What Texans Get Wrong About Open Carry Laws

Open carry in Texas is often discussed with confidence, but many misunderstand the actual laws governing firearms in public.

In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1927, eliminating the License to Carry (LTC) requirement for openly or concealed handgun carry in most public places.

This "permitless carry" or "constitutional carry" allows most Texans 21 and older who are legally permitted to possess firearms to carry a holstered handgun without a permit, as long as they are not prohibited from owning a gun.

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Misconceptions About Open Carry in Texas

There are still many misconceptions about open carry in Texas.

Some outside the state (even a few Texans) believe that open carry is rare or illegal without special permissions.

Before 2016, open carry was only allowed with a license, and that history still leads many to think a permit is required.

Another common misunderstanding is that simply owning a handgun gives you unrestricted rights to carry it anywhere.

However, that isn’t true. Even with permitless carry, certain locations are still off-limits.

Schools, polling places on election days, courthouses, secured airport areas, and businesses that post proper signage banning firearms remain prohibited zones under state law.

People also sometimes assume long guns like rifles and shotguns are treated the same as handguns, but Texas law covers them differently.

While handguns must be carried in a holster, long guns can generally be openly carried unless the manner of display is “calculated to alarm” others.

This is an offense under the disorderly conduct statute.

Another misconception involves private property: gun owners might think permitless carry automatically overrides all private rules.

In reality, property owners can still ban firearms by posting compliant signage or using verbal notices, and those restrictions are enforceable.

Read More: The Winter Challenge Texas is Facing Right Now

Public perceptions about Texas open carry are often shaped by culture, news stories, and social media, but the law itself is specific and contains important limitations.

Understanding what is actually legal helps gun owners stay compliant, avoid trouble, and respect the rights of business owners and other Texans.