Straight answers from a licensed Texas FFL dealer. This is general information, not legal advice — laws change, and your situation may differ. Current as of mid-2026. When in doubt, call us at (844) 845-9100.
Buying a Gun in Texas
Do I need a license or permit to buy a gun in Texas?
No. Texas does not require a permit, license, or registration to purchase or own a firearm. You’ll complete a federal background check at the time of purchase (unless you hold a Texas License to Carry — see below), and that’s it.
What do I need to bring to buy a gun?
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID showing your current address — for most people that’s a Texas driver’s license. If your ID doesn’t show your current address, bring a supporting government document (like a vehicle registration) that does.
How does the background check work?
You’ll fill out ATF Form 4473 at our shop, and we run your information through NICS, the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Most checks come back in minutes. Some are delayed for further review — that’s common and usually resolves within a few days.
I have a Texas License to Carry. Does that speed things up?
Yes. A valid Texas LTC serves as an alternative to the NICS check, so there’s no waiting on the background check system. You still complete the Form 4473.
How old do I have to be?
Federal law sets the minimum age to buy from a licensed dealer at 18 for rifles and shotguns. For handguns, the long-standing federal minimum has been 21, though recent court rulings have affected how that applies to 18-to-20-year-olds in Texas — ask us about the current state of the law when you book.
Is there a waiting period in Texas?
No. Texas has no waiting period. Once your background check clears, you take your firearm home the same visit.
Can I buy a gun as a gift for someone else?
A genuine gift is legal — buying a firearm with your own money to give to someone who can legally own it. What’s illegal is a straw purchase: buying a gun on behalf of someone else who can’t pass a background check or doesn’t want their name on the paperwork. That’s a federal felony. If you’re gift shopping, tell us — we’ll walk you through doing it right.
I don’t live in Texas. Can I buy from you?
Rifles and shotguns — yes, in person, as long as the sale complies with both Texas law and your home state’s law. Handguns must be transferred through a dealer in your home state; we can sell you the handgun and ship it to your local FFL.
NFA Items — Suppressors, SBRs & More
Are suppressors legal in Texas?
Yes. Suppressors are legal to own in Texas and legal to use for hunting here. You just have to buy one through the federal NFA process — which is exactly what we handle for you, paperwork guided end to end.
Is the $200 tax stamp really gone?
Mostly, yes. As of January 1, 2026, the federal tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs dropped from $200 to $0. The registration process itself — Form 4, fingerprints, photo, background check — still applies. Machine guns and destructive devices still carry the $200 tax.
How long does NFA approval take?
It varies. Electronic Form 4 filings have gotten dramatically faster in recent years — many approvals come back in days to a few weeks rather than the months-long waits of the past. We file electronically and keep you posted at every step.
Should I buy my suppressor as an individual or through a trust?
Both work. A trust makes it easier to share use with family members and simplifies what happens to your NFA items down the road; buying as an individual is simpler up front. We’ll lay out the trade-offs plainly when you book — no pressure either way.
Transfers & Special Orders
Can I buy a gun online and have it shipped to you?
Yes — that’s an everyday thing. The seller ships to us, we receive and log the firearm, and you complete the background check and pickup here. Our transfer fee is $50 for a standard firearm and $100 for NFA items. Full details on our FFL Transfers page.
What if I can’t find what I want in your inventory?
Tell us what you want — we’ll get it. We’re a special-order shop at heart: give us the make and model, we source it, quote it clean, and set an appointment for pickup. And anything you buy through us transfers free.
Why is everything by appointment?
Because you get our full attention. Every visit is one-on-one with a dealer who has time for your questions — no counter crowd, no rush. Book an appointment at our Weatherford or Shavano Park location and see the difference.