Texas gun culture is not a slogan. It’s an ecosystem that stretches from the Gulf Coast marshes to Panhandle plains, from dove leases in the Hill Country to indoor ranges tucked behind strip malls in Austin and Houston. If you’ve stood on the firing line at a USPSA match in Dallas, hunted the evening shift over a corn feeder in South Texas, or sweated through an appendix-carry class in August humidity, you start to recognize the pattern. Certain handguns keep showing up in holsters. Certain rifles ride in trucks. Certain shotguns lean in utility rooms when the dog barks at night. This guide lays out the most common guns in Texas today—what Texans actually own, carry, and use—grounded in state-specific data and the on-the-ground reality at ranges and ranch gates.
This isn’t a generic national “most popular” list. It’s built on a blend of sources that reflect the Texas market: ATF trace summaries for Texas, FBI NICS data with a state lens, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) License to Carry reports, state hunting participation trends, retailer top sellers that dominate in Texas (especially Academy, Cabela’s, Bass Pro, and GunBroker marketplace data), plus Google search interest filtered to Texas. Those numbers get paired with what you see in classes, matches, and hunting parties across the state: what people actually shoot, carry, and trust.
Top Picks at a Glance
Handguns
- Glock 19: The default Texas carry gun for folks who want a do-it-all 9mm with parts, holsters, and mags everywhere.
- Glock 17: A little bigger, a little easier to shoot fast; a favorite for duty carry, bedside, and training.
- Sig P365 family: The micro-compact that fits Texas heat; serious capacity in a small frame.
- Smith & Wesson M&P9 and Shield: Bread-and-butter 9mm choices; reliable, affordable, often on sale at Academy.
- Springfield Hellcat: Another micro-compact that wins over summer carriers and small-handed shooters.
- Taurus TX22: Texas-sized appetite for cheap .22 LR practice; light, fun, and surprisingly shootable.
Rifles
- AR-15 variants (5.56/.223): The Texas truck rifle, the hog-control workhorse, the match rifle, the range toy—often all the above.
- Ruger 10/22: Everybody’s .22, from youth camp rifles to backyard pest control.
- Ruger American Rifle (.308/6.5): The budget bolt that fills a lot of deer tags.
- Savage Axis (.308/6.5): Equally common on leases where function matters more than brand.
Shotguns
- Mossberg 500/590: Texas’ pump-action standby for home defense and rough-country chores.
- Remington 870: The other pump you see in pickup racks, duck blinds, and behind bedroom doors.
That’s the thumbnail list. Now let’s dig into why these particular models and calibers dominate, how Texans actually use them, and how the law intersects with ownership and carry, without getting lost in statute-speak.
How This List Was Built
A quick word on method matters because firearm “popularity” is a slippery thing. No single dataset captures what Texans own and carry.
- ATF firearm trace data: This shows guns recovered and traced by law enforcement in Texas. It tilts toward crime and older guns but reliably highlights what’s common in circulation. In Texas, semiautomatic pistols dominate trace types, with 9mm leading the pack.
- FBI NICS: Background checks aren’t one-to-one with sales, but Texas is consistently near the top for checks. Month-to-month spikes correlate with regional demand (hunting seasons, election anxiety, retailer promotions).
- Texas DPS LTC data: The license-to-carry program breaks down semiauto versus revolver qualification rates and sometimes calibers. Semiauto pistols overwhelmingly outnumber revolvers among LTC holders, reflecting what people actually carry.
- Retailer and marketplace snapshots: Texas-heavy retailers—Academy in particular—consistently promote M&P, Glock, and Hellcat models, while GunBroker top sellers and Cabela’s/Bass Pro lists reinforce AR-15 and budget bolt-rifle dominance.
- Google Trends filtered to Texas: Model-specific search interest corroborates what you see in stores and classes: Glock 19 and P365 have staying power; AR-15 interest is perennial; shotgun searches spike around dove.
- Field observation: Ranges, matches (USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, 3-Gun), and hunting operations reflect what stays on the waistline and what keeps riding in trucks year after year. In Texas, the pattern is unmistakable.
Handguns Texans Carry and Own Most
The most common handguns in Texas center on polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistols. That’s true in every metro area and on most rural lease roads. Revolvers still matter—especially as heirlooms and simple nightstand guns—but they’re a minority in carry classes and holster aisles.
