Benefits and Reciprocity Explained
The ability to legally carry a concealed firearm is a common reason why many Texans obtain a Texas Concealed Handgun License (CHL). But it’s far from the only reason. A CHL allows personal protection beyond your home and in places where you’ll be legally allowed to carry. It also makes you part of a culture possessing licenses promoting safety. All training courses must include elements of safe, responsible handling.
A Texas CHL also provides legal carry into other states that follow reciprocity and recognize the Texas license. Of course, this can change at any time based upon amendments to each state’s legislation. This is not insignificant, although, as law-abiding Americans, we’re vocal about our rights.
Benefits of Having a Texas Concealed Handgun License
Having a License to Carry (LTC) could drastically increase your personal defense options. An LTC lets you carry a concealed handgun—legally. You can now walk around with the knowledge that you have a means of defense. This “confident preparedness” can protect you from becoming a victim.
Understanding Concealed Carry Laws in Texas
In Texas, concealed carry laws exist to regulate the carrying of firearms by someone with a License to Carry (LTC).
- These laws outline the LTC holder’s responsibilities. LTC holders are expected to know the law—there are many places (schools, government buildings, some private property) where firearms are prohibited.
- Texas law requires that LTC holders are trained in the laws that cover both handgun use and laws related to the use of force/deadly force.
- Texas law requires that LTC holders are trained in general firearm safety as well as safe storage practices and handgun storage (with an emphasis on “reducing the possibility of accidental injury to a child”).
- Texas law requires that LTC holders must demonstrate the proficiency to be able to safely fire their handguns. The intent of the shooting test is to ensure that the LTC candidate knows how to shoot the handgun without endangering others (not to train the student how to shoot).
If you are considering carrying a concealed handgun in Texas, you must understand all the carry laws related to where you can and cannot carry and know by heart the laws related to the legal use of force/deadly force.
