Can you carry an AR-15 pistol concealed in the state of Texas?
In short, an AR-15 pistol is a firearm designed to be like a handgun/pistol (fired with one hand, not shoulder-mounted), to have a profile akin to a handgun (e.g. very short barrel), but to have components and setup based upon the AR-15 pattern of rifles. So it’s not a rifle, it’s a pistol, but it’s well… yeah, a little bastard child. 🙂
I hadn’t thought about this before, probably because it’s not really a useful firearm and really able to be carried concealed (it’s still kinda bulky and big), but someone asked and I thought it’d be interesting to look into it.
So… let’s see.
Texas GC §411.171 – (5) “Handgun” has the meaning assigned by Section 46.01, Penal Code.
OK…. let’s look in the PC.
Texas PC §46.01 – (5) “Handgun” means any firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand.
Now, I didn’t do an intensive scrubbing of the Texas law code and IANAL and TINLA. But given it’s about a Texas concealed handgun license, and given what the Texas legal definition of a handgun is, and given what an AR-15 pistol is… well yes, I suppose you legally could carry an AR-15 pistol as your choice of concealed handgun in the state of Texas.
But just because you legally could doesn’t mean you practically should.
And I’m not going to speak for Karl, but if someone shows up to KR Training handgun class with an AR-15 pistol seriously expecting to take the class with that firearm, I at least am going to vote for sending the person home. 🙂
Stuff From Hsoi 
I would LOVE to see Karl’s reaction to a “student” showing up for class with an AR pistol!! I can only assume they’d also have a concealable chest rig and black trench coat ala Neo from “The Matrix” . . .
Like I said, I’m going to vote to send the person home….
and now just watch… someone’s going to be a smart-ass and do this as a joke. Or at least, I hope if they do it it’s done as a joke.
If I owned one, I’d love to do that and video Karl’s response.
I’m still amazed there’s a market for them. Reminds me of the old phrase “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
When I was describing all of this to Wife, that was the constant question/expression she had… why?
I mean, free market, if someone’s going to buy, might as well sell… and laugh all the way to the bank.
I bet he would smoke everyone in the class.
You know you want to be “that guy”. 😉
No, but 30 rounds, a match trigger, and a red dot optic would be advantageous. There’s the bulk and unwieldiness to consider, so it might be a disadvantage in some cases, but I think overall the d00d with the tricked out AR pistol is going to be doing well going against the d00ds with the usual service pistols.
I could be wrong. Buy an AR pistol and we’ll test it. :)-~
You’re welcome to buy one any time you have money to waste. 😉
I see what you mean, but we’re also trying to talk concealed hangun here, which is unlikely to have a 30-round mag and a red dot… kinda hard to conceal unless you go all trenchcoaty. But well…. feasible, but not practical.
“the d00d with the tricked out AR pistol is going to be doing well going against the d00ds with the usual service pistol”
It’s the indian, not the arrow.
True to an extent. Equipment matters and can make a difference.
But a tricked out AR is hardly a practical concealed carry gun. Legal perhaps, but practical and reasonable?
What about the AK Pistol?
http://rockinaseaofchaos.blogspot.com/2012/05/trainwreck-ready-for-testing.html
What about it? 😉
In terms of legal carry, I figure yes since it’s designed/modified to be fired one-handed.
In terms of coming to KR Training, I’ll still vote to send you home. 😉