Open Carry Holster Requirements Texas: Complete Trainer Guide

Quick Answer:

Texas allows open carry of a handgun if it’s carried in a holster. The law does not require a specific holster type or retention level. The old “belt or shoulder holster only” rule is gone. You can use belt, shoulder, chest, drop‑leg, appendix, or other holsters, so long as it’s a holster. Open carry is still restricted in certain places and by posted signs, and federal school zone rules apply.

What follows is the practical, plain‑English version of the law, with the nuance that trips people up. This is written from the perspective of someone who instructs, watches what actually happens on the street and at trailheads, and keeps the statutes open on the desk. If you’re here to understand holster requirements in Texas—and avoid the mistakes that get folks charged—you’re in the right place.

Note: This is an educational guide, not legal advice. Verify your situation against the Texas Penal Code and current Department of Public Safety guidance.

The Law Behind Holsters: Statutes You Should Know

You don’t need a law degree to carry responsibly, but you do need to know the pillars.

Texas Penal Code 46.02 (Unlawful Carrying Weapons): This is where the holster requirement for open carry lives. If a handgun is carried in plain view, it must be in a holster. The statute doesn’t define the word “holster,” and it doesn’t require a specific style or retention level. The previously strict rule limiting open carry to a belt or shoulder holster has been removed.
Texas Penal Code 46.03 (Places Weapons Prohibited): This is the “where you cannot carry” list. It applies to handguns whether concealed or openly carried in a holster. Violations here can be serious.
Texas Penal Code 30.05, 30.06, 30.07 (Trespass and Signage): These govern how private property owners tell you “no guns” or “no open carry” or “no concealed carry.” They’re enforceable. Get this wrong, and your perfectly legal holster won’t save you.
Federal Gun‑Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)): Federal law, separate from Texas, with traps for permitless carriers near K‑12 schools. Know the 1,000‑foot rule and the exceptions.

What changed in Texas? In short, open carry is allowed if the handgun is in a holster, and there’s no longer a belt‑or‑shoulder limitation. That’s why you’ll still find old web pages that say otherwise. They’re outdated.

What Counts as a “Holster” in Texas?

Texas law uses the word “holster” but doesn’t define it. That’s not an accident; Texas legislators deliberately kept it broad. In practical terms, here’s the common‑sense and training‑based interpretation that has aligned with how peace officers and prosecutors handle real cases:

A holster is a device designed to hold a handgun securely and allow it to be carried on or about the person.
It is purpose‑built for handguns. A pouch, sock, or generic bag is not a holster.
It positions the firearm for carry, often attached to a belt, chest harness, shoulder rig, thigh rig, ankle strap, pocket sleeve, or belly band.
While not legally required, a modern holster should protect the trigger guard. This is a safety standard, not a statute, but it’s a foundational best practice for anyone who carries.

That gives you wide latitude. You’re not locked into only belt or shoulder rigs. You can use what makes sense for your body, activities, and environment—as long as it’s a real holster, not a fabric catch‑all.

A few examples from the field:

I’ve watched game wardens and rural deputies interact with hikers wearing chest holsters. They’re focused on safety and legal carry, not the style. Chest holsters qualify.
Patrol officers in the city won’t blink at a drop‑leg holster at a ranch supply store if it’s actually a holster and the person is otherwise lawful. Issues come from sloppiness—loose nylon bags posing as holsters, unsecured pistols dangling out of rigs, or visible carry in places where it’s prohibited.
Armored‑car crews and uniformed guards often wear Level 2 or Level 3 rigs due to policy and retention needs. That’s not a state law requirement for you, but it’s a useful model for open carry in public crowds.

Bottom line: if it’s a purpose‑built holster, you’re within the spirit and letter of the Texas requirement for open carry.

