Is Firearms Training Required by Texas Law?
Ownership doesn’t require training in Texas. Neither does permitless carry. The LTC does. Here’s the practical answer.
Texas does not require formal firearms training to own a firearm. Texas also does not require training to carry a handgun under permitless carry. The Texas License to Carry is the one credential that requires documented instruction.
What the LTC requires
- Classroom instruction: minimum of 4 hours of state-mandated curriculum covering Texas gun laws, safe handling, use-of-force law, and nonviolent dispute resolution.
- Written test: 25 questions, minimum 70% passing.
- Shooting proficiency test: course of fire on a B-27 target, minimum 70% score. 50 rounds at varying distances.
- State application: fingerprints, background check, $40 state fee.
What Texas doesn’t require
- Training to buy a firearm from an FFL.
- Training to keep a firearm at home.
- Training to carry under permitless carry.
- Ongoing renewal training after the initial LTC class.
Why train anyway
The state minimum isn’t a defensive standard. LTC training is legal-focused, not tactical. Real defensive competency requires ongoing instruction and range time. If you carry a firearm, you owe it to yourself, your family, and everyone downrange of a defensive incident to know how to run the gun well.
The FANG training progression
- LTC class if you want the license and its benefits.
- Pistol 101: fundamentals, stance, grip, sight picture, trigger control.
- Pistol Marksmanship Improvement: draw from concealment, movement, decision-making.
- Rifle/Carbine 101 and Marksmanship Improvement for home-defense rifle skills.
- Ongoing dry-fire practice and live-fire range time.
Legal ownership and legal carry are the floor. Real competency is the ceiling. Keep climbing.
Stay safe. Semper Fi.
Gunny
Straight talk: This is education, not legal advice. Gun law changes. Consult a Texas attorney for your specific situation, and always confirm current rules with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the ATF.
