License To Carry

Benefits of Obtaining a Texas Gun License

Women’s Class

PSA📣

A Texas License to Carry (LTC) offers a range of benefits that extend beyond just the ability to conceal a handgun. Here are some key advantages:

**Enhanced Personal Protection:**
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* **Deterrence:** Most criminals prefer easier targets. Openly carrying a firearm can deter potential attackers.
* **Self-defense:** In a dangerous situation, an LTC allows you to legally respond with a firearm if necessary.
* **Confidence and peace of mind:** Knowing you have a means of self-defense can provide a sense of security and well-being.
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**Legal Benefits:**

* **Streamlined firearm purchases:** With an LTC, you no longer need a separate background check when buying a handgun from a licensed dealer.
* **Reciprocity:** Your Texas LTC is recognized in over 30 other states, allowing you to legally carry concealed in those jurisdictions.
* **Trespass protections:** An LTC provides specific legal protections against being charged with trespassing for carrying a concealed handgun on private property (unless posted signage explicitly prohibits it).

**Additional Benefits:**

* **Employment protections:** Texas law prohibits employers from banning LTC holders from keeping firearms in their vehicles parked on company property (unless the employer is a government entity or certain safety-sensitive businesses).
* **Enhanced legal knowledge:** Obtaining an LTC requires training in firearm safety and Texas gun laws, promoting responsible gun ownership.
* **Lifetime investment:** An LTC is valid for five years and can be renewed for life, making it a worthwhile investment.

However, it’s important to remember that carrying a concealed handgun is a significant responsibility. Before obtaining an LTC, it’s crucial to undergo proper training and understand the legal implications and ethical considerations involved.

I hope this information helps! Feel free to ask if you have any further questions about Texas LTCs or specific benefits that may interest you.

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Become a USCCA Certified Instructor in 3 Easy Steps

#1. Choose an Instructor Course

  • Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals is an Excellent Choice – Classroom instruction for your future students to obtain their permits. Once you’ve signed up for your course, you’ll receive your  eLearning modules to start preparing for the in-person class.

#2. Take a Class With a USCCA Training Counselor

Upon completion of the eLearning portion of your certification, you’ll be able to attend an in-person course with USCCA Training Counselor, Steve Maduro.

Training Counselors are active and experienced instructors who have been hand-selected and trained by the USCCA to train future instructors.

#3. Get Your Instructor Certification and Toolkit

After successfully completing your in-person training, you’ll receive your instructor credentials and toolkit in the mail.

The toolkit includes everything you’ll need to teach the course, including lesson plans, course books for your students and other valuable tools based on which course you selected.

Reviews

What are students saying about our classes…
Wonderful course. Steve was a very patient and very thorough training counselor. I walked away from the course knowing what I needed to work on to become a better instructor myself. So excited to get started on this journey and would highly recommend his class to anyone!
Taylor S.
Submitted on Feb 20, 2023
Steve Maduro demonstrated subject matter expertise. His knowledge and teaching style imparted both the critical information and how to instruct new and experienced gun owners. His emphasis on safety in the classroom and on the range is outstanding. Steve is a great instructor.
Terry H
Submitted on Feb 20, 2023
Our instructor Steve Maduro was incredible. He is extremely competent in the teaching content for this class and he is gifted in teaching in what can seem like, complex material in a simple and concise way. Thoroughly enjoyed it
Jay M
Submitted on Jan 15, 2023
10/10 *thumbs up! I really enjoyed taking this class. Steve is a great trainer and I am more than excited to get out there and train my first group of women. Looking forward to furthering my training with Steve as well!
Aradia W
Submitted on Nov 8, 2022

How to Become a Texas License To Carry Instructor

If you are interested in becoming a Texas LTC instructor, there are a few things you need to do.

1. Meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible to become a Texas LTC instructor, you must meet the following requirements:
    • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
    • Be at least 21 years old
    • Have a clean criminal record
    • Have a valid Texas driver’s license or identification card
    • Be certified as a firearms instructor by a nationally recognized organization like the USCCA

Set yourself apart from other firearms instructors in your area with the nationally recognized, Texas DPS approved USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Instructor Certification. This course is the gold standard for law-abiding Americans seeking to obtain their concealed carry permits.