Allowed Holster Types Under Texas Holster Law for Open Carry

Texas doesn’t require a specific holster type. The question isn’t “is this style legal?” but “is it a holster?” Here are the common setups and how they fit under Texas handgun holster requirements:

Belt holsters (OWB/IWB): The classic. Outside‑the‑waistband (OWB) holsters are most visible for open carry; inside‑the‑waistband (IWB) rigs are primarily for concealed carry but still count as holsters. For open carry, an OWB belt holster on a supportive belt remains the most stable, discreet‑but‑visible choice.
Shoulder holsters: Fully permitted. They’re less common today, but they work, especially under a jacket. If it’s visible, it’s open carry; if covered, you’re concealed.
Chest holsters: Fully permitted. Popular for hiking, fishing, ranching, and ATV use. That centerline position balances a backpack and keeps the gun above brush and water.
Drop‑leg/thigh holsters: Permitted. Retention matters here because a low‑ride rig is more accessible to anyone around you. Consider a Level 2 at minimum.
Appendix holsters: Typically used for concealed carry, either inside or outside the waistband. Appendix OWB that is visible still qualifies as open carry and meets the holster rule.
Ankle holsters: Permitted. If it’s visible, it’s open carry, though most ankle rigs will be concealed by pant legs.
Pocket holsters: Permitted. Usually concealed. If the gun is visible in a pocket holster, it’s open carry and must be in a holster—most pocket holsters do qualify.
Belly bands and corset holsters: Permitted if they actually include a holster component. Many modern belly bands have structured holster slots. Avoid flimsy models that don’t cover the trigger.
Fanny pack and sling bags: A bag is not a holster. If you’re carrying concealed in a pack, consider putting the handgun inside an actual holster installed in the pack’s compartment. For open carry, you would need the handgun visible in a holster; an open‑topped bag with a gun lying in it is not a holster under any reasonable interpretation.
“Off‑body” holster enclosures: Some purpose‑built bags include integrated holsters. If the firearm is visible in a purpose‑built holster within such a carrier, you’ll still likely trigger the open carry plain‑view element but now your edge case is whether that counts as “carried in a holster.” Even then, expect scrutiny if it’s not firmly attached to the person. The safer, cleaner answer is: wear it in a holster on your body.

Does Texas require a retention holster? No. There is no “Level 2 holster requirement” in the Texas statutes. That said, if you open carry among crowds, a retention device is smart. Ask any patrol officer or competition shooter who’s had a stranger’s hand touch their gun. It happens faster than you think.

Open vs. Concealed: When the Holster Rule Matters

Open carry: If the handgun is in plain view, it must be in a holster. This is black‑letter Texas law.
Concealed carry: Texas law does not require the handgun to be in a holster if it’s concealed. But common sense and every training program will tell you to use a holster that covers the trigger and secures the gun.
Quick test: If someone standing next to you can see the firearm itself (not just a belt clip), treat it as open carry. If it’s covered, you’re concealed. Swinging garments, wind gusts, or printing don’t turn concealed into open carry, but sustained plain view does.

Texas Open Carry Holster in Vehicles

Carrying in a vehicle has its own nuance.

In a vehicle, if the handgun is in plain view, it must be in a holster. Dashboard, seat, center console with the lid open, door pocket—if visible, it needs to be in a holster.
Concealed in a vehicle does not trigger the holster requirement. Still, secure the gun in a holster mounted or positioned so it won’t shift or discharge. An unsecured handgun sliding under a brake pedal is a real‑world nightmare.
Motorcycles and ATVs: If visible, the same holster rule applies. On bikes, retention takes on new meaning. Use a solid rig—ride bumps shake loose weak clips.
“On or about your person”: Texas case law has long interpreted “on or about” broadly. If it’s in the vehicle within easy reach, you’re carrying. The vehicle plain‑view holster requirement still applies.

Where Open Carry Is and Isn’t Allowed (Penal Code 46.03) + Private Property Signs (30.05/30.06/30.07)

Even if your holster is perfect, some places are simply off‑limits. Texas Penal Code 46.03—Places Weapons Prohibited—controls here. Highlights include:

School premises and school vehicles: K–12 buildings and school grounds are off‑limits. Policy can allow for specific armed personnel, but that’s not general public carry. School events on premises are covered as well.
Polling places: On the premises during voting or early voting. Don’t carry there, holster or not.
Government courts or offices used by a court: Courthouses and court offices are off‑limits. Some buildings have mixed use; posted security and notices should direct you.
Racetracks: Covered premises are prohibited.
Secured area of an airport: Once past the TSA checkpoint, absolutely not. Non‑secured publicly accessible airport spaces are generally governed by state law and signage, not federal TSA rules, but practical caution applies.
Correctional facilities and civil commitment facilities: Off‑limits.
51% locations (bars): On the premises of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on‑premises consumption. These locations are marked with a “51%” sign. This prohibition is strict and violations are treated seriously.
High school, collegiate, and professional sporting events: When the event is in progress, carry is prohibited on the premises of the event.
Hospitals and nursing facilities: Prohibited unless you have written authorization. This is not a “signage‑only” restriction; it lives in 46.03.
Amusement parks: Prohibited premises, with detailed statutory definitions that large parks meet.
Executions: Within a defined area around a place of execution on the day of an execution, carry is prohibited.

