Texas and its gun laws have had a variety of changes in recent years. There’s a lot of confusion as to what’s considered open carry now, who can qualify toward a gun license, and much more. More: https://texascarrycourse.com/articles/open-carry-in-texas-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-your-ltc
Is it legal to open carry in Texas without a license?
You must obtain a License to Carry before you can open carry in Texas. So, no, it’s not legal to open carry in Texas without a license, excluding specific exceptions.
Where can I open carry in Texas?
You may open carry in Texas in public areas of city facilities, such as recreation centers or libraries, the Texas State Capitol, walking down the street outside (even in public), and any businesses with no visible signage that prohibit licensed handguns. However, the only way to legally open carry is to ensure the gun is holstered in your belt or shoulder holster at all times.
What is a proficiency demonstration?
If you completed the online LTC class, then the proficiency demonstration is the next step in getting your license to carry. The proficiency demonstration consists of two parts. 1-2 hours of “range instruction” and then the shooting qualification. These requirements are set by DPS. The “range instruction” portion set by DPS is to give the student time with an LTC instructor in person to ensure that the LTC material was understood and gives the student an opportunity to ask questions.
How this time is used is up to each LTC instructor.
The shooting qualification is a 50 round qualification shot from the 3, 7, and 15 yard line. You do not need to be an expert marksmen to pass this. You just need to be able to shoot handle your gun safely. This is a proficiency demonstration, so you are not being taught how to shoot, you are demonstrating that you already know how to shoot.
If you need some shooting lessons, please contact us and we will locate an instructor near you to help.
What is the course of fire for the shooting portion of the handgun proficiency?
The qualification consist of a total of 50 rounds using a B27 target. 20 rounds shot at 3 yards, 20 at 7 yards and 10 at 15 yards. During this qualification, the student must also be able to demonstrate safe gun handling. Although the course of fire is very easy and should not deter anyone from taking the LTC class, the LTC course is not a class for learning how to shoot.
What if I fail the shooting qualification/proficiency demonstration?
This is going to depend on a few things. DPS does allow retakes, however it will be up to the LTC instructor to determine if one is allowed or not.
If the handgun was handled safely, a retake may be allowed. If the reason for failing was due to safety violations, you may be required to take a safety course before being able to shoot the qualification again.