Add value and more training classes to your teaching arsenal with these additional classes available for you once you become a Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Certified Instructor. You can teach many other classes in addition to the Texas LTC course:

What You Will Teach Your Students
2. Apply for your Texas LTC instructor certification. Once you have completed the training course, you must apply for your Texas LTC instructor certification. To do this, you will need to submit the following to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS):
    • A completed application form
    • A copy of your firearms instructor certification
    • A copy of your driver’s license or identification card
    • A copy of your criminal background check
    • A $100 application fee
3. Complete the Texas LTC instructor training course. The Texas LTC instructor training course is a three-day course that covers the following topics:
      • Laws that relate to weapons and to the use of deadly force
      • Handgun use and safety, including use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly carried handguns
      • Non‐violent dispute resolution
      • Proper storage practices for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child
      • Proficiency demonstration target scoring
Toolkit...

After successfully completing your in-person training, you’ll receive your instructor credentials instantly and toolkit will arrive in the mail. The toolkit includes everything you’ll need to teach the course, including lesson plans, course books for your students and other valuable tools based on which course you selected.

HOW TO BECOME A TEXAS LTC INSTRUCTOR

Eagles Defense, San Benito, Tx

Luis Martinez, Jr , once a Certified Instructor Candidate, now successful Certified Instructor owns and operates Eagles Defense in San Benito, Tx.

The State of Texas requires that all LTC instructors be certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). To become certified, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Be a resident of Texas.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • Have a clean criminal record.
  • Pass a background check.
  • Complete a DPS-approved LTC instructor course.
  • Pass a written exam and a proficiency demonstration.
The LTC instructor course, taught by DPS in Florence, Texas is a three-day course that covers the following topics:
  • Texas law regarding the carrying of handguns.
  • Firearms safety.
  • Texas Penal Code.
  • Legal issues related to self-defense.
  • Shooting proficiency demonstration.

After you complete the course, you will be required to pass a written exam and the proficiency demonstration. The written exam will cover the material that was taught in the course. The proficiency demonstration will require you to demonstrate your ability to safely and effectively use a handgun.

Once you have passed the written exam and the proficiency demonstration, you will be issued a Texas LTC instructor certificate. This certificate will allow you to teach LTC classes in the State of Texas. There’s one catch, “You MUST be an Instructor to attend this DPS Course.
How to Find a DPS-Approved LTC Instructor Course Like Luis Martinez from Eagles Defense did. 
There are many DPS-approved LTC instructor courses available throughout the State of Texas. Alamo City Self Defense LLC’s reviews speak for themselves. Contact us to get signed up. 210-204-5049

The Cost of Becoming a Texas LTC Instructor ranges from Approximately $450 and up. Many instructor candidates have found that the less expensive class do NOT give you the initial tools necessary to be successful such as student books, a powerpoint presentation, instructor support, etc. (just to name a few of the essentials needed to start teaching)

After taking Our USCCA Instructor Course, Luis Martinez, in a very short time, was able to get his Firearms Training business up and running! He used the practical exercises and training from Day #2 of the Instructor Course to design a state of the art classroom! (check out the pics below)

Upon successful completion of Our Instructor Course, Luis could teach Basic Concealed or Open Carry, Basic Firearm Safety & Handgun Fundamentals, Countering the Mass Shooter Threat, Women Handgun & Self Defense Fundamentals, Emergency First Aid Fundamentals & Children’s Firearms and Safety Fundamentals.

✅License to Carry Handgun Information Page

Link to Texas Department of Public Safety: (DPS Page)

CHL is now an LTC. Review the 90-Day Rule and an article on Castle Doctrine at the bottom of this page.

Before you begin, please read the “LTC-16”; Texas License to Carry a Handgun Laws and Selected Statutes.  The most current version is not always the most current. Texas Administrative Code on License To Carry Handguns is important too.

The State of Texas requires candidates to attend 4-6 hours of classroom training (not including breaks, test, travel, lunch, etc.), in addition to demonstrating safe handling and proficiency (175/250) with a handgun of their choice.

Apply for your license online before or after the class. (We prefer after as we cover the details of how to in class)

You must be at least 21 years of age (18 for military), and have the following, as applicable:

  • Valid driver license or identification card
  • Current demographic, address, contact, and employment information
  • Residential* and employment information for the last five years (new users only)
  • Information regarding any psychiatric, drug, alcohol, or criminal history (new users only)
  • Valid email address
  • Valid credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express) ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
  • LTC-6 is required if applicant does not hold a Texas DL or ID Card. Out of State applicants must submit a copy of their state DL or ID Card
  • If applicant is born out of country, must provide legal status documents, i.e. – Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card, US Passport, etc
  • NOTE for Texas DL/ID holders: The Texas DL or ID photo on file with the Department will be used for the License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)
  • LTC-100 or LTC-101 Training Form (received from ACSD instructor upon course completion); Military range scores, from within the preceding 10 years of your LTC application, can be used in place of the proficiency portion of the LTC-100 or LTC-101 Training Form (GC §411.1881)
  • Copy of DD-214 (Member-4); OR any other official documentation showing the applicant is honorably discharged or retired military. Request Your Military Service Records | National Archives

From the LTC website, applicants can:

Then complete the application process by uploading supplemental documents and proof of training in accordance with the application checklist you will receive upon completion of your application. AgainIf you want help in filling out the online application, follow the instructions above.