Open meetings of certain governmental entities and some other edge cases also exist in the statute; the safe rule is to treat official governmental posted meetings with caution and check for effective notice.

Private property signage adds another layer:

30.05 Criminal Trespass: A property owner can ban firearms altogether via effective notice, even for permitless carriers. The notice can be signs or oral notice. Many businesses use a simple “no firearms” sign under 30.05 that applies to everyone. If you receive notice, you must leave or disarm; ignoring it risks criminal trespass charges.
30.06 Notice (concealed carry by license holders): This sign tells licensed carriers that concealed carry is prohibited on the property. It applies to license holders only.
30.07 Notice (open carry by license holders): This sign tells licensed carriers that open carry is prohibited on the property. It applies to license holders only.

Permitless carriers don’t fall under 30.06/30.07, but they do fall under 30.05. That’s why many businesses use 30.05 signage to keep everyone from carrying, regardless of licensing status.

A quick side‑by‑side helps:

Signage and Carry Status Summary

	Open carry	Concealed carry
No sign present:	Allowed if otherwise lawful and the handgun is in a holster.	Allowed if otherwise lawful.
30.07 posted:	Open carry by license holders: Prohibited. Open carry by non‑license carriers: Owner can still exclude under 30.05; if orally told to leave or if a 30.05 sign is present, you must comply.	Still allowed unless 30.06 or 30.05 is posted.
30.06 posted:	Allowed for license holders unless a 30.07 or 30.05 is also posted; but many properties that don’t want guns will post 30.05 to cover everyone.	Concealed carry by license holders: Prohibited. Concealed carry by non‑license carriers: Owner can exclude under 30.05.
30.05 “No firearms” posted:	Applies to everyone (license or not), for both open and concealed carry. Oral notice also counts. Refusing to depart after notice can escalate the offense.

Common real‑world signage patterns:

Some businesses post 30.06 and 30.07 together (no carry by license holders) and also rely on 30.05 or staff to exclude non‑license carriers.
Many private employers post 30.05 at entrances and in handbooks to set a bright‑line rule on their premises.

Federal School Zones and Permitless Carry

This is the section almost nobody reads until they’ve had a scare. Don’t skip it.

The federal Gun‑Free School Zones Act (GFSZA) makes it a federal offense to knowingly possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a K–12 school. It’s not a Texas law; it’s federal. The open carry holster rule doesn’t change this.

Key exceptions under the federal law:

A firearm on private property not part of school grounds is exempt.
A person with a license issued by the state where the school zone sits (for Texans, that’s a License to Carry) is exempt from the 1,000‑foot restriction.
A firearm that is unloaded and in a locked container or locked rack in a vehicle is exempt.

What this means for you:

If you carry permitless, you do not have a state‑issued license that satisfies GFSZA’s exception. Walking down a public sidewalk within 1,000 feet of a school with a handgun—open or concealed—could violate federal law unless another exception applies.
If you have a Texas LTC, you fit the license exception and can carry in school zones (but not on prohibited school property under Texas law).
Driving through a school zone with a loaded handgun in the car and no LTC is a federal risk area if you’re not on private property and the gun isn’t unloaded and locked. Enforcement is rare, but rare is not never.

Practical safe‑harbor advice from the training world:

If you carry regularly in city neighborhoods, consider maintaining a Texas LTC even in a permitless era. The LTC offers a clean GFSZA exemption and other benefits.
If you carry permitless, be mindful of school locations and opt for private property routes when practical. Don’t make a public sidewalk near a school your open carry stroll.

