WHAT ARE THE GUN LAWS IN TEXAS REGARDING AUTOMATIC RIFLES AND HANDGUNS?

Individuals who own automatics are require to have a Class-3 license from BATF. Semi-Automatics are not banned like in California. If you are going to buy an AK (I assume you mean an automatic AK) you will need the same Class 3 documents. But again, for semi Auto, all you need is to pass the background check and be of age.

On the carry side. It is illegal to carry a firearm on one self with out a concealed Carry permit. Open carry is not allowed for citizens in Texas. On the flip side, if you are traveling you may have a firearm for protection according to SB378 (Castle Doctrine).

Start your information-gathering process by visiting one of many gun clubs and gun shops in your area. Visit your local law enforcement department and ask for an officer with the responsibility to help citizens requiring such information. You mention a .25 Firecat and AK47, requesting general information on those. First, the pistol you mention is not “automatic” per sé. It’s “semi-automatic” -press the trigger once, release it and press again for the next shot. The term automatic is used, exclusively, to define firearms that shoot constantly, pressing the trigger once and keeping pressure on to continue firing. As for the AK’s, there are several legal situations regarding those. Some deal with flash suppressors, bayonet lugs, “banana” clips, pistol grips, dates of manufacture, etc. As I said before, check your local laws regarding firearm purchases, transportation, carry, etc..

Dear Mandy H,

Your little .25 pistol is semi-automatic and perfectly legal to own in Texas. You will need to go to the local sheriff’s office or police station and ask about the procedure in Texas to obtain a concealed weapons permit before you can carry it loaded and concealed. You can still possess and transport the firearm in your car to the shooting range and practice with it without the permit.

You can buy a semi-automatic AK-47 for around $400 and this is perfectly legal in Texas. Select fire AK-47s that have an option for fully automatic fire are much more difficult to obtain legally and very expensive. The only difference is that the semi-automatic AK requires you to pull the trigger for each shot while the fully automatic sprays bullets with one pull of the trigger. I would just stick with the semi-auto AK and save your money for ammo.

Have fun and be safe! Follow the 4 safety rules and wear eye and ear protection while practicing.

The four rules of gun safety:

1. Treat every gun as if it was always loaded
2. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire
4. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it

Unless your ‘automatics’ are ‘fully automatic’ (pulling the trigger once fires more than one bullet) as far as texas is concerned, buy what you want. Most AKs you see in gunstores are designed to be semiautomatic only, so you are fine there. Also that .25 firecat is also semiauomatic, so you are fine.

For carrying a concealed handgun, you need a special permit, ask for an application at the sherriff’s office.

Have fun with your new gun, but don’t carry it out in public until you get your permit.