Financing is a very common practice today, in every industry where products are purchased. It makes buying larger ticket items much easier. The firearm industry is no exception. Many people are choosing the route of gun financing because of the ease and flexibility it provides firearms enthusiasts. Whether you’re buying your dream car or investing in a firearm, financing is always a helpful and convenient option.
How Does Gun Financing Work?
Gun financing is offered through gun dealers who often work with third-party lenders to provide financing options to customers. Individuals can apply in person at a local gun dealer or online. Buying online requires, by federal law, that the firearm be shipped to a dealer with a federal firearms license so they can conduct the background check and legally transfer the gun to you. Many lenders allow pre-approval of the financing application, which allows customers to qualify for a loan or lease agreement. Once customers are granted pre-approval, then they are able to shop for guns and firearm accessories through their online dealer.
Benefits of Gun Financing
Gun financing has many benefits that ensure convenience and flexibility. It makes the purchasing process easier for customers to purchase guns and accessories. Gun financing allows gun buyers to stay within their budget. This is especially important as individuals can easily spend a large sum of money when purchasing a gun. With gun financing, gun buyers don’t have to wait, other than the time needed for a background check, and are able to easily purchase their desired firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
Gun Financing at GrabAGun
GrabAGun offers gun financing with two different types of payment options. The SHOOT NOW, PAY LATER program makes purchasing faster and easier. We provide two convenient options: SHOOT NOW PAY LATER – PAY IN 4 and SHOOT NOW PAY LATERTraditional Financing.
The PAY IN 4 option simply consists of making four easy payments. There is 0%interest for purchases between $200 to $600 and no hard credit is required for pre-approval. PAY IN 4 is a great option if you want to make a large firearm purchase more affordable or within your budget by paying for it over time instead all of at once. You’ll enjoy interest-free payments over four installments with the option to pay it off early if you choose.
The SHOOT NOW PAY LATER Traditional Financing option provides easy approvals. It offers a $0 down payment with no interest for 90 days (on select offers) and easy installments for up to 36 months. There are approvals available up to $5,000. Not all offers are 90 days interest free and approvals are dependent on the applicant’s credit profile. Apply and buy today!
How to Get Started
Step 1: Find the gun you want to buy at GrabAGun.com and add to the shopping cart.
Step 2: Select Shoot Now Pay Later as your payment method at checkout to apply
Step 3: Answer the questions on the application and get approved instantly
Step 4: The firearm is shipped to an FFL dealer near you
Step 5: See the terms and conditions link below for costs and details
Finance a gun today through GrabAGun with the traditional financing Shoot Now Pay Later programor Shoot Now Pay Later Pay in 4 option. With fast and easy approval, GrabAGun can help you finance the gun of your dreams. We are the premier online gun store for all your firearm needs. We offer a wide selection of top brands including Remington, Ruger, Glock, and Beretta as well as huge deals on gun-related accessories such as .223 and 9mm bulk ammo, optics, holsters and magazines.
For more information or further questions, visit GrabAGun.com to apply and buy today!
So you’ve found the best handgun for concealed carry, what now? Well, now you need a rifle to add to your collection. While there are plenty on the market, very few can compete with the AR15. This is a rifle built for performance. Take it to the range, hunt with it, or even use a AR 15 pistol for home defense. Don’t shop anywhere but GrabAGun for your AR15 rifle. We are the premier online gun store featuring reputable brands like Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Daniel Defense, and more. Shop for AR 15 rifle deals at GrabAGun today and start saving!
About the AR-15
History
The first AR-15 was developed by the ArmaLite Company. ArmaLite traces its beginnings back to 1950s Hollywood. It was founded by George Sullivan and, originally, the company was focused on weapons design, not manufacturing. The chief architect behind ArmaLite’s weapons designs was a man named Eugene Stoner, who is credited as the original designer of the AR-15 model. In case you haven’t figured out, the AR in AR 15 does not stand for “assault rifle” as many might have you believe. It actually stands for ArmaLite, the original developer of the firearm.