How to Upload Documents to the DPS:

1.  Scan and save appropriate documents to your computer.

2.  Click —>  Upload Documents to DPS.  Select “Handgun Licensing” then “Submit LTC-100/101 …” from drop down lists.

3.  Complete information and upload documents.

4. You will receive an auto reply indicating receipt of your documents.

Notes:

All Certificates of Training (LTC-100 or LTC-101) are valid for two years from the date of issuance. Any certificate of training that is required in conjunction with an application must be valid on the date the completed application is submitted to the department.

By statute, DPS has up to 60 days to issue an original LTC, and 45 days to issue a renewal license. However, it is imperative that applicants understand that these time periods are calculated from the time a *fully-completed application AND supporting documents are received by the department.  In the event more information or documents are required to complete an application, DPS has an additional 180 days to complete the review process.

To check the status of your Handgun License (LTC) application, visit https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/chl/>  Handgun Licensing, Online Services. 

*In order to be complete, an original LTC application must include: a completed application form, electronic fingerprints, the LTC-100/101 Certificate of Training and any required supporting documentation. Renewal applications must include a completed application form along with any necessary supporting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Reciprocity With Other States

Traveling With Firearms – Special Report available on the Legal Services page

Contact License to Carry Handgun

Mail Including Payment:

Texas Department of Public Safety 

PO Box 15888

Austin, TX 78761-5888

Mail Without Payment:

Texas Department of Public Safety

Concealed Handgun – MSC 0245

PO Box 4087

Austin, TX 78773-0001

Contact by phone: (512) 424-7293, option 1

Contact by e-mail: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/contact/default.aspx

Texas Administrative Code

Title 37 Public Safety and Corrections, Part 1 Texas Department of Public Safety, Chapter 6 License To Carry Handguns, Subchapter B Eligibility And Application Procedures For A License To Carry A Handgun

  • 6.11 Application Review and Background Investigation
  • 6.12 Fingerprints
  • 6.13 Photographs
  • 6.14 Proficiency Requirements
  • 6.15 Duplicate License
  • 6.16 Renewal of License

Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H

DPS 90 Day Rule (6.11 TAC)

(c) If an application is not legible or complete, the department will notify the applicant of the deficiency. The applicant will have 90 days from the date of the deficiency notification letter to amend the application. Upon written request, the department may extend the period to amend the application for one additional 90 day period. After the period to amend expires, the application process is terminated.

 (d) An individual whose application is terminated under this subsection will be required to submit new application materials and fees to apply for a license in the future.

FYI – the application is what is terminated, it must be refiled. Remember, our LTC-100 is good for two years on a new license, and you have one (1) year (6.16a TAC) to renew an expired license.

Next, some random, but helpful articles…

The Castle Doctrine and Standing Your Ground in Texas

If you have watched the news on TV or read a newspaper, you may have heard the phrases Castle Doctrine” and “Stand Your Ground” in reference to self-defense laws. There has been considerable debate about just what these laws are and how far they allow someone to go in protecting themselves, their homes, and their family. Unfortunately, not every news outlet or blog writer is as informed about these legal concepts as they could be. The purpose of this article is to introduce these important legal concepts to you, and explain them clearly enough that you will be better prepared in case you ever need to protect your family, home, or self from danger.

Does Texas Have a Castle Doctrine?

The concept of the Castle Doctrine comes from the philosophy that every person is the King or Queen of their home, and as such, is entitled to certain privileges. In the context of firearms self-defense law, it generally means that a person is not legally required to run away from their home before using force or deadly force against an unlawful intruder. Texas Penal Code §9.31 (governing the justified use of non-deadly force) and §9.32 (governing the justified use of deadly force) are Texas’ version of the Castle Doctrine.

