Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Moderator: carlson1
Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Hi Everyone. I'm Canadian and I'm going to Texas for a few months at the end of the year. Is it possible for me to rent a handgun at a shooting range or do I need a special license to shoot in the USA? Thanks in advance.
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
shouldn't be a problem .
just find a range , go there , don't act suspicious , and be careful .
just find a range , go there , don't act suspicious , and be careful .

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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Hi Dudley, and welcome to the forum! Glad to have you with us.Dudley wrote:Hi Everyone. I'm Canadian and I'm going to Texas for a few months at the end of the year. Is it possible for me to rent a handgun at a shooting range or do I need a special license to shoot in the USA? Thanks in advance.

You do not need a special license to shoot a gun in Texas. But that may not be true for other States, as each State has its own laws regarding firearms. And I'm not familiar with other States gun laws.
Here is a link to an excellent resource regarding gun laws. It is a compendium of State Firearms Laws:
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
As USA1 said, there should not be a problem. When you go to the shooting range you will probably have to surrender your driver's license(that is what I'm required to do), in order to shoot. You may rent a gun there, and you will have to provide your own ammunition.
Hope you enjoy your stay in this wonderful State we call Texas.
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
i have never been asked for any type of ID just to shoot .joe817 wrote: you will probably have to surrender your driver's license(that is what I'm required to do), in order to shoot.
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
What part of Texas are you visiting? 

Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Well then I take it back! Probably just a company policy where I shoot. Dudley, please disregard that statement. Apparently that varies also.USA1 wrote:i have never been asked for any type of ID just to shoot .joe817 wrote: you will probably have to surrender your driver's license(that is what I'm required to do), in order to shoot.
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
i don't know for sure but , would he be asked for ID to rent ?joe817 wrote:Well then I take it back! Probably just a company policy where I shoot. Dudley, please disregard that statement. Apparently that varies also.USA1 wrote:i have never been asked for any type of ID just to shoot .joe817 wrote: you will probably have to surrender your driver's license(that is what I'm required to do), in order to shoot.
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Good point. Could be, plus a cc number in advance.
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- Kevinf2349
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
I think they only ask for positive ID so maybe the Canadian passport would suffice....along with a credit card.
Best thing to do would be to call the range and ask them what they require.
Enjoy your stay in the Lone Star state.
Best thing to do would be to call the range and ask them what they require.
Enjoy your stay in the Lone Star state.

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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Where are you going to be staying in our GREAT State? In Houston there are a couple of ranges that rent handguns. Top Gun http://www.topgunrange.com/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; even has a few submachine guns they rent. They are expensive to feed, but a lot of fun to shoot.
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Like others are saying...I'd just make sure to have some form of government id on you in case they ask for it (some ranges do for first time customers)
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Come through Lufkin & I will see that you get a big Texas welcome & a Range trip that will not cost you any rent on a gun.Dudley wrote:Hi Everyone. I'm Canadian and I'm going to Texas for a few months at the end of the year. Is it possible for me to rent a handgun at a shooting range or do I need a special license to shoot in the USA? Thanks in advance.

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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
Thanks Everyone. I have been skeet shooting and fired a 22 rifle as a boy, but not handguns. It's exciting to learn there are no legal stumbling blocks to trying a real handgun. The present plan is to fly to Houston, but I may be sent to Dallas instead, or in addition, as required. It's a work trip, but I will be free on the weekends. As the trip approaches, and we book travel, I will let my fingers do the walking in Google, and contact local ranges to learn their policies for renting. Thanks again for your help.
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
SRVA and I would be happy to take you shooting as well. We are just North of Houston. Send either of us a PM if are interested.
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What part of Canada do you live in?
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Re: Can I shoot a handgun in Texas?
I'm in the Houston area , I would also take you shooting if you would like.