Glock 19: The Texas default
If you walk into any training day at a Houston indoor range or a three-gun warm-up in Fort Worth, the Glock 19 is everywhere. Why it’s so popular in Texas isn’t mysterious.
- Climate and concealment: The Glock 19 strikes that sweet spot—concealable under a t-shirt nine months of the year, large enough to shoot well when sweat drips onto your glasses.
- Parts and support: Mags, holsters, triggers, sights, and spares are everywhere. If your range bag lacks a part, someone else on your relay will have it.
- Reliability and simplicity: It’s a pistol you can hand to a buddy at the lease and trust it to run with basic lube and off-the-shelf ammo.
- Cross-over use: It does carry, it does class, it does bedside duty, and it does match day in a pinch.
Glock 17: The big brother makes the list
The Glock 17 is the “trainer’s pistol” across much of Texas. Duty holsters at constable offices, IDPA shooters who prefer the longer sight radius, and farmhands who aren’t bothering with concealment gravitate to the 17. In suburban homes, the 17 often sits in a rapid-access safe, with a weapon light and a red dot. With no statewide magazine limits, standard capacity draws no legal attention in Texas, and the full-size mag is simply less fussy.
Sig P365 family: Micro-compact capacity meets Texas heat
The P365 cracked the code for hot-weather carry in Texas. It packs real capacity into a slim micro footprint without punishing recoil. In Austin, San Antonio, and Houston especially, this is the gun that disappears under lightweight clothing. The optics-ready variants are ubiquitous, and many Texans have taken to pairing a P365 with a Glock 19 or M&P—micro for out-and-about, mid-size for home and training. At ranges, you’ll see the P365XL and X-Macro as the “I shoot this better” choice for those who want P365 ergonomics with a bit more grip.
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 and M&P Shield
If Texas had a second state handgun, the M&P family would make the ballot. Academy Sports constantly runs promotions on the Shield and M&P9, and that matters; price and availability drive a huge share of first purchases. The M&P series is comfortable, accurate, optic-ready in many trims, and supported by holsters at every mom-and-pop gun shop from Waco to Weslaco. For new Texas carriers who want something familiar-feeling and easy to manage recoil-wise, the Shield remains a gateway pistol.
Springfield Hellcat
The Hellcat is the other half of the P365 story. It’s common on Texas hips not because of marketing but because it shoots like a bigger gun and carries like a smaller one. The Hellcat Pro variant in particular is a sweet spot for many Texans who want a thin slide for comfort in an appendix rig with the shootability of a compact. In warm months, the Hellcat’s textured frame and carry optics options make it feel like a custom rig right out of the box.
Taurus TX22
The caliber is soft, but the ownership is not. The Taurus TX22 is in truck consoles and range bags statewide as the “let’s shoot a brick of .22” gun. Youth camps run by instructors who volunteer with Texas Parks & Wildlife use .22s to bring new shooters along safely and cheaply. The TX22’s ergonomic feel and reliable magazines have made it a staple for rimfire steel nights and backyard pest dispatching where safe and legal.
Texas concealed carry handgun preferences
- Semiauto vs revolver: DPS qualification statistics tilt dramatically toward semiauto, mirroring what shows up in classes. Most Texans who carry daily prefer a micro or compact 9mm with a modern holster.
- Popular 9mm in Texas: 9mm wins on cost, capacity, and recoil management. It dominates both NICS-linked purchases and class rosters.
- Texas appendix carry vs OWB: In summer, appendix carry dominates among trained carriers because it conceals better under lightweight shirts. In winter, OWB with a cover garment shows up more often. Holster quality and belt rigidity are non-negotiables either way.
- Texas truck gun pistol: The idea of a dedicated “truck pistol” persists, usually a Glock 19/17 or comparable compact that can ride securely in a lockbox. The key word is securely; vehicle break-ins are a reality in metro areas.
Rifles Texans Lean On
The AR-15 in Texas: ubiquitous and legal
The AR-15 is legal in Texas for adults who can legally possess firearms under state and federal law. Texas has no state-level “assault weapon” ban. Federal law still controls items like short-barreled rifles and suppressors, and Texans who use those tools for hog control or hunting go through the federal process. Within that framework, the AR-15 is plainly the most common rifle platform in the state.
Why it’s so popular here:
- Hog and predator control: Landowners and hunters use AR-15s loaded with bonded or monolithic bullets to anchor hogs and coyotes. Night hunts have exploded in popularity with thermal optics.
