Texas Long Gun Law

[LedJedi]

Howdy folks,
I looked on the forum for this as well as searching in google for a bit and didn't find the answers I was looking for. Does anyone know a good website that can generally educate me on Texas law as it relates to long guns?

A few specific topics:

Carry in a vehicle (unloaded and loaded), within reach? Open view? etc.
Barrel length? How is barrel length officially measured?

Note: I hate asking such basic questions on here since this seems like something I should be able to look up myself (which I tried). Perhaps I'm just not in my normal "web searching groove" this morning.

Just picked up a Winchester short barrel pump action 12 gauge from a lady here in the office. Her X boyfriend left it in her closet years ago and she just found it recently. Picked it up for a crisp $100 bill. :) Looks and feels just like new. I'm not that familiar with long guns but fate has landed a few in my lap here recently and I'd like to brush up on the legal aspects, etc.

[longtooth]

I hope that "X" did not realize he left it there 8months after he left & then turned it in stolen because he was mad at an "X"
Might really consider getting a bill of sale. I have seen that happen twice.

[seamusTX]

You can carry a long gun any way you like, loaded or unloaded.

The barrel is measured by inserting a dowel rod until it touches the breech face of the closed action. The barrel of a shotgun must be longer than 18 inches, and the overall length must be longer than 26 inches. The definition is in Penal Code 46.01 (10), and the offense is specified in PC 46.05.

- Jim

[LedJedi]

I hope that "X" did not realize he left it there 8months after he left & then turned it in stolen because he was mad at an "X"
Might really consider getting a bill of sale. I have seen that happen twice.

Yeah, this was 5+ years ago they split up, but probably a good idea anyway. Thanks. :)

[M9FAN]

Not to hijack your thread, but which model is it?

[KBCraig]

If the barrel measures less than 18", just remove it and take a torch/saw/sledgehammer to it, then bury it in your weekly garbage can.

Replacement barrels are easy to come by.

[LedJedi]

Not to hijack your thread, but which model is it?

It's a model 1300 with an 18 (actually measures about 18.5) inch barrel. Looks like it's never even been fired pristine condition. I looked it up on gunbroker.com and apparently they dont make them anymore. They had 2 different versions up between 500-700. Looks like maybe I scored on this one.

[M9FAN]

Not to hijack your thread, but which model is it?

It's a model 1300 with an 18 (actually measures about 18.5) inch barrel. Looks like it's never even been fired pristine condition. I looked it up on gunbroker.com and apparently they dont make them anymore. They had 2 different versions up between 500-700. Looks like maybe I scored on this one.

Very nice. For $100, you practically stole that thing!

[AEA]

You made out. You paid about the going price for the barrel only and got the whole enchilada

[LedJedi]

I believe I read this somewhere a long time ago. Do long guns need to be visible or concealed in the car/truck when traveling?
We're going to start taking the shotty with us on long trips and would like to figure out a good way to mount it if it needs to be in plain view (I know handguns must be concealed).

Can anyone point me in the direction of where I can look this stuff up myself? My normal method of research (google searches primarily) just doesn't seem to be panning out on long gun law issues.

[seamusTX]

There is no requirement in Texas for long guns to be concealed or visible.

This is a difficult question to research, because the result is a negative. The penal code does not make it an offense to carry a long gun, except in certain places specified in 46.03. You have to read chapter 46 from beginning to end to confirm that.

- Jim

[flb_78]

You can legally carry it loaded on your front dash in plain view if you want.

[LedJedi]

thanks guys. yall are #1. I dont care what jbirds says about you :)

[T3hK1w1]

I would point out though, that leaving it in plain sight in an unattended vehicle is an excellent way to get it stolen :(

[flb_78]

I would point out though, that leaving it in plain sight in an unattended vehicle is an excellent way to get it stolen :(

Would that be considered "baiting"?