It's Easier To Get An AR-15 Rifle Than A Handgun In Texas
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FORT WORTH (CBS11) - It's easier to buy an AR-15 rifle than a handgun in Texas.
The AR-15 is considered a long gun, like some shotguns.
Customers must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun. Buyers must be at least 21 to purchase a handgun.
The owner of Fort Worth Gun says the AR-15 has been the most popular long gun sold in his shop for years.
"A lot of people want to get into building them," said owner Cody Henslee. "People like to build their own stuff and to see how they work. And the rifle is set up where it's easy to do so."
He credits the gun's design for its popularity. Each AR-15 can be easily customized and designed with inexpensive parts.
Henslee also said the gun is perfect for competitive shooting and target practice. The gun carries a lot of ammunition. The most common magazine sold for the AR-15 holds 30 rounds, but Texas allows shops to sell magazines that can hold up to 100.
Plus, guns in general have gotten easier to buy in respect to instant background checks. Qualified buyers can pick out a gun, like an AR-15, and walk out with it the same day.
"About 95 percent of people that are going to purchase the gun will get processed immediately," said Henslee. "The systems are more updated now, so it's almost an instant 'yes' or 'no.'"
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