Inside your “castle,” under certain circumstances, Texas law presumes you acted reasonably and justifiably if you use force or deadly force to defend yourself against an intruder who enters your occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment. Specifically, when an individual unlawfully and with force, enters or attempts to enter your occupied habitation, vehicle or place of business or employment, or if an individual unlawfully and with force, removes or attempts to remove you from your occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment, Texas law will provide the presumption that you acted reasonably and were justified in using force or deadly force. In order for you to be convicted of a crime related to your use of force or deadly force, a prosecutor would have to overcome this presumption in order to prove that you did not act reasonably. Overcoming this presumption can be very difficult in a court of law depending on the circumstances.

With regard to using force or deadly force to defend your “castle,” the Texas Penal Code specifically uses the word “habitation,” not the words “building” or “property.” Texas has a very limited definition of what qualifies as a habitation. The “Castle Doctrine” does not cover your entire piece of property. The legal term “habitation” is defined by Texas Penal Code §30.01 as “a structure or vehicle adapted for the overnight accommodation of persons; and includes each separately secured or occupied portion of the structure or vehicle; and each structure appurtenant to or connected with the structure or vehicle.” This means that structures which are detached from the building where you sleep at night are not considered to be your habitation. For example, Texas law does not consider your detached garage, shed, and/or barn part of your habitation. However, if your garage, front or back porch is connected to the structure containing your sleeping quarters (as exists in many suburban communities), it is considered part of your habitation as defined by the Texas Penal Code.

As far as vehicles go, Texas Penal Code §30.01 defines a vehicle “as any device, in, on, or by which any person or property is or may be propelled, moved, or drawn in the normal course of commerce or transportation.” This is a very broad definition and appears to include anything that carries people or property from one place to another, including cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, golf carts, etc. One important point to take note of is that you or someone else must be occupying the vehicle to be given the presumption of reasonableness under Texas Penal Code §9.31 and §9.32.

What About People Who are Only Trespassers?

Make sure that you do not fall victim to the common misconception that the Castle Doctrine gives you carte blanche to use deadly force merely because someone is on your property. It does not! In fact, Texas law says the exact opposite. Texas Penal Code §9.41 allows you to use force, but not deadly force that is reasonably necessary to prevent or terminate another’s trespass on your land.

Your use of force can have many different manifestations, ranging from initiating a physical confrontation to displaying a weapon. Texas Penal Code §9.04 states that the display of a weapon in order to create apprehension in another person is considered a use of force, not deadly force. That means if someone trespasses on your property, you may display your firearm to create apprehension that you will use deadly force if necessary. You will not be legally justified in discharging the firearm, but you will be legally justified in displaying it to “create apprehension” under the law. Only if the trespasser is committing other acts where the law states that you are justified in using deadly force would you be legally allowed to discharge your firearm.

For example, if you are sitting in your living room and see an individual peering in your window, you will probably not be justified under Texas law in using deadly force against the suspicious person. However, if the same trespasser breaks a window and climbs through, you will be legally justified in using deadly force under Texas Penal Code §9.32. If you see the same individual rummaging around in your detached barn, you will not fall under Texas Penal Code §9.32, because it is not considered an occupied habitation. Note under our examples you may very well be justified under another section of the law in the use of deadly force, but not under Texas Penal Code §9.32.

What if a Trespasser Starts Committing Other Property Crimes?

Can you use force or deadly force to protect your property? The use of deadly force to protect property is contained in Texas Penal Code §9.42. This statute provides that if someone is committing trespass or interference with your property, you may be justified in using deadly force to prevent arson, burglary, robbery, and aggravated robbery, theft during the nighttime or criminal mischief during the nighttime.

Texas has a 3-part test that, if met, gives legal justification in using deadly force to protect or recover stolen property. If:

1. force is necessary to prevent or terminate another’s trespass on land or unlawful interference with the property, or

2. deadly force is reasonably necessary to prevent another who is committing arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, theft or criminal mischief at night, or immediately fleeing with property after committing burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, or theft during the nighttime from escaping with the property, and

3. the person reasonably believes that the property cannot be protected or recovered by any other method, or that the use of non-deadly force to recover the property would expose them to a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, then you will be legally justified in using deadly force to protect and/or recover your stolen property. While you may be legally allowed to use force under these conditions, we want to stress that using deadly force is most likely a very bad idea!

The crime of criminal trespass is not one of those listed in Texas Penal Code §9.42 or even under the “Castle Doctrine” statutes §9.31 and §9.32. A mere criminal trespass may, however, evolve into one of the above crimes where you may be justified in using deadly force to protect your property. For example, suppose that someone decides to sit on your lawn, and you yell at them to get them off your property. If the trespasser refuses to leave, you are almost certainly not justified in using deadly force to remove him. But if that same person sitting on your lawn gets up and charges towards your bedroom window with a firearm and a crow bar, you will very likely be legally justified in using deadly force to protect yourself and your home. His actions of charging you with a weapon make him more than just a trespasser under Texas law.

