Quote:
Originally Posted by Golfingnut
Texas gun law is very tight. You have to have a drivers license to buy a pistol.
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Actually, you don't even need a driver's license. You just need a state issued identification card that shows you are a Texas resident.
This is true of many states, including Florida, because of FEDERAL restrictions on purchasing firearms outside of your state of residence, or in some cases contiguous states. Florida permits purchase of rifles and shotguns in contiguous states.
It isn't just an issue of Texas law. Firearms purchases are regulated by FEDERAL law.
ATF Form 4473 is the document to be filled out. The buyer is asked at question 11. f. if he has ever been
adjudicated mentally defective OR committed to a mental institution.
Apparently the Ft. Hood shooter had not been, so he could answer in the negative to the question.
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As a matter of interest there are currently 37 states that mandate that the authorities "shall issue" a concealed weapons permit to any citizen of their state who applies and passes a police background check. You could add to this the state of Vermont where anyone, state resident or not, can carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
There are two "may issue" states where the authorities may exercise some judgement in whether or not they will give an applicant a license.
There are three "no issue" states where there are no provisions for issuing concealed weapons licenses.
There are some states which are unrestricted and simultaneously unrestricted, and "shall issue." They do not require licenses within their states but will issue licenses so their citizens can benefit from reciprocity agreements with other states.
Many states, including Florida, issue concealed carry licenses to residents of other states. However, not all reciprocity states give reciprocity to holders of Florida licenses who are not Florida residents.
Firearms law is quite complex.