Permitless Carry Comming Soon? Three reasons an LTC is still a good idea.

Is “Permitless Carry” coming soon to Texas? While working a booth this weekend at the Dallas Gun Show, I heard this very question numerous times. With many people believing that it had already passed or would be going into effect soon.

HouseBill 1927 (Permitless Carry) recently passed the Texas House of Representatives. It next moves to the Texas State Senate for review, amendments, and voting. If it passes, it will then go before Governor Abbot for signing. Providing the bill makes it through these steps, it will go into effect on September 1, 2021.

The buzz about “Permitless Carry” is leading many Texas residents to believe that a Texas LTC will be unnecessary or obsolete, which isn’t exactly true. Here are three reasons an LTC is still beneficial.

1. Learning Texas firearm law - Learning Texas firearm law is vital for responsible firearm owners. If you plan on carrying, you need to know what locations are off-limits to license holders and where weapons, in general, are prohibited. You should also understand the difference between the use of force and deadly force, and when the law says you are justified in defending yourself, others, or protecting property. Remember, ignorance of the law is not an excuse for violating the law.

2. Reciprocity with other states - While “Permitless Carry” may be coming soon to Texas, many states have restrictions for non-residents. Only allowing concealed carry for; visitors who have a license from their home state, have a valid state license/permit, or that have a license/permit from a state they honor. Meaning a license/permit will be required to conceal carry in Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

3. Simplified firearm purchase process - A common misconception is that a license/permit is required to purchase a firearm in Texas. Fortunately, a license/permit isn’t required for firearm purchases in Texas. But, a Texas LTC does speed up the purchase process. A non-license holder is required to complete a form and background check and wait for the results. At the Dallas Gun Show this weekend, I witnessed background check times of 45 minutes or longer! A license holder only has to complete the form and provide their license info. No waiting for background checks to clear!

Shoot Smart offers frequent weekend LTC classes at all locations, take a look at our upcoming schedule here.