Culture change (Houston, West, Vega: coupons, 2015, buyers)

[newtotexas11]

Hi,
I just recently moved to the Houston area from Atlantic City, New Jersey, so it is actually a bigger change than I would have thought. One thing I can say is your state is very lucky not to have casinos, (many might disagree, but unless you have spent over a decade in Atlantic City or Las Vegas, then I'd say your opinion is useless).

One thing I'm curious about is this, (and mind you, this is the first time I've ever seen something like this before), I was reading the newspaper, and I saw an Advertisement for a Gun shop. It had like coupons/discounts, or something. I thought it was a joke for a minute, but I then saw a Bilboard for a local "Gun SHow",

I don't know if this is crazy, but not only have I never shot a gun, I've never even held one. I've never heard of "gun shows" or even a store where you can buy a gun.

It does not exist in New Jersey I have lived there my whole life. Now I really have no interest in owning a gun, and No, I wouldn't feel safer walking into the food store knowing everyone was armed, (Apparently that is the thought process of some people).

-I also don't think it's necessary to own a gun that can blow a hole through an elephant for your "home protection".

That's not to say Im not OK with everyone having the right to own a firearm since that is stated very clearly in the constitution. (One small handgun, I think would suffice, secured at home. Because if someone does break into your house, you can't grab 10 rifles at once to make sure everything is secure, so obviously that doesn't make sense either)

If you are a hunter, or even just enjoy going to the shooting range, as a hobby, I also think that is really cool, and you should be allowed to "carry" the firearm outside with the appropriate registration, background check, ect.

Someone like me, (with no criminal history, or any legal issues, drug/alcohol problem, child support, and any other issues, ect) would not be allowed to walk into a store, and walk out with a gun, right? I've never even touched one before, so I obviously lack any safety skills necessary I would think.


And what does concealed carry license mean? That you can bring your loaded hunting rifle with you to Walmart? I was talking to my dad and both of us don't really understand, but can someone just clarify that no one in Walmart, who isn't a police officer, is carrying a loaded gun with them, correct? (I mean not legally)

Can someone explain to my in terms I can understand "Gun Laws" in Texas, because just from reading about it, I now have begun locking my doors at night.

[77030]

Welcome to Texas! Feel free to go back to New Jersey any time you like...

[Htown2013]

Originally Posted by newtotexas11

Hi,
I just recently moved to the Houston area from Atlantic City, New Jersey, so it is actually a bigger change than I would have thought. One thing I can say is your state is very lucky not to have casinos, (many might disagree, but unless you have spent over a decade in Atlantic City or Las Vegas, then I'd say your opinion is useless).

One thing I'm curious about is this, (and mind you, this is the first time I've ever seen something like this before), I was reading the newspaper, and I saw an Advertisement for a Gun shop. It had like coupons/discounts, or something. I thought it was a joke for a minute, but I then saw a Bilboard for a local "Gun SHow",

I don't know if this is crazy, but not only have I never shot a gun, I've never even held one. I've never heard of "gun shows" or even a store where you can buy a gun.

It does not exist in New Jersey I have lived there my whole life. Now I really have no interest in owning a gun, and No, I wouldn't feel safer walking into the food store knowing everyone was armed, (Apparently that is the thought process of some people).

-I also don't think it's necessary to own a gun that can blow a hole through an elephant for your "home protection".

That's not to say Im not OK with everyone having the right to own a firearm since that is stated very clearly in the constitution. (One small handgun, I think would suffice, secured at home. Because if someone does break into your house, you can't grab 10 rifles at once to make sure everything is secure, so obviously that doesn't make sense either)

If you are a hunter, or even just enjoy going to the shooting range, as a hobby, I also think that is really cool, and you should be allowed to "carry" the firearm outside with the appropriate registration, background check, ect.

Someone like me, (with no criminal history, or any legal issues, drug/alcohol problem, child support, and any other issues, ect) would not be allowed to walk into a store, and walk out with a gun, right? I've never even touched one before, so I obviously lack any safety skills necessary I would think.


And what does concealed carry license mean? That you can bring your loaded hunting rifle with you to Walmart? I was talking to my dad and both of us don't really understand, but can someone just clarify that no one in Walmart, who isn't a police officer, is carrying a loaded gun with them, correct? (I mean not legally)

Can someone explain to my in terms I can understand "Gun Laws" in Texas, because just from reading about it, I now have begun locking my doors at night.

Good to lock your doors at night anywhere. Criminals anywhere have guns and can get guns. I never thought of NJ as being safe. Texas gun laws just make it easier for law abiding citizens to get guns without going through onerous and expensive procedures.

[texas7]

Yes you have people with loaded guns in the Walmart. Yes you could walk in and buy a gun at a gun shop whether you've held one or not. Concealed carry means you can buy your gun, attend a class, shoot at the target and if you pass and have no criminal background,my out are issued a concealed handgun license (chl). You can even borrow a gun to take your shooting test with -- you don't have to own the gun you test with. Concealed carry means you can have it in your person but it must be concealed from public view.