- Training and sport: Three-gun matches around Dallas–Fort Worth and Central Texas, plus tactical carbine classes that run year-round, keep ARs front and center.
- Parts and price: Entry-level ARs from Smith & Wesson (M&P15), Ruger (AR-556), and Palmetto State Armory sell briskly. Upgrades and local gunsmiths are plentiful. When a part fails, another is a short drive away.
- Barrel length and configuration: Most Texans run 16-inch carbines in 5.56 NATO, with midlength gas systems popular for smoother recoil impulse. Free-float handguards and LPVOs (low-power variable optics) dominate on the training and hunting side.
5.56 vs .223 in Texas
The AR’s native chamber in 5.56 NATO accepts .223 Remington; rifles marked .223 may not safely run 5.56. In Texas, most ARs are 5.56-chambered, and that’s useful. It opens a wide selection of bulk practice ammo, plus hunting loads suited to deer-sized game where legal and ethical, and ideal for hogs with the right bullet. Out on the coastal prairie or in mesquite and blackbrush, a 62–77 grain bonded or copper bullet can be a very capable hog tool.
The Ruger 10/22: training, pests, and fun
The Ruger 10/22 is the .22 that shows up everywhere. Youth rifles at camps, suppressed ranch rifles for varmint dispatching (where legal), and Steel Challenge rigs all lean on the 10/22’s reliability. Out in rural counties, you find them behind kitchen doors where snakes are unwelcome and feed bins attract gnawers. Inside urban areas, they live at indoor ranges as the entry ramp for new shooters.
Bolt-action deer rifles: Ruger American Rifle and Savage Axis
Walk into any Hill Country processor during deer season and watch the rifle cases come through the door. Bolt guns from Ruger and Savage dominate, especially in .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. Why these two?
- Cost-to-accuracy: They shoot straight, they don’t demand a gunsmith, and package deals often include a decent optic.
- Cartridge availability: .308 is the Texas two-step of calibers—ubiquitous and trusted. 6.5 Creedmoor carved out a loyal following for flatter trajectories across senderos and powerline cuts, and its recoil is friendly to smaller-framed shooters.
- Modularity: Stocks, rails, and triggers are easy to upgrade, but many Texans leave them as-is. Inside 300 yards, the deer can’t tell the price tag on your rifle.
A word on lever guns and .30-30
The Marlin and Winchester .30-30s are woven into Texas hunting history. They still show up on leases, particularly where shots are short and tradition runs strong. But if you’re counting what’s most commonly purchased and carried today, modern bolts and ARs outnumber lever guns on retail receipts. The love persists; the sales crown, less so.
Shotguns for Home Defense and Bird Season
When you hear a pump run in a Texas hallway, odds are it’s a Mossberg 500/590 or a Remington 870. Those two models also anchor a huge percentage of dove and duck guns, especially in budget-conscious households where one shotgun must do everything.
Mossberg 500/590
- Home defense: Ambidextrous safety location on top of the receiver, track record for durability, and loads of accessories. The 590 variants with heavier barrels and extended tubes are common behind bedroom doors.
- Field: With a 26–28 inch barrel and a simple choke change, the same shotgun moves to dove fields and duck blinds. Texans like gear that works across seasons.
Remington 870
- Legacy and ubiquity: The 870 built a reputation that lasts, and even in a patchy production era, there are enough used and new guns on racks to keep it popular.
- Aftermarket: Chokes, barrels, and furniture options make it easy to set up once for home and once for birds.
12 gauge vs 20 gauge in Texas
12 gauge is still the most common shotgun bore for Texans. The sheer range of load options, from light target to heavy duck steel to defensive buckshot, keeps it on top. That said, 20 gauge has carved out a healthy slice among smaller shooters and those who spend the most time on dove and quail. Inside the home, low-recoil 12-gauge loads exist and are widely available, but the 20’s softer push is appealing for some households. For a lot of bird hunters who bring kids or spouses into the field, the 20 gauge becomes the family gun.
Dove hunting shotgun preferences
Dove season is cultural in Texas. For many shooters, it’s the first hunt of the year and the biggest social event outdoors. Pumps still rule in many towns because they’re affordable and tough. Semi-auto shotguns—Beretta A300, Stoeger M3000, and similar—have gained ground as their price and reliability improved, but the 500/590 and 870 still lead in sheer numbers. If you walk a sunflower field outside Uvalde or climb into a mesquite cluster near Abilene on opening day, you’ll see both in the wild.