Criminal Prosecution Even If You Were Justified.

Just because Texas law affords you a legal justification for using deadly force when someone attacks you, or enters or removes you from your occupied habitation, vehicle, or workplace, this does not mean you are immune from being arrested or criminally prosecuted, even if you are completely in-the-right as far as the law is concerned. Your right to assert legal justifications is just that: a legal justification. It is not a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. In fact, always remember that there is a high possibility that you will have to go to jail and post bond long before the issue of justification is considered by the prosecutor. We see cases like this unfolding in Texas and other states on a regular basis. You may ultimately have to go to court and assert your justification defense before a judge or jury. This process may take months or even years to get resolved!

Does Texas Have a Stand Your Ground Law?

The phrase “Stand Your Ground, despite its common use in the media, is not found in Texas statutory law. Under certain circumstances, Texas law tells us that there is no duty to retreat if you are faced with a situation where you have to use force or deadly force to protect yourself or another. Even if by retreating you could avoid the entire confrontation, you do not legally have to. Texas Penal Code §9.31(e) and §9.32(c) state that in defending yourself or another person, you have no duty to retreat if: (1) you have a legal right to be at the location where force or deadly force is used, (2) you do not provoke the person against whom force or deadly force was used, (3) and you are not engaged in criminal activity at the time force or deadly force was used. These statutes are better considered “No Duty to Retreat” laws. Under these very limited circumstances, a prosecutor or law enforcement officer cannot argue that you had a reasonable “escape route,” or that you should have had to “fall back” before justifiably using force or deadly force. If you are facing a criminal charge, qualifying under this statute could mean the difference between a conviction or not!

In order to receive the “No Duty to Retreat” protection under the statutes, first, you must be justified under the Texas Penal Code in using force or deadly force. As we discussed above, Texas Penal Code §9.31 and §9.32 state that you will be presumed to be legally justified in using force or deadly force if someone is entering, attempting to enter, removing you or attempting to remove you from your occupied habitation, vehicle, or workplace. You will also be presumed to be justified in using force or deadly force if someone commits or attempts to commit: aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery. Force or deadly force can be used to stop any of these crimes, as well as when it may be immediately necessary to protect yourself or another person from the attacker’s use of deadly force. If you are at a place you have a legal right to be, only then does the use of force or deadly force with no duty to retreat apply under the statute. To paraphrase a very effective jury argument, the statutes are designed to protect you when “trouble finds you, but not when you go looking for trouble.”

Disqualifications for No Retreat Protection

There are multiple situations where your conduct may potentially disqualify you from the Texas “No Duty to Retreat” provision. In order to receive Texas Penal Code §9.31(e) and §9.32(c) “No Duty to Retreat” protection, you must first be justified in using force under Texas Penal Code §9.31. Second, the No Retreat statute themselves have three more qualifications that must be met before you gain the statutes protection.

Disqualifying Under Texas Penal Code §9.31

If you want to protect yourself or another person, there are multiple situations under Texas Penal Code §9.31 where you will not be justified in using force or deadly force. If you fall under one of the following situations, you will not be given the “No Duty to Retreat” protection:

  1. The use of force is not justified in response to verbal provocation alone. (If someone is only yelling at you, you are not justified in using force against them).
  2. You will not be justified in using force to resist an arrest or search being made by a police officer (unless the officer uses greater than reasonable force), even if the arrest or search is ultimately proven to be unlawful.
  3. The use of force against another is not justified if you consent to the force. (No dueling or consenting to gun fights).
  4. You provoked the use of force, unless you have clearly abandoned the encounter.
  5. If you seek a discussion with another person regarding your differences while unlawfully carrying a weapon, you will not be given the “No Duty to Retreat” protection. Unlawful carry of a weapon includes:
  • a non-CHL holder carrying in places other than their premises, place of business, vehicle or watercraft;
  • having a handgun in plain view;
  • engaging in criminal activity while carrying a weapon,
  • carrying a weapon by a person who is a member of a criminal street gang; or,
  • Carrying a prohibited weapon.

