No CHL: can I take my pistol to a shop, or to a gun show?

[cultzombie]

Hi All,

New member here; thanks for having me.

Not yet having my CHL, I carry only at home and in the car, two places I know I'm allowed to carry (PC 46.02(1) and (2)). But I'm in need of a new holster and would like to take my pistol to a gun show or to a local gun shop to check for holster fit before buying. I might also want to take my pistol to a gunsmith some time. This would involve carrying a handgun outside of my car, and not on my own property.

Can anyone suggest how you'd handle this situation? Is it possible that gun shopping or gun maintenance could qualify as "lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity" (PC 46.15 (b)(3))? Or is it completely "do it at your own peril"? Or conversely, is it "just do it, it's common sense, nobody will say anything"? Or something else?

I'm already in the processing of securing a CHL, and really don't want to mess up and get some legal trouble in the mean time.

Thanks!

CZ

[AF-Odin]

Put UNLOADED pistol in case and carry from vehicle into gunshop letting store personnel know before taking it out of the case to try holsters.

For gunshow, follow same rules and DECLARE to Gun Show entry personnel who will check and probably zip tie.

[ajwakeboarder]

Also, don't bring any bullets at all to a gun show. I've seen people unload their gun but still have a loaded mag in their case. The gun show personnel will take every bullet and put it in a "donation" bin.

[cultzombie]

Yep, I think these comments both make sense and are based on a wise consideration for the policies and sensibilities of the venue. Thanks!

What I'm really curious about is how the law views the notion that a non-CHL-holder may sometimes need to carry a handgun from his car, across a parking lot or down a sidewalk, to a store, gunsmith, pawn shop, gun show, etc. I'm guessing this is just a grey area where it is technically illegal but just not enforced. Or am I missing something in the law?

[Keith B]

Yep, I think these comments both make sense and are based on a wise consideration for the policies and sensibilities of the venue. Thanks!

What I'm really curious about is how the law views the notion that a non-CHL-holder may sometimes need to carry a handgun from his car, across a parking lot or down a sidewalk, to a store, gunsmith, pawn shop, gun show, etc. I'm guessing this is just a grey area where it is technically illegal but just not enforced. Or am I missing something in the law?

Must be cased and unloaded to go outside of your vehicle if not on or directly in-route to property you own are in control of.

[cultzombie]

Must be cased and unloaded to go outside of your vehicle if not on or directly in-route to property you own are in control of.

Thanks, Keith B. Do you happen know what statute that's from?

[G26ster]

Sec. 46.15. NONAPPLICABILITY.


(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:

(3) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence, motor vehicle, or watercraft, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity;