Long article on Texas gun law — worth breaking down because the "permissive state" reputation gets people into trouble faster than a strict-state reputation would. Complacency is its own hazard.

When state and federal law conflict, federal wins. The federal layer never goes away.

This is the one that bites people hardest. A guy at the range tells you he's good because Texas cleared him — doesn't mean the feds agree. The Lautenberg Amendment alone has surprised more than a few people who thought an old misdemeanor domestic charge was behind them. It's not.

A felon who legally possesses a handgun at home under Texas law can still face federal prosecution.

I've heard this exact scenario debated at a gun shop counter at least twice. State law has a five-year clock — federal law doesn't have a clock at all. If you're advising a buddy on this, the only correct answer is "talk to a lawyer," not "you're probably fine."

Constitutional carry didn't eliminate gun-free zones — it just reorganized them.

The prohibited places list in § 46.03 is longer than most people carrying under permitless carry have ever read. Third-degree felony for a polling place — most carriers have no idea that's on the list. Spend ten minutes with that statute before you ever leave the house with a gun.

Open carry done right keeps the gun holstered. Open carry done wrong gets you arrested.

The disorderly conduct angle doesn't get enough airtime. The holster requirement for open carry exists precisely because brandishing and carrying aren't the same thing — and the line between them is whether you're making people reasonably alarmed. That's a judgment call made by an officer on scene, not you.

Discussion question: For those of you in Texas — have you actually read through the § 46.03 prohibited places list, and was there anything on it that caught you off guard when you first went through it?

Read the full article in The Handbook →

Texas Gun Laws Complete Guide 2026

Texas Gun Laws Complete Guide 2026

Quick Reply