Texans will soon be able to carry handguns without needing permits or licenses as of September 1st, 2021. Many responsible gun owners may appreciate the convenience that goes along with being in a constitutional carry state, which is what Texas will soon become. However, there are still some valid reasons to take a license to carry (LTC) class and get an LTC—even if you technically don’t have to do so. The firearms safety education professionals from Online Texas LTC, your premier choice for Texas LTC online training, explain some of the many benefits of taking an LTC course.
Be Able to Legally Carry in Other States
You’re not going to be protected by constitutional carry in other states that haven’t adopted this approach to carrying handguns. Therefore, if you occasionally or regularly travel to other states, it can be helpful to have a license to carry, which is recognized in 37 states. To obtain a license, you’ll need to take an LTC class. Even if you only plan to travel to other constitutional carry states, those states may have special requirements that apply to nonresidents, and there could still be issues with how you transport your handgun across state lines.
Stay Current on Handgun Laws & Regulations
Whether you’ve used firearms before or you’re a first-time gun owner, you must be aware of the legal regulations related to handguns. For instance, there are restrictions on where you can legally open or conceal carry. Typically, carrying is prohibited in courthouses, school zones, and federal buildings. Mylegalheart.com points out there are more than 20,000 state, federal, and local gun laws in the United States. Granted, an LTC class won’t cover them all, but many of the more important and common ones will certainly be covered. Whether carrying under constitutional carry or the license to carry, it’s your responsibility to know the law.
Get Extra Legal Protection
Taking a license to carry class and moving forward with obtaining a license gives you some added legal protections. Even in a constitutional carry state, you’ll need to be extra careful about unintentionally violating certain state or federal laws licensed gun owners may be exempt from under certain circumstances. By taking an LTC class, you’ll also gain a better understanding of:
• Current state and federal regulations that apply to handguns
• What situations could present legal issues for you
• What you’ll need to keep in mind regarding concealed and open carry in various situations
With an LTC, you can carry in more locations and have fewer restrictions than with constitutional carry. For example, if you’re dropping your child off at school, you cannot even have a gun in your car on the school grounds with constitutional carry. With an LTC, you can still have the gun on you, even in a Federal gun-free school zone, when dropping your child off. This is just one of many examples of the benefits an LTC provides.
Learn Handgun Basics
LTC classes can be especially beneficial for new handgun owners and users in Texas. For one thing, classes normally go over such things as various handgun sizes and the functions of key components and accessories (e.g., sights, magazines, etc.). This is information that can ultimately make you a more confident and knowledgeable handgun owner and user.
Additionally, a license to carry class typically covers a wide range of topics anyone owning, carrying, or using a handgun will likely appreciate knowing. This list often includes:
• Handgun cleaning and maintenance basics
• Tips for safe storage when a handgun isn’t being carried or used
• De-escalation techniques and situational awareness
Whether you already own a firearm or you’re considering purchasing one, it’s essential to know how to use it safely. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training available. Whether you simply need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot safely or you want to take a Texas online LTC class, Online Texas LTC Austin has what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
