Help answer a question

[RPBrown]

There was a visitor to our lodge last night that asked me if there was somewhere he could lock up his weapon. I took him to a back room and opened the safe that we all lock up our weapons during lodge. (I know but it is against lodge rules to carry into the lodge room and we have someone very close to retrieve if necessary). He handed me his weapon and it was an air pistol. All parts of it looked like a Cold Defender except it was very light. He proceeded to tell me that he could carry it concealed without a license. I told him that even if he could, that could get him dead if he came upon someone with a real gun intending to do him harm. We left it at that and went on into the lodge.

So, this got me to thinking (bad thing). Since these air guns can cause injury, and the fact that they look real, can you legally carry without a CHL?

[RogueUSMC]

Your first 'knee-jerk' was right on target...it could get him dead. I think this trumps the legal parameters for carrying it...

[jmra]

My question would be, "why". Why not just get a CHL and carry a real firearm?

[Keith B]

Firearm is specifically defined in TPC 46.02 as 'any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance...'

So, an air gun does not qualify as a firearm, and is not defined anywhere in Chapter 46, so while it really isn't illegal, as others have said it isn't very smart as it would not be a match for a real gun in a gun fight.

[RPBrown]

I didn't say he was the brightest light on the tree. Last night was our first meeting and he didn't really try to make friends. Not sure if he will be back but he will have to make a better impression on people to become a member. BTW, I jst read his visitors card and he is from NYC. No wonder.

[Keith B]

NEW YORK CITY!?

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=ooPBXfnIpYI[/youtube]

[gthaustex]

NEW YORK CITY!?

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=ooPBXfnIpYI[/youtube]

I remember that advert...

[CainA]

AirSoft or BB/Pellet gun? Not that it matters, I just may have a follow-up question depending on the answer.

[RPBrown]

AirSoft or BB/Pellet gun? Not that it matters, I just may have a follow-up question depending on the answer.

Pellet

[CainA]

Thanks...no follow up based on that answer.

[gdanaher]

This is the sort of guy who would flash a chl badge.

Maybe he is carrying an air gun becauae he isn't qualified to have a chl. Lots of folks out there with records they aren't too proud of.

[Dadtodabone]

I'd rather have a knife! And we all know the old saw about "Bringing a knife to a gun fight!" A pellet gun? Really?

[TexasCajun]

I think this falls under "just because you can doesn't mean you should". Since he's from NYC, it's a safe bet that he's fairly uneducated about firearms & even more so about Texas CHL. Maybe you could contact him to try and take him under your wing. Any convert is a plus. A convert from either lib-coast is a big plus!

[Shinesintx]

Seriously, y'all needed to make fun of the guy. What's the worst that could happen? Maybe have to pry out a bb from under the skin?

[Trele6]

Seriously, y'all needed to make fun of the guy. What's the worst that could happen? Maybe have to pry out a bb from under the skin?

Ever seen "The Christmas Story"? You'll shoot your eye out kid!