Most Common Calibers and Ammo Texans Buy
Ammunition availability drives ownership as much as the other way around. In Texas, these are the calibers you’ll find stacked high at Academy and quickly claimed on sale weekends.
Common calibers in Texas and why they matter
- 9mm Luger: The dominant handgun caliber for concealed carry and training. Cheap enough to practice, ballistically competent with modern defensive loads.
- 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington: AR-15 lifeblood; plentiful training ammo and plentiful hunting loads, with a clear distinction between plinking rounds and bullets suited to game.
- 12 gauge: Home defense and bird hunting king, with choices from low-recoil target to heavy duck steel to defensive buckshot.
- .22 Long Rifle: The everyman rimfire. Snap caps and dry-fire are great; .22 LR keeps the real reps cheap and fun.
- .308 Winchester: A deer and hog anchor for decades; ammo at every big-box and rural hardware store.
- 6.5 Creedmoor: Strong foothold for flatter shooting and friendly recoil; widely stocked at Texas retailers.
- .300 Blackout: Popular for suppressed hog rifles and short barrels. Ammunition is easier to find now than ever, though it remains costlier than .223.
Simple comparison table
| Caliber | Common Texas role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm | Concealed carry, duty, training | Most common handgun caliber; wide selection of defensive loads. |
| 5.56/.223 | AR-15 for training, varmint, hogs | 5.56 chamber preferred; match the bullet to the job. |
| 12 ga | Home defense, dove, duck | Most flexible; 20 ga for recoil-sensitive shooters. |
| .22 LR | Practice, pests, youth shooters | Cheap, quiet, and confidence-building. |
| .308 Win | Deer/hog bolt guns | Proven performance statewide; plentiful ammunition. |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Deer/hog, longer shots | Flatter trajectory; popular among new hunters. |
| .300 BLK | Suppressed hogs, short ARs | Good with subsonics and quality expanding bullets. |
Use-Case Breakdowns: What Texans Actually Do With Their Guns
Concealed carry in a hot state
Carrying in Texas means managing heat and concealment nine months out of the year. That’s a powerful reason micro-compacts own such a big share of the “most carried handguns in Texas” conversation. Appendix carry has surged because it conceals better with minimal cover garments and gives fast access; belt quality and holster design make or break safety and comfort. A compact like a Glock 19 remains common among those who can dress around it, especially in professional environments where untucked polos and light jackets are feasible.
Truck guns, with caution
The phrase “truck gun” shows up a lot in Texas. It often means a mid-size 9mm pistol or a basic AR-15 kept for ranch chores, long commutes, or late returns from the job site. Texans understand that unattended vehicles are soft targets, especially around Houston, Dallas, and Austin. The serious ones invest in lockboxes bolted to the vehicle and set a hard rule: the gun is either on your person or locked. For ranch use in remote areas, a beater AR with a durable optic and a sling is a common sight.
Home defense: shotgun, carbine, or pistol?
- Shotguns are still first choice in many households. A pump 12 gauge with a light, stocked with a well-patterned load, is simple to explain to every adult in the home.
- Carbines have gained favor where people worry about recoil and accuracy under stress. A 16-inch AR with a white light and a red dot is highly manageable for new shooters and holds more rounds than a shotgun. Good defensive ammo choices can balance performance and wall penetration concerns.
- Pistols fill the “I can access it fastest” role. Many Texans stage a handgun inside a quick-access safe and back it up with a long gun in a secondary location.
Hog hunting: the never-ending season
Texas hogs have created their own industry. Guides run thermal hunts nightly; farmers and ranchers coordinate culls; casual hunters bring an AR along when they head to the deer lease. Popular setups:
- AR-15 in 5.56 with bonded bullets and a good white or IR light.
- AR in .300 Blackout for suppressed night work, trading distance for thump and quiet.
- Bolt guns in .308 or 6.5 for hunting within deer season frameworks and stand shots at feeders.
Texans discover quickly that bullet construction matters more than caliber labels. Hogs are tough. Choose projectiles designed to expand and penetrate.
Deer season: whitetails from Llano to the Senderos of South Texas
Hill Country whitetails fall every season to budget bolt guns in .308 and 6.5. In West Texas winds, shooters appreciate heavier bullets in .308 or sleek 6.5s. In South Texas brush country, shots stretch along senderos, and a clear LPVO or a 3–9x stays simple and effective. Ruger American and Savage Axis rifles have democratized the deer scene, giving new hunters rifles that shoot tighter groups than most folks can hold at practical ranges.
