Concealed Carry Needs: Do I Still Need an LTC in Texas?

open and concealed carry needs

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

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 arrival Glock 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.

–Kellie Krevosky

Pros and Cons of Strong Side Carry

strong side carry

If you are brand new to the world of concealed carry, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the plethora of information. Between the different modes of carrying, holsters, and more, it can be hard to figure out how it all comes together. So, let’s start with the basics. For a daily carry handgun, you’re going to need a holster. Probably the most iconic option out there is the strong side carry. (Think, Dirty Harry or John Wayne) It doesn’t matter if you are carrying a Glock G19 Gen 5 or a Ruger handgun, a strong side holster is the easiest and the safest route you could possibly take. To learn more about concealed carry benefits and holster deals from GrabAGun, keep reading. 

So…What is Strong Side Carry?

This is probably the most obvious question. What does strong side carry mean? Well…

Imagine the body as a clock, with the belly button resting at 12 o’clock. The strong side would be at the 3 or 4 o’clock position on the dominant hip. It doesn’t matter if you are an orthodox or southpaw, strong side carrying is a viable option. What’s great is that there is a little wiggle room in terms of how you carry—meaning, you can use either IWB or OWB holsters with little issue. 

Pros

No doubt, other carry trends will go in and out of style, but strong side carry will remain the most popular option out there–and it’s not hard to see why. This carry option is incredibly versatile and comfortable for everyday use with many other concealed carry benefits. 

Versatility

Part of the popularity surrounding this carrying type is the versatility it offers. As mentioned, you can carry it inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband, but there’s more to it than that. There are far more gear options available for strong side carrying allowing for more variety in clothing. 

Comfort

One of the main reasons people choose strong side carry holsters is simply because of how comfortable they are. Unlike appendix carry holsters, a strong side won’t cut in. (Be honest, have you tried to sit down with an appendix carry holster? OUCH!)

Seamless Integration

There is a simple truth in life: if it ain’t easy, it ain’t happening. People are drawn to things that are simple and uncomplicated, which sums up why the strong side carry is so popular. 

Easy to Draw

Last, but certainly not least, a major advantage of the strong side carry is how easy it is to draw. That angle and position is a natural draw stroke for most folks. Plus, it makes you feel like a cowboy, and who doesn’t want to feel like a cowboy?!

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Cons

Even the most popular carry choice has its downsides. While strong side carry is popular and works for a number of people it, unfortunately, doesn’t lend itself to the concealable aspect of concealed carry. Still, how bad can it be? 

Driving = Not Easy

Seriously, have you tried to get in the car with a gun holstered on your strong side? It’s not easy! And trying to draw your firearm while seated and buckled? It’s basically impossible. 

OWB Not Easy to Conceal

If concealment is what you are after, then an OWB strong side holster won’t be your best option. It’s kind of like oil and water–they just don’t really mix and you’ll end up being frustrated more often than not. 

 IWB Strong Side Isn’t Better…

Did you know there’s a term for when clothing pulls too tight and reveals an IWB strong side firearm? There is and it’s called printing. It’s also one of the major drawbacks to such a carrying option since it kind of defeats the purpose of concealed carry. 

OWB strong side holster deal

GrabAGun Holster Deals

For everyday carry, the strong side option is probably one of the safest and easiest ways to go. It’s trusted by millions around the world and for good reason. Not only is it one of the safest carry options out there, but it’s also a reliable way to ensure the security of yourself and others. Before adding a holster to your cart, make sure you’ve got the right handgun for sale that you are looking for. If you need some help finding a good handgun for beginners, check out a previous post of ours! GrabAGun has a number of holsters for sale, strong side included. Find holster deals online from the premier firearm store, GrabAGun.

–Kellie Krevosky