Vehicles, State Parks, Bars (51%), and Workplaces

Vehicles: If the handgun is visible, it must be in a holster. Concealed carry in a vehicle does not trigger the holster requirement, but a holster remains strongly advised. Be prepared for police interactions by keeping hands visible, windows down at stops, and calmly informing the officer where the firearm is if you’re asked.
State parks: Texas state parks generally permit carry consistent with state law. Open carry with a holster is allowed on park lands. Park buildings and offices may have additional restrictions or posted notices. National parks in Texas follow federal rules that defer to state law for carry in most outdoor areas, but federal facilities inside those parks (buildings with federal signage) are off‑limits. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds and lakes are different; COE regulations generally prohibit firearms outside limited exceptions or written permission. Don’t assume one blanket rule covers all public lands.
Bars/51% locations: The red “51%” sign means the premises is legally off‑limits to carrying handguns. It doesn’t matter if you’re concealed or open in a holster. This is a no‑go zone.
Workplaces: Employers can restrict carry inside their facilities via policy and signage. Texas law does offer employees a “parking lot protection” for firearms stored in a personal, locked vehicle in employer‑provided parking areas, with specific exceptions (for example, properties where federal or state law prohibits possession). Inside the workplace, your employer’s policy rules the day.
Your own property: On your own premises, the 46.02 restriction concerning plain view and holsters does not apply the same way. You can generally carry without a holster at home or on your property. Step off your property line or head into public, and the open carry holster rule engages.

Do I Need a Level 2 or Level 3 Holster in Texas?

No. The Texas Penal Code doesn’t require a retention level. But there’s a difference between “legal minimums” and “smart practice.”

For low‑profile open carry (quick stops, errands): A quality OWB holster with excellent friction retention and a stiff belt may be enough.
For crowded venues or prolonged public wear: A Level 2 (e.g., ALS or SLS hood) adds a margin of safety against gun grabs.
For rural hiking and chest rigs: A thumb break or strap prevents the gun from shaking free on uneven trails.

If you’ve never had a stranger try to touch your gun, you might think this is overkill. The day it happens, you’ll change your mind. Retention works backwards too—under stress, a retention system gives you a physical “touchpoint” that reminds you your gun is still there, locked in, when both hands are juggling a leash, shopping bag, or a child.

Common Mistakes and Penalties

Open carrying without a holster: If your handgun is in plain view and not in a holster, you risk a charge under Penal Code 46.02. That’s typically a Class A misdemeanor, which is serious enough to upend employment and travel plans. In some contexts (e.g., certain locations or paired with other violations), penalties escalate.
Ignoring 30.05/30.06/30.07: If a property owner posts proper signage or gives you oral notice and you keep carrying or refuse to depart, you’re in criminal trespass territory. Violations can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A depending on circumstances, notice, and refusal to depart.
Carrying into a 51% location: Expect felony treatment. There’s no warning for not reading the sign in a bar.
Carrying while intoxicated: Texas penal code criminalizes carrying a handgun while intoxicated under specified circumstances. If you think you’re in the gray, you’re already red. Plan rides, plan storage.
Disorderly conduct “calculated to alarm”: Texas doesn’t have a “brandishing” statute by that name, but displaying a firearm in a manner calculated to alarm can be charged as disorderly conduct. A holster is not a shield against foolish or provocative behavior.

Practical Holster Selection: A Trainer’s Notebook

If you’re new to holsters or moving from concealed to open carry, here’s what you learn after watching thousands of draws, reholsters, and everyday carry mishaps:

Trigger coverage: Non‑negotiable. Your holster should completely shield the trigger guard. No soft fabric pressing into the trigger, no half‑covered guard, no “I’ll be careful.”
Belt and mount matter: A rigid holster on a floppy belt is a problem. The belt is life support for your handgun. If your rig shifts when you sit or bends during a one‑handed reholster, you need a better belt or a different holster.
Retention you can defeat under stress: A Level 2 you fumble with is more dangerous than a solid friction fit. Train the mechanism until it’s boring.
Ride height and cant: For open carry, a slightly lower ride and a forward cant can make a safer, more natural draw. Drop‑leg rigs are fine but set them as high as they allow. The lower it rides, the more you must manage retention.
Chest rigs for Texas hiking: Choose a model with adjustable harness geometry so the handgun doesn’t bounce or rotate against your sternum. If you wear a hydration pack, ensure the straps don’t foul your draw.
Shoulder holsters and coats: Practice clearing the garment without flagging yourself or others. Shoulder rigs demand excellent muzzle discipline.
Reholstering: Slow, deliberate, with a clear view of the mouth of the holster. Don’t ride your trigger finger on the trigger guard and don’t “fish” into soft holsters.
Concealment to open carry transition: If you occasionally move a cover garment aside and the gun becomes visible, you’ve crossed into open carry. Ensure the holster is an actual holster and you’re not creating a plain‑view problem. This is where cheap clip‑only gadgets get people in trouble—they were never holsters.
Evidence of reasonableness: If you ever end up justifying your choices, a quality, recognized holster brand with clear retention and trigger coverage is easier to defend than a novelty rig.