Qualifying Under the No Duty to Retreat Statute

As discussed earlier, the first thing that must be satisfied to receive the “No Duty to Retreat” Protection is that the person must have had a legal right to be in the location where deadly force was used. What does the law mean when it says that you must “be in a location where you have a legal right to be?”  The best way to clarify this is to discuss places where you do not have a legal right to be. Any location where you would be considered trespassing is, by definition, a place where you do not have a legal right to be. Under Texas Penal Code §30.05, a person becomes a criminal trespasser if they enter or remain on property without effective consent, or the person had notice that entry was forbidden or received notice to depart but failed to do so. Notice of trespassing includes: oral or written communication, fencing, signs posted on the property indicating that entry is forbidden, purple paint marks on trees or posts on the property, or crops for human consumption growing on the property. As long as you are in a place where you are not considered trespassing by the law, you most likely have a legal right to be there under the No Duty to Retreat statutes.

In addition to the location test, you cannot have provoked the other’s use or attempted use of force. You cannot start or escalate a fight and then claim justification for your use of force or deadly force. There is, however, an exception to this rule. If you abandon the encounter or clearly communicate your intent to abandon, and you cannot do so safely, and the other continues to use unlawful force against you, you do not have a duty to retreat.

A very similar scenario played out in a district court in Harris County. An individual was convicted of murdering his neighbor during a conflict that started as a result of a noise complaint. The accused individual videotaped the entire confrontation. The last few minutes of the video seem to show that the man was justified in discharging his firearm after three men charged him. However, prior to the last few minutes, approximately twenty minutes of the video showed the accused leaving his property with his handgun, trespassing on his neighbor’s property, and taunting the neighbors by flashing his pistol. As a result of these actions the man did not qualify under the “No Duty to Retreat” statutes. In fact, the prosecutor in the case told the jury that “self-defense was never meant to protect the one that started the fight.” The jury only deliberated for 90 minutes before returning a verdict of guilty on a murder charge and ultimately sentenced him to 40 years in prison.

Finally, you cannot be engaged in any criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor traffic offense at the time deadly force was used and claim self-defense.

As you can see, the Texas versions of the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws are extremely complex and cannot be summarized with a simple catch phrase. These topics consume thousands of pages of legal jargon, so this article is only a brief overview of the intricacies that are involved with these topics. 

Application link:

https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/ltc/

Why You Should Take A Firearm Training Class in Texas


The Texas Senate passed House Bill 1927, constitutional carry legislation, on an 18-13 vote.  The amended bill will be returned to the House for further action. If it becomes law, the State of Texas won’t require one to take a class to carry a handgun. We respect and appreciate living in a state that allows citizens to exercise a fundamental and constitutionally protected right without requiring any specific arbitrary amount of training.

However, carrying a firearm without a clear understanding of State, County, and City laws relating to where – when – how one can carry and defend oneself as well as fundamental skills relating to the SAFE carrying and PROPER use of that firearm both in terms of shooting skills and defensive tactics, is irresponsible. Firearm training is a lifelong journey. No specific amount of training, required by the government or not, should ultimately make you feel like you have arrived and are fully prepared for any potential life-threatening encounter.

It is our opinion that regardless if you live in Texas where no training requirement may become the law,  Kentucky where 8 hours is required, or Illinois where 16 hours is required to obtain a concealed carry permit; none of that is sufficient to truly and adequately prepare you for a gunfight.

Now, we also recognize that many people have a background relating to firearms and shooting whether hunting or just target practice.

Below are some questions to ask yourself. If you can’t answer them all with great confidence, you should seek out the next best step in your training:

**Are you intimately familiar with laws in Texas relating to the use of force? When and where you can legally use a firearm in the defense of yourself or others?
**Are you intimately familiar with laws in Texas and Federal laws that dictate where you may or may not be able to carry a firearm?
**Are you intimately familiar with laws that determine how reciprocity works and what you need to know before traveling across state lines beyond just the question of reciprocity?
**Do you know where to research other state’s relevant firearm laws before traveling through those states?
**Do you know about the potential criminal and civil consequences of the use of deadly force and how to prepare in advance for those incidents, and how to act in the moment to best ensure a positive outcome in the legal proceedings that will follow?
**Have you built strong shooting skills that include a proper grip, sight alignment & acquisition, moving while shooting, use of cover, reloading, different shooting positions, and other fundamentals that are required to get shots on moving targets in a dynamic self-defense incident? There are many more questions like those above that we could list. The point is that it is almost impossible to answer all of those with 100% confidence without having received significant formal training. Start or continue your journey today and make it a lifelong journey of firearms training….

