Really looking for a strong interpretation of what the law says after I went to the range today with my 18 year old. Was talking with the range officer away from him while he was shooting. RO tells me he has to be 21 to be able to shoot by himself due to "possession requirements". No issues if that is the law or the range rules.

My understanding is that he cannot buy one himself until 21, but can be otherwise gifted (thus possess) when 18.

Any guidance is appreciated.

RO might have been enforcing house rules, did he insinuate that it was law?

IBombedTheMoon said:

---

RO might have been enforcing house rules, did he insinuate that it was law?

---

RO made it sound like law... I politely questioned him and I saw him talking to other RO's. Basically stated, he could legally shoot a rifle at the range, but not a handgun without me being in the lane (I was 15-20 feet away and visually in control).

Again, if it their rules - fine - but odd that they would let him come with a rifle and shoot by himself (which he can legally purchase).

Just trying to understand the law...

Our LE/military son got his CHL at 19. We gifted him a pistol.

Range is full of *****

Thank you all for the feedback and confirmation of my general understanding... still looking for the specific law.

I reread the ranges rules and they only discuss 17-under, but I also have to comply with RO's requests (again his understanding was it was the law and we complied).

tamc93 said:

---

. still looking for the specific law.

---

Not a lawyer.

That being said,

46.06 deals with unlawful transfer of weapons:

Quote:

---

intentionally or knowingly sells, rents, leases, or gives or offers to sell, rent, lease, or give to any child younger than 18 years any firearm, club, or illegal knife;

---

As far as I know, there are no other Texas laws that deal with possession of firearms by anyone of any age, and the under 21 restriction on FFLs selling handguns is a federal law.

ETA: Since I'm sure someone will read that and freak out about letting a minor shoot a gun on the range or gifting a .22 to their 12 year old:

Quote:

---

(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(2) that the transfer was to a minor whose parent or the person having legal custody of the minor had given written permission for the sale or, if the transfer was other than a sale, the parent or person having legal custody had given effective consent.

---

RO is typically uniformed. (uninformed...Damn it!!...Guilty.)

Want to see his head explode? Explain to him that an 18 year old in possession of an active duty or reserve military ID can get a TX LTC and carry.

Puryear Playboy said:

---

RO is typically uniformed.

---

The one I had was "plain clothes" but still uninformed . Another one had an "official Range Officer badge"...

Bender - Thank you for the law - that helps.

Puryear Playboy said:

---

RO is typically uniformed. (uninformed...Damn it!!...Guilty.)

Want to see his head explode? Explain to him that an 18 year old in possession of an active duty or reserve military ID can get a TX LTC and carry.

---

Also that an 18 year old can keep a handgun in a vehicle without an LTC.