The first weapon designed by the company was the AR-5, a bolt-action rifle with a .22 Hornet round. It was developed as a survival rifle for the flight crew in the Air Force. After that came a replacement for the M1 Garand. ArmaLite developed an AR-10 rifle that, unfortunately, the military did not adopt. However, it set the precedent for what we know today. In 1959, Colt bought the designs for the AR-15 and began producing the firearm. By 1961, the U.S. Air Force began testing the AR-15 Colt was producing, commissioning 8,500 for Air Force use.
TekMat detailing AR15 basics
How It Works
From the start, the AR-15 has been a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle. Semi-automatic means that every pull of the trigger constitutes one shot. So, as soon as the cartridge is ejected, a new one slides into the chamber automatically, thus the name. Compare that to a pump-action shotgun, where every time you shoot, you have to pump the slide in order to eject the cartridge and begin the next cycle.
Direct Impingement
The type of gas system the AR15 uses is a direct impingement. This is a system that directs gas from the ignited gunpowder of a cartridge to the slide assembly, or the bolt barrier, to cycle the rifle’s action. The thing about a direct impingement system is that it doesn’t use a separate piston, gas cylinder, and operating rod assembly, unlike other traditional gas-operated firearms.
Instead, the pressure from the emitted gas acts upon the carrier and the bolt to cause the firing action. Ultimately, this system makes the overall cost cheaper and the rifle’s weight lighter by decreasing the mass of its operating parts. The only downside to this system is that the breech of the firearm becomes more prone to fouling. (Fouling is that build-up of powder residues due to high temperatures and frequent exposure to moisture)
Standard Facts
A standard AR-15 of today is a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle or carbine fed from a 30-round box magazine. It’s normally chambered in 5.56x45mm that can also fire .223 Remington. I’m using several buzzwords like ‘standard’ and ‘normal’ because the phrase ‘standard AR-15 rifle’ is a little relative. It encompasses all kinds of variants and permutations of the AR15 including the itty bitty 9mm’s with 7-inch barrels all the way to the 22-inch, .300 WinMags, and beyond. For the sake of this post and this post alone, when we’re referring to the AR-15, we’re talking bout the “classic” 5.56mm version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AR-15 an “assault rifle”?
No. An assault rifle is a select-fire, fully automatic weapon (better known as a machine gun. Think UZI or the Thompson Submachine Gun). That in mind, it’s illegal for civilians to own a fully automatic weapon in the United States. Anything like that is only in service with militaries, law enforcement, and/or defense organizations. The AR15 is a semi-automatic weapon and it’s no different, legally or in name, from any other semi-automatic weapon you’d buy or build.
Can I order an AR15 online?
Yes and no. The only part of a AR 15 that’s actually considered a firearm is the stripped lower receiver. All other parts, including the upper receiver, barrel, parts kit, buttstock, gas system, etc. are not considered firearms. That means they can be purchased online and shipped to your home. You don’t need an FFL to make the transfer, not unless you want to. You can find great AR 15 rifle deals–ready to shoot guns as well as parts–at GrabAGun today!
Is the AR-15 good for beginners?
Honestly? Yeah.
When broken down, part by part, the AR-15 is kind of a mediocre firearm. But, put everything together and you’ve got yourself an exceptional rifle. Bonus: it’s incredibly lightweight for its class. Yes, there are several rifles that outperform the AR-15, but in terms of overall performance, there is nothing quite like it.
Beginners will find that it’s easy to handle. The AR15 is considered a soft shooter, meaning there is minimal felt recoil or muzzle rise. On top of it begin lightweight, it has a relatively simple control layout. Most models also feature an adjustable stock to accommodate the shooter’s stature and if the shooter is wearing body armor or backpack straps. Loading is pretty simple and easy to pick up on. Despite that minimal action, it’s fairly accurate and can reach targets several hundred meters away.
In terms of maintenance, the AR15 doesn’t really require frequent oiling and cleaning. Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever take care of your firearm, but it’s not as high-maintenance as you might think. When the time does come to care for it, you can easily disassemble its base.
Is the AR15 good for hunting?
Yes, the AR15 is lightweight and powerful enough to take down large animals. It’s easy to carry and can certainly immobilize a target. Plus, it’s safer to use due to its “drop safety” feature, something not common among hunting rifles. Harsh weather, rain–you name it and the AR 15 can handle it since the stock isn’t made of wood. Wood, as you know, expands and warps when exposed to moisture. That can cause issues with aiming down the line.