Why Get A Texas Concealed Carry Permit

Texas Senate approves Unlicensed carry of handguns 

With that being said, Why on earth would someone pay money, sit in a class and wait for a license to arrive in the mail?  Don’t be misinformed, you must still legally be able to own and carry a handgun in order to carry under the new law.

With all the confusion about the law and what it allows, we get a ton of questions from potential students about why they pay for a class to get a license if it isn’t the law anymore in order to carry a firearm. Below are a few of the many reasons why:

  • Reciprocity – If you ever travel outside of Texas you will want a permit in order to carry concealed. Currently, 37 states honor and/or have reciprocity with the Texas LTC permit. Without the permit you cannot legally carry in any of those states.
  • (Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act is a real issue for unlicensed handgun carriers) Without a permit you can not carry your firearm within 1000 feet of a school. It is nearly impossible to avoid all the school zones around the country while carrying an unlicensed firearm. 
  • If you have a permit, you will skip the background check when purchasing a handgun. We’ve heard delays for all kinds of things like same name as a convicted felon, misspelled names or even incorrect country of birth being input! 
  • Having a permit makes is like an instant background check for law enforcement, it means you pay your taxes, child support, no felonies in the past 10 years, no misdemeanors in the past 5 and so much more!
  • Reckless and negligence charges are easier to fight in court with LTC training and other ongoing training under your belt. 
  • We believe the greatest and most valuable reason is the education you receive. Subjects covered include:
    • Texas laws relating to the use of force. WHEN you can legally defend yourself
    • Texas laws relating to the Legal Use of Force
    • Firearm safety and proper storage
    • Situational awareness and conflict avoidance
    • Interaction with law enforcement after a critical incident
    • Much Much More

Shoot-Around w/Instructor

October 10th 9:30am @ Cedar Ridge Gun Range 

(see map below)

**** 11 STUDENTS MAX ****

 
 

Registration Link

 (Please read the requirements below before registering)

**Please make sure you CAN attend PRIOR to registering, “There will be NO refunds” as we will guarantee your spot which will not be available to another student. Range fee is PrePaid. 

***First come-first served…this training is for ACSD students only***

 

We will cover basic firearm safety rules. Learn how to safely and properly handle, use and store a handgun. Learn proper basic pistol shooting fundamentals such as aiming, grip, stance, breathing, trigger control, and much more. I will personally work on some areas and will coach and have you join me as well. 

**Age Requirement is 18 yrs and older. Children are not allowed on the Range, Only the registered individual may attend the session**

Click HERE to register….

Come range ready with:

  • Picture ID is Required
  • Semi-automatic handgun or revolver (UNLOADED and in a BOX/or CASE) of any caliber in good repair and have no modifications that will make the handgun less safe.  (handguns available to rent)
  • Baseball cap (optional)
  • Safety glasses (limited availability from range)
  • Ear protection that covers your ears (limited availability from range)
  • Footwear that entirely covers both feet (if it rains it may be MUDDY)
  • 50 rounds of commercially produced ammunition (minimum)
  • Handgun rental is $15.00 / You MUST provide your own Ammo….

NO RELOADED, HAND LOADED, or SURPLUS AMMUNITION ALLOWED.
Use commercial ammunition only. (store/range purchased ammo)

If you are Renting one of OUR firearms, NO STEEL or ALUMINUM Case Ammunition is allowed to be used.

**Please notify the Range Instructor in advance if you need to rent a firearm, first come first serve**

**Please notify the Range Instructor of any medical accommodations required**

**Once you have READ and UNDERSTAND the details, you may submit your payment HERE.  #1. Choose $20 Shoot Around with Instructor #2. Choose October 10th Date #3. Make payment. (no other dates are available other than October 10th) DO NOT BOOK UNLESS YOU ARE A PRIOR STUDENT 7 SURE THAT YOU CAN ATTEND **NO REFUNDS**

Firearms Safety Class

September 5th & 12th. Timeslots 9:30am & 12:30pm Cedar Ridge Gun Range (see map below)

 (Please read the requirements below before registering)

**Please make sure you CAN attend PRIOR to registering, “There will be NO refunds” as we will guarantee your spot which will not be available to another student. Range fee is also PrePaid. 

***First come-first served…this training will NOT be offered at this price again***

We will cover basic firearm safety rules. Learn how to safely and properly handle, use and store a handgun. Learn proper basic pistol shooting fundamentals such as aiming, grip, stance, breathing, trigger control, and much more.

**Age Requirement is 18 yrs and older. Children are not allowed on the Range, Only the registered individual may attend the class**

Click HERE to register….

