If you are interested in carrying a concealed handgun or other weapon in public, either on one’s person or in close proximity to others, you must obtain a concealed weapons permit. Although most people think of guns when they hear about carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), the weapon doesn’t have to be lethal. For instance, pepper spray in volume of more than 2oz. requires a concealed weapons permit in Florida. Though anyone may legally carry a smaller self-defense device hidden on their person without a concealed weapons permit.
In Texas, residents and non-residents may be issued a concealed weapons permit, which is not the case in every state. There is not a federal law specifically addressing the issuance of concealed carry permits, but all 50 states have passed laws allowing citizens to carry certain concealed firearms in public, either without a permit or after obtaining a permit from local government and/or law enforcement.
There are 4 state-regulated categories regarding the issuance of permits:
Unrestricted Concealed Carry
Unrestricted means the citizen does not need a permit to carry a concealed handgun. This is sometimes called constitutional carry. Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Rural areas of Idaho, Montana outside of city limits, New Mexico in vehicles, Vermont, and Wyoming residents are the included states in this category.
Shall-Issue Concealed Carry
Shall-Issue requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun, but where the granting of such permits is subject only to meeting certain criteria laid out in the law. Typical requirements include residency, minimum age, fingerprinting, passing a background check, attending a safety class, and others. Most states, including Texas, are part of this category.
May-Issue Concealed Carry
May-Issue requires a permit to carry, and the granting of such permits is partially at the discretion of the local authorities. It’s different from shall-issue in that the burden for proof for justifying the need of a permit rests with the applicant, and not necessarily the authority. States in this category are California, Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island.
No-Issue Concealed Carry
The last category is No-Issue. This means that only with very limited exceptions, no one is permitted to carry a concealed handgun or weapon in public. American Samoa, District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands are some on the no-issue list.
To obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), a person must enroll and finish a CHL certification class. What should you expect from CHL classes? In Texas, law requires a course of at least 4 hours, which includes many different classroom topics as well as handgun proficiency qualification at a shooting range.
CHL classes may include these topics: – Safe handling and storage of firearms – Use of force and lethal force – Handgun use – Non-violent dispute resolution – Civil liability, range commands and proficiency preparation – Concealment techniques – Eligibility, suspension, revocation, and renewal requirements – And other topics
The type of gun you can use for the range qualification is a semi-automatic of at least .32 caliber or arevolver of at least .38 caliber. You can legally carry either one of these after obtaining your CHL. You must also apply to get your fingerprints registered aside from any CHL classes.
The range qualification consists of firing 20 rounds in standing position from 3 yards, 20 rounds from 7 yards, and 10 rounds from 15 yards. The target is a B27 silhouette. If you do not pass the range qualification testing, you may take it up to 3 times before you are classified as failed. You must have 50 rounds of ammunition for each attempt.
You must be at least 21 years of age and not a convicted felon to obtain a license and it is good for 5 years. There is also a discount if you are 60 years old or older.
You will need to bring your license application if you applied online, a handgun that is in working condition, 50 rounds of ammunition, two magazines for a semi-automatic handgun (one is ok), ear protection, eye protection (or eye glasses), and clothing that is suitable for a shooting range and weather conditions.
Gun holsters provide protection to the handgun, as well as providing a ready access to the weapon while securing its retention. The individual’s needs must be considered when choosing gun holsters as access and security are often contradictory. Achieving the correct balance between these two factors is an important consideration when choosing a defensive handgun holster, where failure to access the weapon quickly or loss of the weapon due to insufficient retention could result in serious injury or death to the user.
The design of gun holsters have improved providing a better fit for the carry location using modern ergonomics and providing ambidextrous holsters for users.
Modern holsters are broken down into four broad categories by use: duty holsters worn by police officers and security personnel; tactical holsters worn by military, security and law enforcement personnel; concealed carry holsters worn by plainclothes law enforcement officers and private individuals; and sporting holsters worn by competition shooters and hunters.
Specialty Holsters
The improved design of most gun holsters of today include ambidextrous holsters for left and right handed draw, provide for a smooth draw with contoured and ergonomic design for the best fit and comfort. Holster options include many popular varieties including ankle holsters, paddle holsters, belt holsters, inside the pants holsters, pocket holsters, shoulder holster systems comprised of cross chest carry and tuxedo shoulder harness systems with padded load bearing, sleeveless shirt holsters and thumb drive holsters. Other choices include bedside table, magnetic and fanny pack holsters among others.
