form that will ask you various questions about your identity. The questions will also help determine your eligibility to buy a gun in the state. Remember, it’s important to be completely honest when filling out this form!

The Background Check

As we noted before, there is no waiting period to buy a firearm in Texas. That simply means that you won’t have to spend long days or even weeks for approval. However, you may still have to wait a few minutes while the firearms vendor conducts the background check.

This check is usually very quick. It simply involves the dealer running your information through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

One important thing to note is that due to federal regulations, you (or whoever is intending to buy the gun) must be present to complete the purchase. You will not be able to send a friend, spouse, or other family members to buy the gun on your behalf.

NICS background check
While there is no waiting period in Texas, a firearms dealer will still need to perform a quick background check on buyers.

Buy A Gun: The Final Step

Once your background check is complete, you can move on to the fun part. In other words, you get to complete your purchase!

At this point, all you have to do is pay for your firearm and leave. And if you’ve enjoyed the experience, you may want to return to this vendor for future purchases.

Remember, firearms are expensive, and ammo isn’t getting any cheaper. If you find a friendly firearms dealer who offers good prices and services, they can make your entire experience as a gun owner much more pleasant!

Now that you understand the entire process of buying a gun in Texas, we’re going to review some other important information for you to know.

Is a Permit Required?

For first-time firearm buyers, the first question they usually ask is whether you need a permit to buy a gun in Texas. The short answer is “no.” The longer answer is “no, but there are certain age restrictions.”

As an example, you can own a firearm in Texas as soon as you are 18. However, any guns you purchase at that age must be long arms. If you wish to buy a handgun, then you must be 21 years of age or older.

Texas and Defending Yourself

Most people buy a gun for one simple reason: to defend themselves. So it’s worth exploring another question: how does Texas make it easier for gun owners to defend themselves and their families?

First, Texas is one of several states with a “stand your ground law.” Simply put, you don’t have to retreat from an aggressor in any space you are legally allowed to be. And if you are being attacked and in fear for your life, you may respond with lethal force.

Second, Texas also has a castle doctrine. This means that homeowners can use deadly force against intruders forcing their way into the home.

Between these two laws and your new firearm, you and your family are quite safe. However, you will be even safer if you get a concealed carry license.

Texas stand your ground laws and castle doctrine
Texas has the Castle Doctrine, which allows homeowners to use deadly force against intruders.

Benefits of a Concealed Carry License

You may be wondering if you need a CCW permit when you live in Texas. And the answer to this question is both “yes” and “no.”

As of September 2021, the state allows permitless concealed carry for anyone 21 or older who can legally own a handgun. So if you simply want to carry a concealed weapon throughout Texas, no permit is needed.

However, if you will be traveling out of Texas at any time, a concealed carry permit is very much worth it. Thanks to reciprocity laws, getting a CCW in Texas means that you can carry that concealed weapon into many other states with little to no hassle.

Get Your Concealed Carry License Today

Now you know how to buy a gun in Texas and why a concealed carry permit is so valuable. But do you know where to get a permit quickly and at a competitive price?

We make it easy for gun owners like yourself to defend themselves throughout the country. To get started, all you have to do is find a class today!

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