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Texas Gun Laws

TX
permissive

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
No
Mag Capacity Limit
No
Permit to Purchase
No
Firearm Registration
No
Concealed Carry
Permitless (21+)
Open Carry
Yes (handgun in holster)
Red Flag Law
No
Background Check (Private)
No
NFA Weapons
Unrestricted
State Preemption
Yes

Key Notes

Permitless carry since September 2021. Handguns must be in holster for open carry. No open carry on college campuses but concealed carry allowed in campus buildings.

  • •Permitless (21+) — Adults 21 and older can carry concealed without a permit since September 2021.
  • •Yes (handgun in holster) Open Carry — Open carry of handguns is legal but the handgun must be in a holster. Open carry is not permitted on college campuses, though concealed carry is allowed in campus buildings.
  • •Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) are legal with the federal tax stamp.
  • •State Preemption: Yes — Strong preemption prevents local governments from enacting their own firearm regulations.
  • •Duty to Inform (permit holders only) — Only License to Carry (LTC) permit holders must inform law enforcement during contact. Permitless carriers have no duty to disclose.
  • •No Background Check (Private) — Private sales between individuals do not require a background check.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Texas Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Texas does not restrict semi-automatic rifles by feature. Standard AR-15 configurations — including pistol grips, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders — are legal for sale and ownership.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Texas.

NFA Items Permitted

Texas allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS) — with the appropriate ATF tax stamp.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Texas Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Texas?
Yes. Texas does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Texas?
Texas has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Texas require a permit to buy a firearm?
No. Texas does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.
Can I conceal carry in Texas?
Texas concealed carry status: Permitless (21+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.
Is open carry legal in Texas?
Texas open carry: Yes (handgun in holster). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Texas?
Yes. Texas allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns — with the proper ATF tax stamp.
Does Texas require background checks for private sales?
No. Texas does not require background checks for private (non-dealer) firearm transfers, though federal law still requires checks for all licensed-dealer sales.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Texas firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.