Concealed Carry Gun Holsters
Concealment holsters, also called concealed carry holsters are designed to be easily concealed, unobtrusive, lightweight and comfortable. Concealment holsters are designed to be worn under clothing and is positioned close to the body, and designed to distribute the pressure across a wider area and prevent discomfort of the skin, as well as to help break up the outline of the weapon under clothing. For pocket holsters often feature a nap, or rougher surface on the external side to hold the holster in place when drawing the pistol.
Sporting & Hunting Holsters
Sporting holsters cover a wide spectrum of styles: maximum access for fast draw shooting, superbly adjustable holsters used in IPSC and pin shooting, classic holsters used in cowboy style shooting, high retention, maximum protection holsters used for handgun hunting, and simple holsters used to hold a handgun while out plinking. Like any sporting equipment, sporting holsters have evolved to maximize the benefits of the game with game rules observed; as a result the competitive sports have the most specialized holsters.
Holsters for hunting can be unique if they are designed to carry large handguns or to make allowances for telescopic sights. Large handguns are often carried in holsters that are slung across the shoulder.
Holsters at GrabAGun
Get the best holsters for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop our belt holsters, shoulder holsters, and pocket holsters.
Choosing a self-defense pistol that you will be satisfied with is a lot like buying a car. There are many factors to consider and especially if you have any physical limitations such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are shopping for a weapon to carry on your person this guide can assist you in making an informed decision.
First, consider how and where you may use it. Will you carry it in a pocket holster, shoulder holster, belt holster or in a purse? While there are smaller guns ideal for concealed carry pistols, some people simply can’t handle them flawlessly. Those with larger hands and fingers especially prefer a larger gun.
Next, do you have disabilities that affect your hands? If so, keep in mind, the more recoil a pistol has, the more it’s likely to adversely affect a person with hand problems use of it, and higher recoil will affect their accuracy and comfort.
For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome the number of shots you are able to fire with accuracy will most likely be limited. In the event of a situation of grave threat of serious injury or death from a violent offender, accuracy as well as the number of well-placed shots you can fire off matters. This said, the less recoil a pistol has the more shots you will be able to fire with practiced accuracy when you have physical limitations.
Practice at the range is another consideration, ammo for larger caliber weapons generally cost more.
Any gun owner does well to practice often. If you are buying your first handgun, or if it’s been a while since you used one, take the time to learn from a certified professional instructor. Learning proper form and procedure will not only improve your accuracy, but will provide safety and legal considerations. If you use a gun incorrectly and lack accuracy it is of no use to you and can endanger yourself as well as anyone within range. Practice is the key to accurate and well placed shots with any gun.
9mm Pistols Are Generally Cheaper to Shoot
Ideally, a pistol that costs less to shoot, is more easily concealed, comfortable to hold, and provides reduced recoil is going to be a better fit and provides greater accuracy. In addition, you should consider the capacity.
For these reasons many experienced shooters prefer the 9mm pistol with its 15 to 17 shot capacity over the 5-8 shot capacity of revolvers and larger caliber weapons. It has the added bonus of being an effective pistol, with sufficient power to stop an attacker, especially when loaded with hollow point ammo. Most 9mm pistols use gun magazines, providing for a faster reload if necessary by carrying a spare.
Many gun enthusiasts recommend a good brand of 9mm pistol for self-defense due to its general reliability, reduced recoil providing improved accuracy and comfort, as well as an effective firearm for self-defense.
Self Defense Pistols at GrabAGun
Ultimately, choosing a pistol is an individual choice, your best bet is to use a professional and certified instructor on the range with a variety of options to determine which pistol is best suited for your personal needs.
Visit GrabAGun online for an extensive inventory of firearms for sale and accessories to provide for all of your needs.
You’ve finally bought the gun you’ve had your eye on for awhile. Now it’s time to think about accessories. The first thing aside from ammunition should be a gun holster. Think about your needs first and if you need ready-access, or concealment. Then look around at the vast array of materials, placements, and types there are available. Above all, you want your gun holster to be comfortable and sturdy, and it’s hard to tell until you’ve tried it.
Typically, you’ll find gun holsters made out of leather, plastic, or nylon. Leather holsters are very traditional, durable, hold their shape, but are also susceptible to moisture. Plastic holsters are lightweight, waterproof, durable, and are generally quick to draw from, but some may find them uncomfortable. Nylon or ballistic nylon are the most inexpensive, are easy to clean, and flexible, but may take on wear easier than the other choices.
Gun holsters can be worn almost anywhere on the body, so keep in mind what your use will be. Here is a brief list:
Ankle holsters: made ideally for lightweight, smaller guns
Inside the waistband (IWB): some offer “tuckable” varieties where you can tuck your shirt between the clip and the holster
Persons with Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL) take notice, new Texas legislation has passed affecting CHL issuance, where CHL holders can carry and requirements of renewal.
