Carrying in Arkansas and Texas

[mac12]

Hello everyone. Next week I'll be driving to Texas and going through Arkansas. I'll be staying in Houston for over a week. I've checked the state handgun laws in each one and they are very similiar to Tennessee's. Do any of you have any advice or experience on being armed out of state? Thanks.

[saintsfanbrian]

Read up on the laws of where you will be staying and traveling through. Obey those laws and keep your firearm concealed.

Don't eat at a Luby's in Killeen.

[mdmoseley]

Handgunlaw.us seems to have pretty up to date carry info for all 50 states. It should be used as a reference only as it could contain errors. If there is a question each state should have their carry laws posted.

[Fallguy]

Yep... handgunlaw.us is a good place to check. (Link in my sig) I have carried in both states with no problems.

Just a note, both do not allow open carry at all, so wouldn't be a good idea to even accidently expose your weapon.

You may find more about this in your research or from another member, but it seems like even printing in TX can get you into trouble.

[Guest canynracer]

TX is pretty strict (at least in Dallas/Plano areas)...deep deep conceal, you will be good to go

[Guest jackdog]

Have carried in both ststes with no problem, But you need to check the laws just to be safe.

[Guest 270win]

Arkansas requires one to cover from public view a handgun when carrying on a license. There is no law against so called 'printing'. You are also not required by Arkansas law to inform the police of your handgun whether or not you have a license (since you are on a journey, it is legal to carry on or about your person or in your car a handgun w/o a license openly or concealed, but concealing is the best idea).

Texas requires you to inform the police if you are carrying and also requires concealing. There is a misconception that if you accidently expose your handgun that you are breaking the law in Texas. That is not true. You must intentionally not conceal to be breaking the law.

The nice thing about both states is you can carry a handgun legally in a restaurant that serves alcohol. You can even drink alcohol at a restaurant in Texas as long as you are not intoxicated (same as a car). Arkansas is less clear if you look at the state police's website, but the statutes only make one to be in trouble when carrying a handgun on a license and violating an alcohol related law (public intox, DWI).

[Guest 270win]

Are completely legal to carry on or about your person or in your car loaded or unloaded, concealed, or unconcealed, without any special license in Texas or Arkansas. If you have the urge to have a loaded shotgun behind the seat, you can do so legally.

[mac12]

Thanks for all the good information. I'll be leaving in the morning.

[Fallguy]

Have a good trip!!

[Guest canynracer]

be safe!!