Many do prefer a semi-automatic rifle like the AR15 for hunting since shooters don’t have to adjust their hand positions after every shot. This is critical when hunting pack animals such as coyotes and wild boar where the shooter may need/want to take down multiple animals quickly. That’s much easier to do when you aren’t having to shift positions after each and every shot.
Not to sound like a broken record, but the AR15 has minimal recoil and muzzle creep. When hunting, especially for a first-time hunter, this is a huge advantage. You’re more likely to experience greater accuracy with more time for follow-up shots this way.
The Ruger AR 556 is a great place to start for anyone. What’s more, it’s easily one of the best values on the market. Sporting a cold hammer-forged barrel, a carbine-length gas system, and a stainless steel chassis, you simply can’t go wrong with a Ruger. It also features a collapsible stock, a 30-round magazine, and a redesigned handguard that makes it even easier to customize your firearm. AR 15 rifle deals don’t get any better than what you’ll find at GrabAGun!
The first AR to be used by the US Air Force was a Colt. Today, the brand still maintains the same level of quality it did back then. The LE6920 series carbines share many features with their combat-prove brother, the Colt M4. These include a chrome-lined barrel, an adjustable-post front sight with rear Magpul Gen2 Back-Up Sights (MBUS), and a 30-round Magpul PMAG.
Featuring a carbine length, medium-chrome moly barrel, this AR15 from Diamondback is one of the greats. It comes with a 15-inch M-LOK handguard for comfortable handling as well as plenty of room for accessories. If you are looking for something for a first-time shooter, this is the one to get. For AR 15 rifle deals like this and more, GrabAGun is the only name to rely on.
The Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport II is the ideal modern sporting rifle. Built to perform, this AR 15 rifle for sale is versatile, reliable, and fun. It’s engineered for a wide variety of recreational, sport shooting, and professional applications. The M&P15 is lightweight and rugged, featuring a 16-inch barrel, 6-position telescoping stock, Magpul MOE M-LOK handguard, and a 30-round magazine.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem
Model: M&P15 Sport II
Action: Semi-auto
Barrel Length: 16
Magazine: 30-Round
AR 15 Rifle Deals at GrabAGun
Despite the negative narrative surrounding AR15s, they are probably the best, most reliable firearm you could own. When you’re searching for the best deals on AR 15 rifles for sale, GrabAGun is the best place to shop. You’ll find Colt M4 Carbines, Ruger AR-556 deals, Springfield Armory rifles for sale, to name a few. Need ammo? Not a problem! We have plenty of ammo deals and, as if you needed any more reason, we offer flat-rate shipping. That means you can buy 1 or 100 boxes of ammo and the shipping is still the same.
Cash in on any of the AR 15 rifle deals we have on our site right now and you won’t be sorry!
For those living in Texas, you already know that as of September 1, 2021, permitless carry (also known as Constitutional carry) became legal with the passing of HB 1927. This was signed in by Governor Abbott and legally allows anyone over the age of 21 to legally carry a firearm without a permit or license to carry. Does that mean you don’t need an LTC at all? We set out to answer that question and hopefully, we can help you understand the latest update in firearms. Once you are equipped with that knowledge, find the best handgun deals, holsters for sale, ammo online, and all your open or concealed carry needs at GrabAGun!
License to Carry
A license to carry is a gun owner’s documentation that proves you are legally permitted to purchase and carry a firearm. As of 2021, Texas residents are able to carry daily without needing a valid LTC as well. Of course, you’ll still need a holster as well as proper safety precautions like safes and cases. Before answering the question–do you need an LTC in Texas–it’s important to review the law as it stands currently.
Who Can Carry Without a Permit?
All the same rules apply to firearm owners. Only those with clean criminal records and are 21 years or older (or 18 for military personnel) can legally own/carry a firearm. Anyone disqualified under federal law is also restricted from purchasing a gun for sale. In fact, the DPS has listed all the restrictions on its website.
Where Can I Carry With/Without a Permit?