Texas law allows citizens to carry concealed handguns for self-protection with the issuance of a license to carry concealed. The following is a summary of the new laws, and all effective dates are Sept. 1, 2013 unless otherwise noted:
CHL Classes
Previous law required a ten hour Concealed Handgun License Certification Course outlined by the State Department of Public Safety. With the new legislation class time is reduced from a minimum of 10 hours including range time, to 4-6 hours not including range time. It allows Texas CHL holders renewing their license to take the classroom instruction and the written exam online. Shooting instruction and techniques will be eliminated from CHL classes as of September 1, 2013.
CHL Renewal
After September 1, CHL renewals will no longer require a renewal class. To renew your license you will have to register with the state, pay the renewal fee, and sign an “information form” confirming you are knowledgeable of use of force and concealed handgun laws. This legislation eliminates the one year grace period after licenses expired. If your license to expires, you will have to attend a class as a new student to be re-issued a CHL license. Renewal applications can be submitted on the internet. This legislation reduces the CHL renewal fee for certain honorably discharged veterans, current members of the state military forces, certain peace and correctional officers to $25.
Weapons Categories
Non semi-automatic and semi-automatic license categories have been eliminated.
Hotels with Restrictive Firearms Policies
Hotels are required to tell patrons in advance of any restrictive firearms policies.
School Employees
CHL holders who are employed by a school district or charter school who receive additional training, and have written authorization from their employer, will be allowed to carry a concealed handgun inside the school of their employment.
Currently the Department of Public Safety has not established this new curriculum and training requirements.
This legislation makes it illegal for college campuses to institute policies restricting CHL holders from leaving a firearm in their vehicle on a college campus or in parking lots.
Display of a Firearm
The phrase “Intentional fail to conceal” is changed to “Intentional display of a handgun”. It clarifies that the display of a concealed handgun is authorized to prevent the use of force, not just the use of deadly force against the CHL holder.
Fingerprinting
The Department of Public Safety must provide the means for people who live in a county with a population of 46,000 or less and are not within a 25-mile radius of a facility capable of processing digital or electronic fingerprints to submit their fingerprints. Fingerprints are required to apply for a CHL.
Seized Firearms
Seized weapons not returned or claimed by the owner can be sold at a public sale. Only a licensed federal firearms dealer can purchase the weapon, and proceeds go to the law enforcement agency that seized it.
Social security
Applicants for a concealed handgun license will not be required to give their Social Security number to the Department of Public Safety.
Interchangeable Guns Allowed
The new legislation allows CHL holders to carry a weapon that may be of a different category than they demonstrated handgun proficiency with prior to being issued a CHL. If you qualified with a revolver, you were limited to carrying a revolver. Earlier law stated that if someone qualified with a semi-automatic weapon, they could carry either a revolver or a semi-automatic. If they only qualified with a revolver, then a revolver was the only gun that could be carried. The new legislation lifts that restriction.
School Safety Task Force
The new legislation provides for a School Safety Task Force that will examine how to improve emergency operations planning and will develop a school safety certification program. Provides for the task force to be comprised of the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management or a designee; the training director of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University-San Marcos or a designee; the chairperson of the School Safety Center or a designee; and the agency director of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service or a designee. Effective immediately.
Handgun Instructors
Provides certification for qualified handgun instructors in school safety training in the areas of the protection of students, interaction of license holders with first responders, tactics for denying an intruder entry to a classroom or school, how to increase accuracy with a handgun under duress. The certification course will require between 15-20 hours of instruction.
School Marshalls
The “Protection of Texas Children Act” creates a school marshal position in public K-12 schools and charters. Marshals will be allowed to carry a gun, and their identity would only be known to the school’s head administrator and law enforcement. When working in a classroom or around children, the school marshal’s weapon will be locked away but within reach. Effective immediately.
For those CHL holders who wish to take the popular field instruction that will be eliminated on Sept. 1, contact your local CHL class facility to register for available classes in August.
The 1911 handgun is called just that because it served as the standard-issue sidearm for the United States Armed Forces from 1911-1985. That is where its name derived. Colt was the original manufacturer, however, due to its popularity during World War I and World War II, other manufacturers like Remington Rand, Ithaca Gun Company, Union Switch & Signal, Singer and Rock Island Arsenal started producing it.
The 1911 remains well-liked today not only because of the nostalgia of it, but because it’s a great gun. So it only makes sense that 1911 holsters are highly in demand. As you can tell from the variety of manufacturers of 1911 handguns, there is also an array of options for 1911 holsters.