Bird hunting: doves bring the state together
Clustered lawn chairs, big coolers, dogs that sometimes sit and sometimes don’t—dove opens with more laughter than solemnity. Pumps still earn the day for many Texas families. Semi-autos smooth the recoil and make high-volume shoots easier, but if you’re counting pump actions in the fields around Uvalde, San Angelo, or north of Lubbock, the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 make up a huge chunk of them.
City and Regional Notes
Houston
Houston’s humid sprawl shapes carry choices. Micro-compacts like the P365 and Hellcat are extremely common for daily carry because you can hide them under breathable shirts without rearranging your wardrobe. The city’s training scene is robust—indoor ranges pack evening classes, and you’ll see Glock 19s, P365s, and M&P9s in balanced proportion. On the rifle side, hog hunting south and west of Houston keeps AR-15s in heavy rotation. Shotgun shelves at big-box stores tell the rest of the story every late summer: pallets of dove loads disappear fast.
Dallas–Fort Worth
DFW shoots. USPSA, IDPA, Three-Gun, and carbine classes set the tone. AR-15s are everywhere, often with LPVOs or red dot/magnifier combos. Glock 17s and 19s are the match and training guns; P365s and 43Xs show up in concealed carry courses but cede match day to compacts. In the suburbs, home defense setups trend toward carbines with good lights—plenty of shooters invest in training and run dedicated bedside rifles.
Austin
Austin’s carry culture leans modern: optics-ready micro-compacts, appendix rigs from boutique holster makers, and red dots on everything. The “best concealed carry gun in Austin” conversation tends to chase comfortable, thin options you can hide under tech-casual clothing. On the range, you’ll see more dry-fire gadgets and a slightly higher rate of pistol-mounted optics. Hunting culture is strong just west of town in the Hill Country, so bolt guns in 6.5 and .308 are a common second purchase.
San Antonio
Military proximity shapes a lot of San Antonio’s preferences. Glocks and Sigs hold sway. Local gun shows are busy, and AR-15 sales stay strong. The south and southwest of the city lead quickly into hog and deer country, so rifles are as common in SA garages as they are in the suburbs of Dallas.
Hill Country
The Hill Country has its own pace: deer, hog, and axis hunts define the calendar. Bolt guns rule when tags come out, but it’s common to see a lever gun ride along for an evening check of feeders. Suppressors show up more often here, used legally for hog work where they tame recoil and noise. The most popular calibers mirror the state, but .243 holds onto a loyal group of hunters who grew up with it and keep it in the family safe.
Panhandle and West Texas
Wind and distance shape choices. .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor thrive here, often with sturdier optics that track well. Predators are part of the picture, and ARs in .223 and .22-250 bolt guns share the role. In ranch trucks, a Mossberg pump and a .22 ride alongside the bigger tools.
Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend
Bird hunting is a lifestyle. Pumps and semi-autos both show well, with an uptick in waterfowl gear and shot sizes that reflect local regulations and habitat. For home defense, the 12-gauge pump is still the default in many households.
Legal Context in Texas: A Practical Summary
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Firearms laws change, and local nuances matter. Texans should check the Texas Department of Public Safety and their local authorities before making decisions.
Are AR-15s legal in Texas?
Yes. Texas does not ban AR-15 style rifles. Ownership follows federal law. Short-barreled rifles and suppressors are regulated by federal law. Texans who use suppressors for hog or predator control typically follow the federal process to possess them legally.
Texas constitutional carry basics
Texas allows many adults who can legally possess a firearm to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a license. A License to Carry (LTC) still offers benefits: generally smoother firearm purchases from dealers, additional training requirements met, and reciprocity for travel to other states. Even in a permitless framework, some locations remain off-limits to carrying, and signage matters.
Where carry is restricted
Common prohibited or restricted locations include:
- Secured areas of airports
- Certain government buildings and courthouses
- Schools, with narrow exceptions
- Businesses deriving most revenue from on-premises alcohol (51% signage)
- Private property where effective notice is given via signage (30.06/30.07 for LTC, 30.05 for general trespass notice)
Check statutes and posted signs. Property rights are strong in Texas; a sign can change your legal status quickly.