Interacting with Police While Open Carrying

Texas law doesn’t impose a universal “duty to inform” for all carriers. That said, there are rules and best practices:

If a peace officer asks for your identification and you are carrying and you have a License to Carry, you must display your license on demand. This has long been part of LTC rules.
If you’re carrying permitless, there’s no LTC to present. Provide standard ID when legally required and follow instructions.
Hands visible, calm tone: Keep hands at the wheel in a car stop. If you’re standing, keep hands clear of the firearm. If you choose to inform proactively, do it plainly: “Officer, I want to let you know I’m carrying a lawfully possessed handgun in a holster on my right hip. How would you like to proceed?” Then follow directions.
Don’t touch it unless asked. Movement toward the gun is the easiest way to escalate an otherwise routine interaction.

Texas Open Carry While Hiking, Camping, and On the Ranch

Most Texans who open carry outside cities do it for practical reasons—snakes, hogs, two‑legged threats in remote places. The law treats you the same whether you’re in an H‑E‑B parking lot or a canyon trail: if it’s visible, use a holster.

Field notes that matter on dirt:

Chest holsters keep your gun dry when crossing creeks and out of brush when you lean forward on climbs.
Retention over comfort. If the gun can bounce out, it will bounce out—usually at a bad time.
If you’re on Army Corps of Engineers land, your favorite lakeshore trail may not permit firearms. Check the managing agency; Texas game wardens know these boundaries cold.
In state parks, you’ll encounter families and school groups. “Calculated to alarm” still applies. If you handle your firearm (adjust it, unholster, show it off), you’re inviting attention you don’t want. Leave it holstered.

Texas Open Carry at Work: Employer Policies and Parking Lot Protections

Private employers can prohibit firearms inside their buildings through policy and effective notice. If you value your job, treat that as binding even if a specific sign is missing. The Penal Code gives teeth to posted notices, and your employment agreement may allow discipline regardless.
In Texas, employees generally have the right to keep lawfully possessed firearms in their locked, private vehicles in employer parking areas, with specific exceptions (for example, properties where federal or state law prohibits possession). Inside the workplace, your employer’s policy rules the day.
Holster requirement at work: The open carry holster rule still applies if you’re openly carrying to or from your vehicle on visible private property. If your employer prohibits all carry, carry discretely and lawfully to your car or leave the firearm at home.

Brandishing vs. Open Carry in Texas

“Brandishing” isn’t the statutory term here. Texas uses disorderly conduct for behavior like intentionally displaying a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm. Understand the difference:

Open carry is passive—holstered, visible, and uneventful.
Disorderly conduct is behavior—unholstering for effect, waving it around, or handling it in a way that alarms reasonable people.

If you open carry responsibly, you’re not giving anyone ammunition to allege you were “calculated to alarm.” Keep it holstered. Handle it only when necessary and safe.

Comparisons and Travel Notes: Texas vs. Neighboring States

Texas preempts local firearm regulation—cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio all follow state law on open carry holsters. But once you cross a state line, rules change fast.

Oklahoma and many neighboring states also permit open carry but have their own signage rules, prohibited places, and vehicle carry nuances.
Federal rules—airports, post offices, COE lakes—don’t care which state you’re in.
If you plan to travel with your handgun, pack an actual holster. In states where open carry is permitted, the holster standard is table stakes. In stricter states, it’s a safety and compliance anchor even if you’re carrying concealed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas require a retention holster?

No. Texas law does not mandate Level 2 or Level 3 retention. It only requires that an openly carried handgun be in a holster. That said, retention is highly recommended for public open carry.

Is a chest rig considered a holster in Texas?

Yes. A properly designed chest holster is a holster. It satisfies the open carry holster requirement when the handgun is visible.

Can I open carry in my car?

