18 yr old daughter going off to college

I am training my 18 yr old daughter in the use of firearms. If it were legal, she would like to conceal carry now - but of course that must wait in our state (Texas) until 21. She goes off to college next Fall and has asked me if she could have a home defense shotgun (pistol grip/short barrel) for her own protection when in her car traveling to/from school. As far as I know she can legally own and transport a shotgun. Does anyone know if she can keep it in her car when she is driving or must it be in the trunk. Texas has just expanded the gun laws to allow a handgun in the car while traveling. Is the shotgun a good idea or can I get her a handgun instead? I know her college will not allow handguns in dorm or on campus - but maybe the shotgun in her trunk?. She is quite petite and she cannot handle more than a 20 ga, but a 410 would work better for her. What do you think?

When I lived in TX at 18 one could have a handgun while travelling between 3 or more counties. Of course that wont help her at school. I'd be willing to bet that her school won't allow a longgun in the dorm either, something to check on. .410 is pretty weak for defensive use, I'd go with 20G if possible. Not too useful in her trunk though. Make sure she has OC spray and a bit of training on her, it'll probably be more useful.

Check out this chart.

http://www.txchia.org/txcarry.htm

Or you can check the state statues. I believe the info in this chart is correct.

As long as the barrel of the shotgun isn't less than 18 inches and the overall gun isn't less than 26 inches, she can carry it in her car.

is she living on or off campus?
The, no campus, no dorm includes ALL guns, not just handguns.

AFS

i think the main problem will be the school.
give them an email simply for asking for all rules concerning guns on campus

It's tough to trust the world with your child's safety. I have no idea on the shotgun idea.

Tell her to take a look at concealedcampus.org. We're always looking for like minded college students to help us out.

Tho my daughter was over 18 when she went , and she went to a colorado campus where frirearms are not prohibited . I would like to offer her thoughts to your young lady from here http://tractortracks.blogspot.com/ My girl dont blog a lot on ccw issues , but the blog is a handy contact point for another girl that has been there done that . I tend to purchace her renewal in co for her birthday present when needed , and get a hug from her on the purchace .

I think that even a shotgun in the trunk on a Texas campus is prohibited. Even if it's not state law, most colleges have it in their 'rulebook'.

I understand your concerns as I have 3 in college right now. Pepper spray on a key ring will be in their Xmas stockings (they already think I'm strange).

The fact that she's even thinking of her safety is a huge plus because so many kids don't give it a second thought.

The "firearm on campus" only applies to the buildings. Any state supported school is pretty much bound to abide by state laws. My son attends one of the larger state supported universities here in TX and is also a CHL holder. He must leave his handgun locked in the car when attending classes, because he must enter the buildings. It's the same with any public school, I can carry when I pick up my younger kids at school, as long as I don't enter any of the buildings, or attend a school sanctioned sporting event.

another option would be the henry clone of the AR8 airforce survival rifle. yes i know .22 isn't the most potent but it works and the rules apply here too. "if its stupid and works its not stupid" i'd still have the 20ga in the trunk but the AR8 can be broke down and stored under the seat.

I have been thinking about this for a while now too. My daughter starts college next fall as well. How about any other ideas for a college bound female. Pepper spray and brand? Other items for self-defense?

Not trying to hijack the thread but maybe present some other options.

and in my county it's a county ordinance that'll stop you from having a loaded shotgun in the vehicle.

Virginia does have a preemption law to prevent local governments from regulating the owning and carrying of handguns. But they can control hunting and discharge of firearms. My county specifically bans loaded rifles and shotguns in vehicles. So you need to check all levels of ordinances.

In TX a chl holder can have a gun in the parking lot but I don't think a non chl is allowed to have weapons in there cars on the lot. I would check before doing so

Back now. I was out watching my middle daughter's basketball game. My daughter will be living in the dorm next year. I was thinking that she might leave the short shotgun in the trunk in a bag, then bring the bag up to the front seat when driving to/from. I am interested in Texas new expansion to the handgun law that makes it legal to have a handgun in the car. Could she lock it up in the car while it is parked on campus? Thanks to all for your thoughts. This is very helpful.