1911 holsters are also popular, so you will not be without choices when looking for the perfect holster to conceal and carry your 1911. Whether you prefer a belt holster or a shoulder holster, you’ll find the right one for you by simply turning to your preferred firearms merchant who in all actuality should be experts.
Talk to someone who is knowledgeable about your 1911, and can fit your 1911 with the perfect holster not only for your body, but your wardrobe and your lifestyle. Price can also be a factor for gun enthusiasts, and fortunately, an assortment of 1911 holsters come in a range of prices, from $25 to $160. You can spend a lot or a little, but remember, higher price doesn’t always mean a better fit for you.
It’s extremely important when holster shopping to find the holster that fits your own unique needs and style, which may be quite different from the next person. This is important, because if your 1911 holster causes discomfort, you simply won’t use it. So speak with an expert today to connect you with the holster that’s best for you.
Get the best 1911 holsters for sale online from GrabAGun today!
When shopping for gunholsters, consumers are going to want to keep form and function in mind. Gun holsters should be comfortable and should always stay put without changing positions, unless it is your intention. Additionally, part of the holster should completely cover and protect the trigger from any contact with outside objects, including a trigger finger.
One way to keep your weapon completely out of sight is to pick a gun and holster that work with your clothing. With this strategy, comes the option of pocket pistols, which will conceal well with most wardrobes. However, if you have a duty-sized pistol, for example, you may choose to change your attire to fit your firearm. The size of your gun will determine what type of wardrobe and which gun holsters would be best for you.
Another element to consider is whether “on-the-body” or “off the body” is right for you? Ankle holsters, bellyband models, shoulder holsters, and belt holsters are all “on-the-body”. Gun security and accessibility are two distinct advantages to this kind of holster system. However, two concerns are physical discomfort as well as the greater possibility of your firearm being seen. “Off-the-body” gun holsters include specially designed backpacks, purses, and even day planners. These designs are brilliant, and the chances of your firearm being exposed are slim. Wardrobe concerns are eliminated and carriers have greater range of motion. However, it will take longer to access your handgun, and if an “off-the-body” rig leaves your body entirely, it absolutely has to be secured in a locking container to prevent unauthorized access.
Ultimately, lifestyle is going to be your deciding factor when shopping for gun holsters. Working at a desk everyday produces different needs than someone who works outdoors on their feet. Consider your specific needs when choosing the perfect holster system for you.
Get the perfect holster for your handgun online from GrabAGun today!
GrabAGun has great deals on semi-auto handguns and ammo for sale. In honor of these great deals, I thought I would spend some time discussing concealed carry weapons. Everyone seems to have an opinion on this topic. I’ve put a few of my favorite concealed carry weapons below.
I’ll start with a good economical choice: the Kahr CM9. I know what you are going to say. When buying an item to protect yourself and your family, saving money is not the best thing to go on. But this is a very solid 9mm pistol that holds 6 rounds and has a 3 inch barrel. The CM9 is super light at 15.9 ounces. It has a longer trigger pull for extra safety in this conceal carry weapon. That being said, it really is a good value if budget is an issue for you.
Smith & Wesson Shield
A new player in the concealed carry weapons market is the Smith & Wesson Shield. In early April 2012, Smith and Wesson announced and released a new M&P pistol. This is an ideal concealed carry weapon. Not only does it have a 3.1-inch barrel, but it also has an 8-round capacity. The other feature that makes this pistol superior to many other concealed carry weapons is that it is less than an inch thick. The S&WShield weighs in around 19 ounces so it is very easy to conceal. This is a great shooting pistol that comes in both 9mm and .40. The only issue with this pistol is your ability to purchase one! They should become easier to find later in the year, but right now they are few and far between.
Springfield Armory XDS
The final concealed carry weapon I would like to highlight is the 2012 offering from Springfield Armory, the XDS. The Springfield Armory XDS is around 1-inch thick with a 3.3-inch barrel. It’s roughly the same size as the Shield but weighs slightly more at 21.5 ounces. The two great features of this pistol are the fiber optic front sight and the fact that it is a .45! This pistol shoots as well as a full size Springfield Armory XDMwith a trigger that feels very similar to its larger XDM brother. In my opinion, the XDS is the ultimate concealed carry weapon.
Semi-Auto Handguns From GrabAGun
Since we are all different shapes and sizes with different shooting preferences, what works for me may not work for you. Before making your final decision on a concealed carry weapon make sure you like the way the weapon looks, feels, and shoots. Go to GrabAGun for the best handguns, .45 ACP ammo, and holsters for sale today! Want to keep up with our gun store news? Go to GrabAGun.com to sign up for The Freedom Team Newsletter for daily gun and ammo deals.
