Jmaster911

Does anybody know when I could apply for a Gun License in Texas as a PR and what the rules surrounding that are. I heard that I have to be in the US (with no break) for a minimum of 90 days and resident at the same address during that period, does this sound right?

NC Penguin

If I were you, I'd check your city's website or the county sheriff. Failing that, you could call a gun store and ask the owner the question.

anotherlimey

You need a license for a gun in Texas???

paul1968mcr

Yeah you will have to prove you have been resident in the state for 90 days - you'll need 3 months worth of concurrent bills / bank statements.

You'll also need everything else you got - passport GC etc.

You'll be vetted by the FBI could take a couple of days to get a proceed back, then your good to go.

If it's a handgun check out the Concealed weapon regulations for TX, you'll probably need a concealed carry permit, or a hunting and target permit if you wanna be out of the house and offa your property with it.

All in all quite easy, I got one, and I aint got a GC!!

anotherlimey

You're not a permanent resident?

Ray

http://www.handgunlaw.us/

paul1968mcr

Nope, not yet - will be in the next 6 to 36 months hopefully

anotherlimey

I only know FL's laws, not TX's I'm afraid.

paul1968mcr

It's a federal law - Non-immigrant visa and a valid state hunting permit = Boomstick!

In my case a .44mag Henry lever action - ready for November '08.

anotherlimey

I didn't want to suggest something without looking it up.

Check out the link Ray posted, or the NRA's legal website.

Jmaster911

Thanks guys, great help

Folinskyinla

Hi:

I'd be VERY careful on this one. There is a web of applicable laws, local, state, Federal. And violation of any of them can be a ground of removal under the immigration laws.

As you know there is currently pending before the Supremes a matter to interpret the scope of the Second Amendment's "well regulated" clause.

Also, an interesting issue -- does an alien have the right to "bear arms?" I don't know -- I can argue it both ways in my head.

Another thing -- what are "arms?" If you read the accounts about Grant and Lee meeting at Appomatax [especially in Grant's Memoirs'], there is talk of "sidearms" -- and it meant the swords, not the pistols/revolvers.

Ray

With a Florida permit ..we can carry a sword ..but it must be concealed
although it does make you walk a bit funny ... and its difficult to sit down ...

Bill_S

From looking at 18 USC 922, there appears to be no federal prohibition against GC holders owning firearms. Paul is talking about 922(y) which provides specific exceptions for non-immigrant visa holders.

But as you say, state + local laws are another matter as well. Interestingly, I recall that in Texas, if a gun is over x number of years old, or was made before y date (e.g. 1900), it's considered an antique and not a firearm. There are plenty of perfectly funtional blackpowder arms to be found from that era. I'll have to double-check the details on that.

Edit - I'm not a lawyer!

Ray

And keep your powder horn dry ...