The places where carrying a handgun is not permitted have not changed with this new law. Common examples of such places include:
A polling place while voting is taking place
A government meeting open to the public
A courthouse, except when specifically authorized to do so
A place where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting/interscholastic event is being held
A racetrack
A correctional facility
An access-controlled airport terminal
An amusement park
A bar
To clarify: even if you have a license to carry in the state of Texas, you will not be allowed to openly carry a firearm at locations like those listed above. Concealed carry is a different story. Additionally, private property owners still have the right to accept or refuse patrons carrying handguns. Again, the Texas DPS has a complete list of prohibited places on its website. So…
Do I Still Need an LTC for my Concealed Carry Needs?
The long and the short of it is, despite the new law allowing for permitless carry, obtaining your license to carry is still highly recommended. If you intend to carry daily, it is your responsibility to know the local laws and regulations to carry a firearm, and LTC classes are simply the best place to do that. Whether it be for open carry or concealed carry needs, license to carry classes are invaluable. From them, you’ll learn information about proper care, safety, and storage for your firearm. There are several other reasons to get your LTC as well.
Purchasing a Firearm
With an LTC, the process of buying a firearm is much easier and much faster. Without an LTC, you’ll be subject to a background check for every gun you wish to purchase.
Travel Between States
Many states have something called reciprocal agreements. This, very simply means, “If I can carry in your state, you can carry in mine.” Only 36 states accept the current Texas LTC, so if you are traveling, these are places where you’ll be able to legally continue carrying your gun.
Interactions with Law Enforcement
Police officers in Texas can use anyone’s driver’s license to look up if they have a valid LTC. Without that LTC, depending on the reason why law enforcement has contacted you, it could be a while before things are figured out.
Concealed Carry Needs and the LTC
Okay, let’s summarize. As of September 2021, it is legal to openly carry a permitted firearm without a license. However, just because you aren’t necessarily required to get an LTC, that doesn’t mean you should go without. A license to carry potentially grants you better access to places while also protecting you in the long run. Still, at the end of the day, acquiring a license to carry is your choice. Should you decide to get one for yourself, make sure to check out GrabAGun’s online catalog. We have gun deals, ammo online, as well as new arrivalGlock handguns for sale and Ruger handguns, daily that you won’t want to skip! Satisfy all your open and concealed carry needs at GrabAGun today.
It occurs commonly when a buyer chooses an AR-15 for sale chambered for .223 caliber and expects to shoot 5.56 ammunition in it. After all, many manufacturers actually print both calibers on the rifles, and it is in the manual that came with the rifle. So it is okay, right?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The 5.56 will fit into the .223 chamber but, beyond this, the 5.56 in a .223 chamber is going to create problems. The cartridges may look the same, but the 5.56 Mil-Spec is hotter ammunition than .223. That is to say, the 5.56 has a higher chamber pressure. The chamber on the .223 is actually smaller, though not enough to prevent it from being inserted. It is small enough that it prevents the 5.56 case from expanding as it would in a 5.56 chamber.
What’s The Problem?
The firing of 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered for .223 causes primer blow back to enter into the receiver decreasing reliability, as well as an increase in failures to eject spent cases. That is due to the hotter load of the 5.56. You may even have to use a rod down the barrel to remove the casing. Firing Mil-Spec ammunition may also crack the receiver posing a real hazard to the shooter and everyone nearby. It is far safer and provides greater reliability to purchase an AR-15 for sale chambered for 5.56 caliber ammo to begin with.
Different Chambers
Technically, you can fire 5.56 ammunition in a rifle chambered for .223, but why ruin the rifle and endanger yourself and others? If you want to use 5.56 Mil-Spec, buy a rifle chambered for 5.56. Basically, there are three types of chambers for AR-15 family of rifles.
The first is the Mil-Spec 5.56 chamber used in the M16 and M4.
Second is the .223 chamber commonly found in the AR-15 rifles.
Third are the .223 Match chamber, commonly used in AR-15s by competition shooters.
The common .223 chamber are manufactured to Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute Specifications (SAAMI). This chamber is ever-so-slightly smaller and tighter than Mil-Spec 5.56 chambers.
Match Chamber
The match chamber is the preferred chamber for professional competition shooters. Match chambers are not chrome lined.