Come range ready with:

  • Picture ID is Required
  • Semi-automatic handgun or revolver (UNLOADED and in a BOX/or CASE) of any caliber in good repair and have no modifications that will make the handgun less safe.  (handguns available to rent)
  • Baseball cap (optional)
  • Safety glasses (limited availability from range)
  • Ear protection that covers your ears (limited availability from range)
  • Footwear that entirely covers both feet (if it rains it may be MUDDY)
  • 50 rounds of commercially produced ammunition (minimum)

NO RELOADED, HAND LOADED, or SURPLUS AMMUNITION ALLOWED.
Use commercial ammunition only.

If you are Renting one of OUR firearms, NO STEEL or ALUMINUM Case Ammunition is allowed to be used.

**Please notify the Range Instructor in advance if you need to rent a firearm, first come first serve**

**Please notify the Range Instructor of any medical accommodations required**


Guns Do Save Lives: Here’s Nine Examples From July Alone

  • July 1, Madison, Wisconsin: Prosecutors say a woman acted in lawful self-defense when she fatally shot her ex-boyfriend during an altercation. The woman recently had broken up with the man, who police say had a history of domestic violence. The woman was driving when the ex-boyfriend began following her car, prompting her to pull into a parking lot. Police said the two got into a verbal argument and the ex-boyfriend tried to force his way into her car. Fearing for her physical safety, she shot him, investigators said.
  • July 4, El Paso, Texas: The holder of a concealed carry permit came to a woman’s defense after she was attacked by a group of revelers who got angry when he asked them to quiet down. One of them punched the woman in the face, then pulled a knife and stabbed the permit holder when he tried to intervene. He drew his handgun and shot the attacker, who police arrested after he was taken to a hospital.
  • July 7, Jefferson City, Tennessee: good Samaritan put a quick end to a violent assault outside a fast food restaurant, drawing his firearm on a man who was strangling a woman and slamming her to the ground. He held her attacker at gunpoint until police arrived. The assailant was charged with aggravated domestic assault and aggravated kidnapping.
  • July 10, Wesley Chapel, Florida: A homeowner successfully fended off three armed robbers, killing two and wounding the third. Police said the homeowner was playing a video game when he heard glass shatter. He grabbed a firearm and saw a masked man in the hallway point a gun at him, so he shot the intruder. The homeowner saw other intruders further down the hall and shot at them, hitting one. The homeowner’s gun jammed, and the third intruder had fled by the time he retrieved a second firearm, police said. However, a neighbor who heard the commotion caught the third intruder as he ran from the house, holding him at gunpoint until police arrived.
  • July 14, Brownsburg, Indiana: A gunman’s unprovoked attack on two cemetery workers ended when an armed passerby drew his firearm and killed the shooter, police said. The gunman approached the workers and opened fire, killing one. He chased the other worker on foot through a residential neighborhood, where the two got into a physical fight. Police said a passing motorist saw what was happening, pulled over, and killed the gunman just as he pointed the firearm at the second cemetery worker’s head, almost certainly saving the worker’s life.
  • July 20, Moss Hill, Texas: An armed motorist helped defuse a tense situation with a machete-wielding man in the midst of an apparent mental health crisis, police said. The motorist was one of several who stopped to check on the man, who was walking in the middle of a highway and nearly was hit by a semi truck. The armed motorist drew his pistol to keep the man at bay after he began swinging his machete at the good Samaritans. One of them was able to talk the man into dropping the weapon. Law enforcement officers then arrived and took the man into custody.
  • July 25, Dallas, Texas: Armed patrons likely saved many lives by stopping a gunman who opened fire on a crowded bar. The shooter was angry after being denied entry because of COVID-19 capacity restrictions and returned with a gun, police said. He began firing into the front of the building, injuring four; a bouncer locked the doors before the gunman could enter. He attempted to get in through a back door, but fled after armed patrons returned fire.
  • July 28, Dalton, Georgia: A truck driver used his firearm to protect himself from four would-be robbers who accosted him at a truck stop. The robbers approached the truck driver about buying tires, police said, then tried to hold him down while taking his money. The driver was able to grab his handgun and fire at his assailants, who immediately ran. The driver wasn’t harmed, and police later arrested one suspect.
  • July 30, Troy, New York: An off-duty police officer came to a neighbor’s aid when her estranged husband attacked her, using his personal shotgun to kill the man as he stabbed her. Police said they received multiple emergency calls related to the stabbing, but it was the armed, off-duty neighbor—not on-duty officers—who heard the woman’s screams and quickly intervened to save her life.
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