Private gun sale laws in Texas
Texas does not mandate background checks for private sales between residents conducted wholly inside the state. It is illegal to sell to someone you know or reasonably should know is prohibited. Many Texans still choose to use a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to broker a private sale for peace of mind.
Background check requirements
Purchases from licensed dealers require a background check unless a valid LTC or similar qualifying credential allows an alternate processing route. Dealers will guide you through the process. NICS checks are routine and fast in most circumstances.
Vehicle carry and storage
Adults who can legally possess firearms may generally keep a firearm in their vehicle. Responsible Texans lock firearms in vehicles to reduce theft and follow local rules in school zones or other sensitive areas. If you’re transporting long guns to a lease, covering and securing them is standard practice.
Safe storage and minors
Texas law penalizes making a firearm accessible to a child. Locking devices and safes aren’t just legal protection; they are the cultural norm among responsible gun owners statewide.
Most Common Guns in Texas: Quick Reference Table
| Model | Category | Why Texans buy it |
|---|---|---|
| Glock 19 | Handgun | Balanced size for carry and training; parts everywhere. |
| Glock 17 | Handgun | Easy shooter for duty/home; training staple. |
| Sig P365 family | Handgun | Conceals in the heat; strong capacity for size. |
| S&W M&P9 / Shield | Handgun | Reliable, often discounted at Texas retailers. |
| Springfield Hellcat | Handgun | Micro-compact that shoots above its size. |
| Taurus TX22 | Handgun | Cheap practice, great ergonomics, rimfire fun. |
| AR-15 (5.56/.223) | Rifle | Versatile, widely legal, hog control and training. |
| Ruger 10/22 | Rifle | Ubiquitous rimfire for youth and practice. |
| Ruger American (.308/6.5) | Rifle | Budget bolt that fills tags. |
| Savage Axis (.308/6.5) | Rifle | Accurate, affordable deer/hog rifle. |
| Mossberg 500/590 | Shotgun | Home defense and field workhorse. |
| Remington 870 | Shotgun | Legacy pump with broad support. |
Crime trace data versus lawful ownership
ATF trace data for Texas often shows a heavy tilt toward semiautomatic pistols, with 9mm leading. That aligns with what Texans buy. But trace data is not a sales report. It reflects gun recoveries by law enforcement and can be heavily influenced by thefts and time-to-crime lag. Revolvers may appear overrepresented relative to new sales because older guns circulate longer before recovery. When you compare trace summaries with retailer top sellers and LTC qualification stats, the picture converges: modern 9mm pistols lead, AR-15s are everywhere, and budget bolt rifles own deer season.
Buying Trends and Availability in Texas
Academy Sports has a gravitational pull in Texas. Its endcaps often decide what new shooters buy. Regular sales on M&P Shields, Glock pistols, budget ARs, and package bolt rifles drive volume. Cabela’s and Bass Pro push similar sets—especially combo deals on Savages and Rugers that include an optic. Independent shops round it out with better service, on-hand gunsmithing, and more thoughtful holster and accessory curation.
What you see on the shelf:
- 9mm pistols win the glass case, with optics-ready slides and night sights common out of the box.
- AR-15s from Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and a rotating cast of house brands stack high.
- Shotguns: Mossberg pumps in both defensive and field lengths, and a handful of entry semi-autos.
- Bolt rifles: Ruger American and Savage Axis in .308 and 6.5, with occasional .243 runs.
- Ammo: 9mm, .223/5.56, and 12 gauge dominate inventory; .22 LR fills the gaps. Rural stores keep .308 in steady supply.
Accessories mirror the trend. Holosun and similar optics brands are frequently mounted on carry pistols and ARs. LPVOs have become the common AR optic statewide; red dots with flip-to-side magnifiers trail close behind.
Maintenance, Training, and Culture
Guns that are common stay common because people can support them. In Texas, support looks like this:
- Ranges everywhere. From big, clean indoor facilities to dusty outdoor berms where the class runs rain or shine.
- Matches that reward practice. USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge are buzzing in DFW, San Antonio, and the I-35 corridor. Rifle-only and two-gun matches keep carbines sharp.
- Gunsmiths and armorers nearby. Whether it’s swapping an extractor on a Glock or re-zeroing an LPVO, help is a short drive away.
- Training that emphasizes safety and access. Texans are serious about safe handling and storage. Instructors reinforce the basics: muzzle discipline, trigger respect, and secure storage in homes and vehicles.