Yes, but if the handgun is visible in the vehicle, it must be in a holster. If it’s concealed, the holster requirement doesn’t apply, though a holster is still strongly advised.

Are 30.07 signs enforceable against open carry?

Yes, but 30.07 specifically restricts open carry by license holders. Non‑license carriers can be excluded using 30.05. If you’re given notice—by sign or verbally—comply immediately.

What changed with the holster rule?

The “belt or shoulder holster only” limitation is gone. Texas requires a holster for open carry but does not specify type or retention level.

Is a fanny pack a holster in Texas?

A fanny pack is not a holster. If you carry concealed in a pack, place the handgun inside an actual holster within the pack. For open carry, the firearm must be in a holster and in plain view; a bag doesn’t qualify.

Can I open carry with a chest holster in a park?

In Texas state parks, yes—consistent with state law—so long as the handgun is in a holster. Respect any posted restrictions on buildings or federal facilities within the park.

Can a private business ban my holster and open carry?

Yes. Through 30.05 (and, for license holders, 30.06 and 30.07), a property owner can prohibit firearms. If you receive effective notice, you must leave or disarm.

What about appendix carry?

Appendix holsters are common. If the gun is concealed, no holster is required by law, but use one. If the firearm is visible at the appendix position, it is open carry and the holster requirement applies.

Can I carry at church?

Churches are private property in Texas. Without effective signage or notice, carry may be allowed. Some churches post 30.05/30.06/30.07. Many maintain volunteer security teams with specific policies. Always look for signs and follow leadership directions.

What about hospitals?

Hospitals and nursing facilities are prohibited locations under 46.03 unless you have written authorization. Treat them as off‑limits regardless of signage.

Do I need a license to open carry in Texas?

Texas allows permitless carry for eligible adults under state law, but licensing still confers advantages, including reciprocity in other states and an exemption to the federal school zone restriction. Age rules and specific eligibility carve‑outs exist; consult DPS for current guidance.

Is open carry allowed on college campuses?

Texas campus carry applies to concealed carry by license holders in many areas of colleges and universities subject to school rules. Open carry on campus is prohibited. Check your institution’s policies to avoid restricted areas.

Can I open carry while drinking?

Carry and alcohol don’t mix. Carrying while intoxicated is a criminal offense. In 51% establishments, all carry is prohibited regardless of sobriety.

What’s the penalty for improper holster use?

If you carry a handgun in plain view and it’s not in a holster, you risk a Class A misdemeanor under 46.02, with potential escalators depending on location and circumstances.

Spanish‑language quick notes

Requisitos de funda para portar arma a la vista en Texas: Se permite portar a la vista si la pistola está en una funda. No se requiere un tipo específico de funda ni un nivel de retención.
Ley de funda para portar arma en Texas: La funda es obligatoria para portar a la vista; no está definida por la ley, pero debe ser un dispositivo diseñado para pistolas.
Portar sin permiso en Texas: Aún se aplica la ley federal de zonas escolares; la licencia estatal (LTC) ofrece excepciones federales.

A Holster Checklist You Can Trust

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

Visible handgun? Use a real holster.
No specific holster type or retention level is required by Texas law, but retention is smart public practice.
Know where you can’t carry: 46.03 controls, and 51% bars, hospitals, schools, courts, polling places, amusement parks, and correctional facilities are big no‑gos.
Signs matter. 30.05/30.06/30.07 have real teeth.
The federal school zone rule trips up permitless carriers. An LTC sidesteps this.
Your belt, your training, and your behavior matter as much as your holster. Good equipment, quiet professionalism.

Closing Thoughts

Texas holster law for open carry is refreshingly simple on paper: if your handgun is in plain view, it must be in a holster. But reality isn’t paper. You move through private property with signs, state lands with mixed rules, crowded spaces where retention could save you, and federal overlays that don’t care what your state statute says. The difference between a confident, lawful carrier and someone headed for a courtroom is usually measured in preparation and judgment, not clever legal trivia.

Carry in a holster that makes disarming you difficult and makes negligent discharges nearly impossible. Know your 46.03 locations and your 30.05/30.06/30.07 signage. Keep your behavior boring and your gear squared away. And if your life takes you anywhere near schools with a handgun, understand the federal school zone rule or carry a license that exempts you.

This is Texas. People here respect quiet competence. Your holster is part of that story. Make it a good one.