How buying a gun in Austin works
Pick an FFL dealer near you that accepts shipped transfers and name it at checkout. We confirm their license and ship the firearm to them. Ammunition, optics and parts ship straight to your door where Texas law allows.
Texas does not require a permit to purchase firearms, nor does it mandate gun registration or a state waiting period. To buy from a licensed dealer, you must present a valid photo ID, complete ATF Form 4473, and pass the federal NICS background check. Federal law requires buyers to be at least 18 for rifles and shotguns and 21 for handguns. Ammunition, magazines, and most parts can be shipped directly to your door in Texas.
Dealers in these communities all work for Austin-area buyers:
- Round Rock
- Pflugerville
- Cedar Park
- Lakeway
- Manor
- Bee Cave
- Del Valle
- Leander
Carrying a gun in Travis County
As of September 1, 2021, Texans aged 21 and older who are not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun concealed or openly in a holster without a license. The Texas License to Carry, issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, remains available and is recognized by more states. Businesses can prohibit carry with signs specified by Penal Code 30.06 and 30.07, and certain locations are off limits by law. For clarification, consult the Travis County Sheriff or DPS.
Hunting near Austin
Deer hunting seasons in Texas are regulated by Texas Parks and Wildlife. For the 2026-27 season, the general season opens on November 7, 2026, and ends on January 3, 2027, in the North Zone and January 17, 2027, in the South Zone. County-specific rules apply to antlerless deer and antler restrictions. Legal firearms for deer hunting include centerfire rifles, handguns, and shotguns; rimfire firearms are not permitted. Feral hogs have no closed season and no bag limit. Refer to the TPWD Outdoor Annual for Travis County details.
Hunters in Austin often lease land in the Hill Country to the west and the Post Oak Savannah to the east for deer and feral hog hunting.
Georgetown, located north of Austin in Williamson County, hosts several firearms manufacturers, making it a notable area for shooting enthusiasts.
Public shooting ranges near Austin
The public ranges on the city pages are run or listed by the state wildlife agency, a state forest or a national forest, chosen by distance from each city. Licenses, passes and hours are the agency's; some public ranges restrict rapid fire or large-format pistols, so read the rules.
Source: State wildlife agency and public-land range listings, September 2026. Distances are approximate; call or check the agency site before you drive out.