Comparison Notes Texans Actually Care About
Glock 19 vs Sig P365
- Carry vs shootability: The P365 wins concealment under light clothing; the Glock 19 is easier to shoot at speed for most folks.
- Summer vs year-round: Many Texans carry the P365 in summer and move to a Glock 19 when layers come out. Others carry the 365 daily and keep a G19 for class and home.
Glock 43X vs Springfield Hellcat
- Grip comfort: The 43X has a longer, slimmer grip many find comfortable. The Hellcat offers more capacity in a similar footprint and aggressive texturing that sticks in sweaty hands.
- Optics: Both now have optic-ready variants; local gun shops often push whichever they have a deal on that week.
AR-15 vs AK in Texas
- Availability and training: ARs dominate courses, parts shelves, and local gunsmith knowledge. AKs are present but second tier.
- Use case: For hog control and match shooting, the AR’s ergonomics and optic mounting options keep it on top.
Mossberg 500 vs Remington 870
- Controls and preference: Mossberg’s tang safety wins with left-handed shooters and for intuitive use around the house. The 870’s cross-bolt safety and long history attract lifelong fans. In Texas, you’ll find both in the same truck more often than not.
FAQs
What is the most owned gun in Texas?
In practical terms, consider the AR-15 platform the most owned rifle and a 9mm compact pistol—especially the Glock 19—the most owned handgun. For sheer model penetration across roles, the Glock 19 and the AR-15 together define Texas ownership.
What handgun do most Texans carry?
Micro-compact 9mm pistols like the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat dominate in hot months for deep concealment. The Glock 19 remains extremely common among those who balance concealment with training and performance priorities.
What caliber is most common in Texas?
9mm for handguns, 5.56/.223 for rifles, 12 gauge for shotguns, and .22 LR for everything from practice to pests. For hunting rifles, .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor lead.
Is the AR-15 popular in Texas?
Yes. It’s the standard modern rifle in Texas for training, sport, and hog/predator control. Parts, ammo, and expertise are abundant statewide.
Do I need a permit to carry in Texas?
Permitless carry is available to many adults who can legally possess a handgun, with restrictions on where you can carry. A License to Carry remains useful for training, reciprocity when traveling, and smoother purchases at dealers. Check DPS for current specifics.
Which shotgun do Texans use for home defense?
The Mossberg 500/590 and the Remington 870 are the most common. Both are proven, available, and supported by accessories like lights and shorter defensive barrels.
What guns are used most in Texas crimes?
ATF trace data for Texas typically shows semiautomatic pistols, especially in 9mm, as the most frequently traced. Trace data reflects recoveries by law enforcement and does not equal sales or lawful ownership patterns.
Sources and Methodology
- ATF Firearms Trace Data reported for Texas: for type trends and caliber bias among guns recovered by law enforcement.
- FBI NICS background check volumes: to gauge demand cycles in Texas relative to other states.
- Texas Department of Public Safety License to Carry reports: for semiauto vs revolver trends and carry qualification ratios.
- Texas Parks & Wildlife participation and harvest data: to understand hunting participation and the implied demand for certain rifle and shotgun types.
- Retailer top sellers and inventory trends from Academy, Cabela’s, Bass Pro, and GunBroker marketplace summaries: to verify which models and calibers actually move in Texas.
- Google Trends restricted to Texas: for model- and brand-level interest that tracks with sales and carry adoption.
- Field observation across matches, training classes, and hunting trips statewide.
The Texas Takeaway
The phrase “most common guns in Texas” is often misunderstood as a popularity contest. In practice, it’s about what works across heat, distance, and the realities of Texas life. A Glock 19 because it just always runs and fits the hand of a cousin you’re teaching next weekend. A P365 or Hellcat because you need deep concealment when the thermostat and humidity gang up on you. An AR-15 because hogs don’t keep office hours and the distance from your gate to the far tank is long. A Ruger American or Savage Axis because whitetails don’t grade rifles by MSRP. A Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 because the home you protect and the doves you chase are both part of the same story.
When you walk past the rack at an Academy in San Marcos, or the used shelf at a shop in Midland, or the tailgate of a ranch truck in Goliad, you’ll see the same handful of guns again and again. Not because Texans are unoriginal, but because the state rewards tools that are reliable, affordable, and proven over countless weekends and long drives. Those tools have names you know, calibers you can find anywhere, and a place in the rhythm of a state that still measures seasons by the sound of a pump cycling and the clatter of brass on a dusty concrete bay.