Citizens with valid concealed carry permits can carry loaded pistols on their persons in the state of Texas, as long as they meet eligibility requirements. Some guns, such as shotguns, rifles, and other long guns, don’t require licenses. You can carry them openly, as long as it’s done in a manner that doesn’t raise the public’s alarm. The choice to have an unloaded or loaded handgun is ultimately yours. The firearms safety education professionals from Online Texas LTC, a premier provider of Texas LTC online courses, offer the following tips to consider when you’re deciding whether to keep your handgun loaded.
Increase Safety
Keeping your handgun loaded can increase safety when you’re inside your home, driving, or visiting stores and various businesses that allow customers to carry concealed firearms. If you’re in harm’s way, a loaded pistol could potentially be used to save your life or others’ lives. It’s not common, but some people choose to carry their handguns unloaded. If you choose to carry unloaded, it’s extremely important that you train and practice with this setup. Drawing the gun and immediately loading it needs to become muscle memory.
Determine Who Is Inside the Home
If you have small children living in your home, it would be best to keep a loaded gun somewhere they cannot access it. Some potential places to store a loaded pistol include a locker, a secondary room, or a quick-access safe. If you decide to keep the gun unloaded, the pistol and its ammo should be in an area you can easily access during an emergency. Obtaining the firearm within a few seconds could save your life if you wind up in a dangerous situation. For this reason, quick access lockboxes are extremely useful.
Be More Observant
When carrying concealed firearms, people are generally more alert and aware of their surroundings. You assume more responsibility and may choose to look out for others, not just yourself. Increasing your alertness can benefit you when you’re in various situations, such as when you’re at work, attending public events, or helping others out around the home. Your increased attentiveness could make you more likely to notice things you might usually ignore, such as odd behavior.
Get the Education You Need
Before you choose to purchase a gun or decide whether you should carry a loaded or unloaded handgun, you should receive firearms training. By taking a license to carry class in Texas, you’ll receive essential information about gun laws in the state and safety tips to reduce the risk of harm to yourself and others. These courses also teach you how to test your gear and firearm properly. After taking the course, you can feel more at ease, whether you decide to keep your handgun loaded or unloaded at home or while out in public.
Everyone who owns or carries firearms should have thorough training in the proper procedures for handling and storing guns safely. Online Texas LTC is committed to providing the best firearms training available. Whether you want to take a Texas concealed carry class online or you simply want to learn how to shoot and handle a gun safely, Online Texas LTC has everything you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
