Texas law and long guns

[boomerang]

Just like an iPod. It doesn't have to be concealed but it's sometimes a good idea to hide it to reduce the risk of theft.

[Ziran]

The gun store/range nearby that I frequent is like RIGHT near a school (same block). Well within 1000' . So basically every person without CHL that buys firearms from them, uses their range or takes their CHL class is automatically a federal felon.

[txbirddog]

?? As far as I know, there is nothing against having a weapon *in your car* *in the parking lot* of a school. Try to carry it in, and that's where you're going to run into legal trouble.

Yes there is. The Gun Free School Zone Act Title 18 922 (q) (2) states:

A) It shall be unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.
(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the possession of a firearm—
(i) on private property not part of school grounds;
(ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an individual obtains such a license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to receive the license;
(iii) that is—
(I) not loaded; and
(II) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle;
(iv) by an individual for use in a program approved by a school in the school zone;
(v) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual;
(vi) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity; or
(vii) that is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities.

So you must meet the stipulations in the act or it is illegal.

Probably a dumb question, but does the 'Gun Free School Zone' extend to the part of the road commonly in front of schools where you have to slow down? I wouldnt think so, but Ive always had problems understanding 'legalese' when read from the book itself. They should make those laws in plain english.

Then you wouldn't have a need for som many attorneys.

[txbirddog]

Well this clears up a few questions I had. There is another question I have though... Is it legal to carry a long gun openly? ex: Walking to local gun shop to get my AR15 serviced or to a local gas station.

I get mixed information everywhere i ask, there seems to be alot of pro's here so anyone got any idea?

All of the gun shops that I have been to REQUIRE ALL guns to be cased AND unloaded if bringing them into the store. (does not apply to chl)

[juggernaut]

All of the gun shops that I have been to REQUIRE ALL guns to be cased AND unloaded if bringing them into the store. (does not apply to chl)

Movie theaters don't allow you to bring your own coffee.