First time buying gun. What next?

[ThrottleJockey72]

Just my opinion.

 

[Badlander]

OP says he walked out of the gunshow in 10 min with his new gun. Is there no waiting period in Tx.?

 

[Superpsy]

shoot it. =)

 

[John Parker]

That is what my friends in texas said.

I repeat hearsay from my friends as legal advice on the internet all the time too.

 

[Sam1911]

Is there no waiting period in Tx.

Only 13 states have any kind of waiting period for a firearms purchase -- TX certainly is not one of them.

(According to this web site, c. 2008: http://www.lcav.org/content/waiting_periods.pdf)

-Sam

 

[Frank Ettin]

Find an NRA certified instructor offering an NRA Basic Handgun class. That's good place to start and should answer all your initial questions. It will cover basic gun safety, basic gun handling, what the different types of handguns are, how they work, basic gun laws and basic marksmanship. It will give you a good foundation and start you off on the right foot.

Nothings quite as good as a little live, fact-to-face, instruction.

 

[crebralfix]

See: handgunlaw.us

Where are you traveling to?

If you are crossing a state line, then a Federal law applies. In general, it means that if the gun is legal at the end points, then you may transport it through states where it may be unlawful. "Unlawful" can mean anything from the ammo, gun, magazine, part, or some sort of ownership permit.

The means in which you transport your gun is very important. In general, you must (applies to Texas, but check the code for rules on transporting firearms):

1) Separate the gun from the ammunition. There is some variance in state laws on this. Therefore, do NOT load any magazines. Put all the ammo in a different LOCKED container.

2) Lock up the Glock using the lock that came with it. Put it in a case or some sort of lockable box. Put the magazines with the Glock, not the ammo.

3) Place everything in the trunk of your vehicle or in the back seat. It needs to be "out of reach".

Remember, if everything is locked, they cannot do anything to you IF the gun is legal at the endpoints. Also be aware that though Federal law protects you, some states such as New York DO NOT CARE and will charge you with a crime anyway.

I believe the above should be more than sufficient for driving around Texas. However, check the code. It should be online.

***

Additionally, do NOT answer any questions from law enforcement. Do not state you have a weapon in the car. You do not need to answer, but you need to be smart about it. If you are stopped, simply ask "What is this about officer?" Under no circumstances should you give them permission to search. The trick is to be firm while being polite. If you get the old "But if you have nothing to hide..." argument, just smile and say "Thank you officer for your concern, but we both know reasonable articulable suspicion doesn't work like that."

If the gun is locked up in a container, they cannot search it without probable cause that a crime has been, is about to, or is being committed.

You really need to do some research into how to handle the police. Check out You and the Police! and other sources especially if you don't know what "reasonable articulable suspicion" and "probable cause" are.

 

[NavyLCDR]

1) Separate the gun from the ammunition. There is some variance in state laws on this. Therefore, do NOT load any magazines. Put all the ammo in a different LOCKED container.

2) Lock up the Glock using the lock that came with it. Put it in a case or some sort of lockable box. Put the magazines with the Glock, not the ammo.

3) Place everything in the trunk of your vehicle or in the back seat. It needs to be "out of reach".

Wow. That only vaguely resembles the Federal law.... just a little bit, but not much.

 

[Quilbilly]

This is probably not what you want to hear but before you even consider carrying your new glock you NEED to get familiar with it.

 

[bababooey32]

Crebralfix couldn't be more wrong about the laws in the state of TX regarding firearms in the car.

In general, you must (applies to Texas, but check the code for rules on transporting firearms):

1) Separate the gun from the ammunition. There is some variance in state laws on this. Therefore, do NOT load any magazines. Put all the ammo in a different LOCKED container.

Nope...Not necessary in TX

2) Lock up the Glock using the lock that came with it. Put it in a case or some sort of lockable box. Put the magazines with the Glock, not the ammo.

Also not necessary in TX

3) Place everything in the trunk of your vehicle or in the back seat. It needs to be "out of reach".

Absolutely not necessary in TX.

These might be good recommendations for carrying across state lines, but within TX, all are incorrect.

 

[NavyLCDR]

These might be good recommendations for carrying across state lines, but within TX, all are incorrect.

Not really for carrying across state lines either!

 

[crebralfix]

As for whether or not it's Texas law...you misunderstood. Call it a default in the absence of knowing the actual law. If someone follows this (overkill) procedure, the vast majority of states will not have a problem with you.

I also noticed nobody offered up the actual procedures and requirements for Texas.

 

[NavyLCDR]

I also noticed nobody offered up the actual procedures and requirements for Texas.

The requirement in Texas is to conceal it when it is in the vehicle.

 

[bablack]

In Texas, the "Castle Law" states that one may keep a loaded firearm in a vehicle as long as it is concealed. The vehicle is considered an extension of the owners property. If the driver is stopped by a police officer and has a CHL, the driver must notify the officer that the weapon is in the vehicle (in the glovebox etc). However, if the driver does not have a CHL, no such notification must be give. Pretty much a double standard.

 

[lions]

CoRoMo:

1.All guns are always loaded (until you establish whether they are or not).
2.Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. Keep your gun pointed in a safe direction at all times: on the range, at home, loading, or unloading.
3.Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target (and you are ready to shoot).
4.Be sure of your target. Know what it is, what is in line with it and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you haven't positively identified.

Superpsy:

shoot it. =)

Yes... and yes! Be safe and enjoy!

 

[bababooey32]

I also noticed nobody offered up the actual procedures and requirements for Texas.

Yes, I did in Post #12:

As far as having the gun in your car, you may keep a loaded handgun concealed in your car without any permit.

 

[22-rimfire]

The first thing you do is learn to be safe and learn the operation of the Glock. Next you go shooting at a range and begin to learn about shooting handguns safely. Best to take a class if one is available in your area.

As far as carry in your automobile, it depends primarily in what state you are in and potentially local laws. In most cases, it is illegal to carry a loaded handgun in your auto without a carry permit. There are exceptions. So, if you do not know the laws, you place the unloaded gun in a locked box in your trunk and put the ammo inside the passenger compartment and transport the gun. The two have to be separated and not easily available. Not much fun, huh?

Enjoy.

 

[NavyLCDR]

As far as carry in your automobile, it depends primarily in what state you are in and potentially local laws. In most cases, it is illegal to carry a loaded handgun in your auto without a carry permit. There are exceptions. So, if you do not know the laws, you place the unloaded gun in a locked box in your trunk and put the ammo inside the passenger compartment and transport the gun. The two have to be separated and not easily available. Not much fun, huh?

If traveling interstate and relying upon the Firearms Owners Protection Act, 18 USC 926a for proper transportation, the above part in bold is not a proper method of transport.