History of Texas Firearms laws

[jdhz28]

Beiruty,

I'm sorry I see noting that specifically mentioned long arms. You can be charged with disorderly conduct for a lot of things but just carrying a rifle or shotgun in public is not illegal. Now, if by having the long gun with you you're trying to intimidate someone that's different. But, you could use a baseball bat or, your fists for the same purpose and be charged with the same infraction.

Then you missed reading (8)

(8) displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm;

That last part "calculated to alarm" that is where they get you, I assume that definition is left up to the LEO and or Judge to decide. Seems like a little gray area to me, but what do I know?

[57Coastie]

Can anyone point me to a reasonably thorough discussion of the history of firearms law in Texas?

I was raised in Texas, came to California in 1968 as a brand new Navy officer. It seems like back then, there either wasn't any, or it was minimal. Folks carried rifles on the rifle rack of the pick up trucks in the school parking lot, without shame, or even notice.

How did we get here? I assume it was a little here, a bit more there. I think concealed carry was illegal for a spell, but was re-introduced some years ago.

Is there a link somewhere?

TIA

Jim,

I think this article by Stephan Halbrook, JD, PhD, must be the Baylor LR article I mentioned in my earlier PM. I looked a little harder.

http://www.guncite.com/journals/haltex.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As I said, it is somewhat dated (1989), but it gives you a look at the history.

You might be interested in Halbrook's website. http://www.stephenhalbrook.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim

[JALLEN]

Thanks for looking that up. I perused it quickly but will return to it time and again.

I am fascinated by such things, pouring through old records and photos trying to figure out how things got to be this way. Don't forget, President Eisenhower observed that "things are more like they are now than they have ever been." I want to know who to blame!

I spent many happy hours of spare time at the Archives in Austin, while at UT, before there were as many Archives as there are now, reading about the "good old days!" It stood me in very good stead when I became a title searcher in my more recent youth.