4 Steps to Buying a Handgun in Texas

Who Qualifies for buying a handgun in Texas?

Like most people, you likely qualify for buying a handgun in Texas as long as you do not have a felony on your record, have been recently entered into a psychological ward, or have an active restraining order against you. Texas follows federal law, but places few restrictions on buying a handgun.

There are some restrictions on concealed carry, as some areas will be designated “no gun” zones. These include areas such as:

• Federal buildings
• State buildings
• Sporting events
• Restaurants and bars that make 51% of their sales in alcohol (signs will be posted)
• Public and private schools
• Correctional facilities
• Courts of any jurisdiction
• Racetracks
• Polling places
• Any place with a 30.06 sign, which gives a landowner of private property the right to restrict firearms.

If you want to know more details, consult the Texas Gun Laws website.

Research and Train

While you may be excited about buying a new handgun in Texas, don’t just go out and immediately buy something without doing research. Research is going to be your best tool for choosing the right gun for you.

Whether you are shopping for home defense or concealed carry, several factors should play into your purchase choices. Look up some defining characteristics of potential guns such as:

• Grip texture
• Gun weight
• Magazine capacity
• Sights
• Modification

Understanding what you want and need is key to becoming a successful first time gun owner. However, that’s not all. Before you purchase your new handgun you should do some shooting at the gun range. Test out any potential handgun you want to choose and see which is most comfortable to you. Based on those results, you should be able to make a confident selection.

If you feel nervous about doing this yourself, that’s okay. You still need to do your research, but a gun professional at your local gun shop can help you walk through the process. Don’t be intimidated; these professionals are here to help you!

Where You Can Buy

You can buy two different ways. If you buy online, you will need to fill out a federal background check and give your identification information. Upon passing the background check, you will be able to purchase the gun and pick it up at a licensed dealer.

The problems with this method are that you don’t get to test or see the gun in-person until it arrives. You also don’t get expert guidiance or any personal advice for cleaning and maintaining the gun.

When you come in-person you will first talk with an expert about what gun you want. Then they will let you look, feel, and test the selection. They will walk you through the whole process and make sure you understand everything about buying a handgun in Texas. 

After this, you will complete the federal background check, and, once approved, you will then be able to purchase the gun and any accessories.

What to do after you are done buying a handgun in Texas

After you are done buying your first handgun, you need to practice. Practice, above all else, will help you become more comfortable with the gun and better with safety procedures. Review relevant changing gun laws and get involved within the gun community. You just found your new favorite hobby!

Are you considering buying a handgun in Texas for the first time? Do you want help in selecting the perfect gun for you? Want access to a shooting range to practice or try out new firearms? At Spring Guns & Ammo we do all of that and more! We can help walk you through the purchase of buying a handgun and make the experience pleasurable. We’ll give you the tools to succeed. Contact us today and see how we can help you!