The preferred weight of ammunition for match shooters and snipers is 77 grains and above. This ammo is slightly longer and lighter than AR ammunition. Using this grain of ammunition is not a problem in a rifle with a match chamber, but if you try to use it in the common .223 chamber problems occur due to the extra length. The extra length causes spillage of powder on the receiver and magazine when ejecting an unspent cartridge. To avoid the problems that may cost you a competition, purchase a match caliber .223 AR-15 for sale.
Mil-Spec Chamber
Mil-Spec 5.56mm chambers are always chrome lined in M16s and M4s for military use and typically are for the AR-15 equivalents. The 5.56mm Mil-Spec is slightly larger than common .223 SAAMI spec. This is due to the 5.56mm Mil-Spec being loaded hotter and having a higher chamber pressure.
Whereas it is highly discouraged to use 5.56 in a common .223 chamber, it is allowable to shoot the .223 ammunition as well as the 5.56 out of a rifle chambered for the 5.56 caliber, without any of the reliability or safety concerns of a .223 chamber. Just keep in mind, the .223 ammunition may not provide quite the accuracy at long distance as the 5.56 ammo. The .223 caliber ammo is slightly smaller and doesn’t fire as hot or with as much pressure. Plus the bore of the 5.56 is slightly larger. This advantage prevents the problems that may occur when ejecting a live cartridge, as can occur in a rifle chambered for .223.
Which Chamber Should I Buy?
If you are considering the purchase of an AR15for sale, you may be wondering which chamber you should buy. If you are only going to be firing SAAMI ammunition, you can choose a common .223AR-15 for sale. You should not fire 5.56 in a common .223 chamber.
If you participate in competition shooting, do not choose the common .223 SAAMI chambered AR-15. You will need the .223 Match Chamber AR-15 for sale in order to efficiently fire the required ammunition.
Finally, if you ever plan to shoot 5.56 mm Mil-Spec, you should purchase an AR-15 for sale that is chambered in 5.56. With the rifle chambered for 5.56 ammo, you will have the option of firing .223 ammo safely. The 5.56 chamber is the only chamber with this versatility. So if you have any thoughts of ever having to fire 5.56 ammunition, be safe and take the path that covers your bases. Purchase the AR-15 for sale chambered in 5.56.
GrabAGun is your source to buy guns online. Our extensive inventory includes a very large selection of the AR-15 for sale and AR15 accessories. Check out our blog post of must-have accessories for your AR-15. Whether you require an AR-15 for sale for competition shooting, hunting, or other uses; GrabAGun has the weapon you require.
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.
From the beginning, GrabAGun’s goal has been to offer a line of well-crafted firearms for every gun enthusiast, from those looking for a home protection weapon, to law enforcement and security personnel, competition shooters, and hunters.
GrabAGun offers one of the largest inventories of firearms, gun parts and accessories available for online gun sales. If you don’t find the guns for sale online in our inventory that you seek give us a call. We offer the service of obtaining the firearm you want at great prices with almost any firearms for sale being available by special order if we do not have it listed in our inventory. In addition, we offer firearms that are compliant with new gun control regulations, as well as concealed carry holsters.
With hunting season upon us we have recently expanded our inventory to provide additional hunting, camping and fishing accessories and gear, supplies and parts to keep the avid hunter in the field bagging the trophy shots. For example, we have expanded our shotgun ammo inventory to include shotgun magazines and shot shell holders to speed your reload times whether you are shooting for practice or for prized game.
At GrabAGun we are more than just gun dealers providing for gun sales. We are hunters and gun enthusiasts ourselves with a commitment to providing quality products with reasonable prices for our fellow shooters.
GrabAGun’s online gun dealers are gun enthusiasts providing guns for sale online in a wide selection of name brands. We offer Beretta, Browning, Bushmaster, Colt, Mossberg, Remington, Sig Sauer, Winchester, and many more brands. From pistols, shotguns, and rifles, you will find a large stock of firearms available from 12 gauge shotguns for sale, to the classic and the new technology models of the 22 rifle for sale, all the way up to the popular AK-47 for sale and the in-high-demand AR-15 for sale.
Whether you are an individual looking for a home defense weapon, a hunter, competition shooter, law enforcement and security personnel, a collector of fine weapons, or just you just love to target shoot, GrabAGun offers the firearms, accessories, parts and supplies you need.
When you expect quality and value to go hand and hand, shop with GrabAGun for all your online gun needs.
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.
