2025 Texas Firearm Laws: Key Rules Every Gun Owner Should Know

Firearm Laws in Texas for 2025: What You Need to Know

Welcome to Texas — where we’re friendly, proud, and we love our guns. But that doesn’t mean you get to carry them anywhere, anytime, any how. Let’s break down the most important laws you need to understand in 2025.

1. 🔓 Permitless/Open & Concealed Carry (“Constitutional Carry”)

Since September 1, 2021, Texans 21+ who legally possess a handgun can carry openly (in a holster)or concealed, no license required U.S. Law Shield Constitutional Carry Guide

• 18–20 year‑olds can carry with a valid Texas License To Carry (LTC), per a federal court ruling Texas Law Library
• Holster requirement for open carry is non-negotiable—apply the “no loopholes” rule.

👍 Why you might still want an LTC:

• Reciprocity in ~30 other states
• Skipping background checks when buying firearms
• Greater legal protections during stops or seizures Online Texas LTC

📚 Want help on Texas LTC benefits or getting one?
👉 LTC‑Training & Refresher Classes

2. 🚫 Where You Can’t Carry

Even Texans can’t carry everywhere.

• 51% bars/restaurants – if alcohol sales exceed 51%, carrying is a felony Penal code chapter 46.03 sec. 07
• Polling places, courtrooms, airports – federal restrictions apply.
• K–12 schools & university buildings – generally off-limits unless designated by school authorities. 
• Racetracks where money is exchanged is a no go sittiuation also.

📅 New bills pending in 2025:

• HB 1794 could allow guns at polling places from Sept. 1, 2025.
• Local gun-buyback programs are being banned statewide as stated by Houston Public Media

3. 🧾 Armor‑Piercing Ammo & Other Exceptions

• Armor-piercing ammunition remains illegal for pistols in Texas
• NFA-regulated weapons (like suppressors or SBRs) are legal per federal law—no additional state restrictions. 
• Texas made suppressors are still federally regulated and illegal to own without the stamp. 

4. 🏰 Castle Doctrine & Stand Your Ground

Texas fully supports your right to defend your home and self:

• No duty to retreat anywhere you have a legal right to be. Texas "Stand your ground"
• Civil immunity applies when using force lawfully—fight bad guys, not lawsuits 😉

5. 🛂 State Preemption & Local Rules

Local governments cannot create stricter gun laws than the state—for example, San Antonio and Houston can’t ban guns in city parks if state law says it's OK.

6. 📰 Hot 2025 Legislative Updates

• Red-flag laws were blocked with an anti-red-flag law signed June 22, 2025. 
• Bills in the pipeline: lowering LTC age to 18, tax exemption on firearms, school and hospital carry expansion. 

🧠 Summary Table: Texas Gun Laws at a Glance

Topic	What You Need to Know
Permitless Carry	Legal for 21+, holster required
LTC Benefits	Reciprocity, BG bypass, legal cover
Prohibited Places	Schools, 51% establishments, polling, courts
Ammo Restrictions	No armor-piercing
Defensive Use	Stand-your-ground + Castle Doctrine
Local Law Authority	State law preempts stricter local bans

🔗 Helpful Links from The-Riot

• 🎓 LTC & Permitless Carry Training
• 🛠️ Holsters, Mag Pouches & Lights (for legal carry)
• 📚 In‑Depth Texas Law Resources U.S Law Sheild use promo code (RIOT) for discounts. 

🎤 Final Word

Texas gives you freedom—but with it comes responsibility. Know the laws, train smart, and carry confidently.

Don’t risk a felony because you missed a “51%” sign or carried in the wrong place. Need personalized advice or legal updates? Stop by The-Riot Firearms or shoot us a message—we’ll help you stay both legal and lethal (responsibly, of course 😉).