[CountryCowboy]

This is Texas, where men and women, and children when they are old enough, have carried firearms since they first came into existence. Firearms are a part of the culture because people needed them for self-defense, hunting, protection against animals (two and four legged ones), common defense (keeping invaders and ransackers out), and preserving law and order, along with other uses. Wild Wild West and all that. Most of us grew up with guns, and have been shooting all our lives.

The fact that you have never handled or owned a gun means you have missed out on a lot of fun (just shooting tin cans with a .22 rifle is quite entertaining). I have taught a number of men and women how to shoot, and the men all think it is cool, and the women find it empowering and thrilling. You really should try it sometime. Nothing like some good clean and loud explosive fun to make people smile.

To buy a rifle or pistol, from a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer (gun store owner) you have to have a Texas drivers license and fill out the required paperwork to pass the NCIS background investigation before you can be approved to purchase a firearm. Most dealers will happily show first time buyers what guns are about, help you pick one that meets your needs and fits your hands or upper body. They also usually have an indoor range where you can learn firearms safety from trained instructors. A firearm is not a toy, and if you do not know how to handle one safely, do everyone a favor and learn from a professional so you don't hurt or kill yourself or anyone else.

To have a Concealed Handgun License you have to pass an extensive and comprehensive background check, pass a required class of training on laws and liability, prove you know how to handle a gun, and qualify on a shooting range before you can be certified to carry a handgun concealed.

People can legally carry concealed where allowed by law. The guy next to you may be carrying. An armed society is a polite society.

Gun laws are laws you have to obey, Federal and State, to lawfully own, possess in your vehicle, carry on your person, and so on. In New Jersey, gun control is draconian and a product of a nanny state mentality. In Texas, people are free and we enjoy our liberty that our fathers fought for and gave to us. My ancestors were Texas cavalry riders. If it wasn't for them, you would not been able to leave New Jersey unless you had a passport or visa, and could speak a foreign or native language.

I inherited firearms from my father's father. I own the same rifle my father carried in the Korean War. I go shooting every chance I get at ranges open to the general public or on private land. Firearms keep us free and keep our enemies from harming our people. You should own one or more than one, because it is not only a great recreational sport, it is a time honored tradition and heritage that our forefathers gave their lives to ensure we would live free and could defend that freedom.

Welcome to Texas! Enjoy your freedom! And don't be afraid to try your hand at shooting. It is the greatest sport in the world if you ask me, and anyone who actually knows will agree. With a smile.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by newtotexas11

Hi,

One thing I'm curious about is this, (and mind you, this is the first time I've ever seen something like this before), I was reading the newspaper, and I saw an Advertisement for a Gun shop. It had like coupons/discounts, or something. I thought it was a joke for a minute, but I then saw a Bilboard for a local "Gun SHow",

I don't know if this is crazy, but not only have I never shot a gun, I've never even held one. I've never heard of "gun shows" or even a store where you can buy a gun.

It does not exist in New Jersey I have lived there my whole life. Now I really have no interest in owning a gun, and No, I wouldn't feel safer walking into the food store knowing everyone was armed, (Apparently that is the thought process of some people).

Gun shops exist in New Jersey.

This one is in Winslow, NJ
Banger's Sports Shop: Winslow, NJ: Firearms, Gun Repair, Archery Equipment

Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City sells guns..
Guns | Bass Pro Shops

They even have some gun shows according to this website
New Jersey Gun Shows - 2015 New Jersey Gun Show Calendar

New Jersey even does have ccls. You might be surprised at who is carrying there. But they are limited.
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Information

May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents
Issuance of the permit is almost completely discretionary, and New Jersey courts have upheld the policy of strictly limiting permits “to persons pecifically employed in security work . . . and to others who can establish an urgent necessity for carrying guns for self-protection.”

New Jersey Concealed Carry - Conceal Carry HQConceal Carry HQ

[ipuck]

Originally Posted by newtotexas11

Can someone explain to my in terms I can understand "Gun Laws" in Texas, because just from reading about it, I now have begun locking my doors at night.

Seriously? Atlantic City the oldest ghetto in the East Coast and you worry about guns?

This must be a joke right.

I guess you are right somewhat. Only the thugs there have guns there.

[Dopo]

Seems hypocritical to say that Texas is a "Pro-small government" state but you can get thrown in jail if you are caught gambling in your house.

[houstonfan]

Yep, you got it right OP. Texas is a free wheelin', zippadee daying, gun-toting, tail-gating kinda state.

[Svensk08]

Let's hope the OP will soon realize that it's reasonably safe to live in a state where so many of us have a concealed carry permit. There's a lot more important stuff to worry about.

And even if he/she lives in far suburbia, it's plain ol' common sense to keep exterior doors and vehicles locked at all times.