[newbie4help]

How can I legally transport my pistol in Texas between house and firing range? If it is unloaded with ammo separate and the gun is in its case in the trunk, is that okay? What are the rules?

[oneshooter]

Yes that is legal. However in Texas you can keep a concealed, and loaded, handgun in your vehicle.
It is best to get your CCL, it's easy and takes one day. Cost is $140 for 4 years, half that if you are active military, vet, or disabled.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

[springmom]

Put it in the car out of sight, and drive to the range. Here, it's no problem. You can carry in the car.

Springmom

[wally]

The Texas CHL law was recently changed, you now get five years for the price of four.

If you are serious about shooting, get a CHL and join TSRA!

--wally.

[Texas Moon]

Get a good nondescript case for your Glock and shooting supplies.
Keep the gun in the case until at the range.
Place in your vehicle and travel as normal.
Texas law allows travel to/from sporting activites.
You should have no problems.

[TexasRifleman]

Texas law allows travel to/from sporting activites.

Texas law allows for unrestricted concealed carry in your car, regardless of the destination.

[nalioth]

Texas law does not have any requirements for how you carry your firearms if you are traveling to or from a sporting activity which involves them.

[For Freedom]

You can leave your gun loaded in your car all the time if you want.

[Drizzt]

I believe, for all intents and purposes, Texas treats the gun the same whether it is loaded or unloaded. If the gun and the ammo are in the same vehicle, then they are considered to be together. Which, of course, is no problem at all here.

[Frog48]

Texas law allows for unrestricted concealed carry in your car,

Yes, unless engaged in criminal activity, other than a
Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance
regulating traffic; prohibited by law from possessing a firearm; and/or a member of a criminal street gang.


So as long as you're not a known gangbanger... :D

[csmkersh]

Specifically, this is what the revised Texas Penal Code says (http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.010.00.000046.00.htm#46.02.00):



§ 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person
commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or
recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun, illegal
knife, or club if the person is not:
(1) on the person's own premises or premises under the
person's control; or
(2) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle
that is owned by the person or under the person's control.
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person
intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or
her person a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person
or under the person's control at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a
Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance
regulating traffic;
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm;
or
(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as
defined by Section 71.01.
(a-2) For purposes of this section, "premises" includes
real property and a recreational vehicle that is being used as
living quarters, regardless of whether that use is temporary or
permanent. In this subsection, "recreational vehicle" means a motor
vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters or a
vehicle that contains temporary living quarters and is designed to
be towed by a motor vehicle. The term includes a travel trailer,
camping trailer, truck camper, motor home, and horse trailer with
living quarters.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under
this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third
degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or
issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

[MechAg94]

Even before recent changes, you could transport a firearm to and from the place where you are using it legally. I think they used to say that you should place it such that it is not within reach of the driver.

Since they changed the law to allow carrying a gun in the car without the weird traveling restrictions, that shouldn't matter any more.

[nalioth]

Even before recent changes, you could transport a firearm to and from the place where you are using it legally. I think they used to say that you should place it such that it is not within reach of the driver. You are thinking of Illinois or some other 2A unfriendly place. See post 7 (http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4470090&postcount=7)

[Brad Johnson]

Another vote to get your CHL. Not only is it good insurance against stupidity (both bad guy and uninformed good guy kind), it's the next best thing to a Get Out Of Ticket Free card you'll ever have.

Brad

[TexasRifleman]

Yes, unless engaged in criminal activity

I usually work under the assumption that someone posting on THR with questions like this are not engaged in such so I don't usually include the disclaimer :evil:

[bdickens]

No offense, but how long have you been here? This isn't Chicago or DC. Just toss the thing in your range bag and off you go.

[CountGlockula]

Also as you're driving, make sure you make every stop and stay within the speeding limit.

[MechAg94]

Quote:
Originally Posted by MechAge94
Even before recent changes, you could transport a firearm to and from the place where you are using it legally. I think they used to say that you should place it such that it is not within reach of the driver.
You are thinking of Illinois or some other 2A unfriendly place. See post 7
I get it, but that was the sort of stuff I was told years ago about how to do it. At least it was prior to me visiting gun forums. I know better now. :D

[Frog48]

I usually work under the assumption that someone posting on THR with questions like this are not engaged in such so I don't usually include the disclaimer

Haha, true true. :D

[jkingrph]

Just take it, Keep it out of sight. If stopped by law enforcement for any reason tell them you have it and why.

[TexasRifleman]

If stopped by law enforcement for any reason tell them you have it and why.

Why?

If not carrying under a CHL there is no requirement, and no reason to even bring it up.

You are violating no laws. Do you tell the officer every other law you are not currently violating?

"Good evening officer, I didn't kill anyone today, I didn't shoplift from Wal Mart, I am legally carrying a gun, and I have on clean underwear :)"

Yes I am being silly but really, why would you bring up something that is perfectly legal unless you are required to?

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

I'm glad this came up! I just had a female friend of mine purchase a ppk/s for self defense, and I wasn't sure if the change in the law allowed her to carry," locked and loaded", in her car if she wanted, so she hasn't carried. Im relieved to let her know that she can.

[oneshooter]

It has been said, written?, before. Get your CCL and don't worry anymore. If you are in the Houston area PM me and I will help you as much as I can.:D

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas