If you are nervous about the Texas LTC shooting test, you are not alone. A lot of people feel unsure before range day, especially if they are new to handguns or have not shot in a while.
The good news is that the Texas LTC shooting test is very passable with basic preparation. You do not need to shoot like a competitor. You need to show safe handgun handling, follow your instructor’s commands, and meet the handgun proficiency requirement.
If you are starting your Texas License to Carry process, MyLTCTexas is one of the easiest ways to complete the online classroom portion first. Then you can schedule your required range instruction and shooting qualification with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor.
1. Understand What the LTC Shooting Test Is
The Texas LTC shooting test is the live-fire handgun proficiency demonstration for the License to Carry process.
Texas DPS explains that applicants can complete LTC classroom training and demonstrate handgun proficiency with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor. DPS also says students who take online LTC classroom training must still complete 1 to 2 hours of range instruction and demonstrate handgun proficiency with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor.
So if you take your online class with MyLTCTexas, remember this:
- The online class handles the classroom portion.
- The range test handles the shooting portion.
- Your completed training is documented on the current LTC-104 Form.
2. Practice at the Right Distances
The Texas LTC shooting test is commonly fired at:
- 3 yards
- 7 yards
- 15 yards
Many students worry about the 15-yard section, but most of the qualification is usually shot at closer distances. Still, do not ignore 15 yards during practice.
A simple practice plan:
- Start with 10 slow shots at 3 yards.
- Move to 10 slow shots at 7 yards.
- Finish with 10 slow shots at 15 yards.
- Check your target and repeat the distance where you struggled.
Do not practice by rushing. Practice by making clean, controlled hits.
3. Use a Handgun You Know
Range day is not the best time to test a handgun you have never used before.
Before your LTC shooting test, make sure you know how to:
- Load the handgun
- Unload the handgun
- Lock the slide open, if applicable
- Use the safety, if your handgun has one
- Clear a basic malfunction
- Insert and remove the magazine
- Safely set the firearm down when instructed
DPS notes that some instructors may require students to use their own handgun, while others may provide a handgun and/or ammunition. Ask your instructor before the test so there are no surprises.
4. Bring the Right Gear
Before you show up, confirm exactly what your instructor wants you to bring. In most cases, you should expect to need:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Handgun, if required
- Ammunition
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Closed-toe shoes
- Comfortable range clothing
- Any paperwork requested by your instructor
- Online course completion information, if applicable
Bring extra ammunition if your instructor recommends it. Even if the qualification uses 50 rounds, extra ammo can help if there is a malfunction, a warm-up session, or a required reshoot.
5. Slow Down Your Trigger Press
One of the biggest reasons students miss is trigger control.
If you slap or jerk the trigger, your shots may go low, left, right, or outside the scoring area. Instead, press the trigger smoothly straight to the rear.
A good mental reminder is: “Press, do not yank.”
At 3 yards, a rough trigger press may still land on paper. At 15 yards, it becomes much more obvious. Smooth trigger control is one of the fastest ways to improve your LTC shooting test score.
6. Keep a Firm Two-Handed Grip
Your grip should be firm, but not tense. If your grip changes every shot, your hits will move around the target.
Before each string of fire:
- Get both hands high on the grip.
- Keep your support hand tight.
- Lock your wrists forward.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed.
- Lean slightly into the gun.
- Let the sights settle before pressing the trigger.
A consistent grip makes recoil easier to manage and helps your follow-up shots stay on target.
7. Listen to Every Range Command
This may be the most important tip in the whole article.
Your instructor will give commands for loading, firing, stopping, unloading, and clearing the firearm. Listen carefully and do exactly what you are told.
Do not load early. Do not fire early. Do not turn around with a handgun in your hand. Do not place your finger on the trigger until it is time to shoot.
The LTC shooting test is about safety as much as accuracy. A student with decent accuracy but poor safety habits can create problems. A safe, calm student who follows commands is already in a much better position to pass.
8. Do Not Panic After a Bad Shot
You do not need a perfect score to pass the Texas LTC shooting test. The qualification is commonly scored out of 250 points, with 175 points generally needed to pass.
That means one bad shot does not ruin your test.
If you miss, reset:
- Breathe.
- Fix your grip.
- Find your sights.
- Press the trigger smoothly.
- Keep going.
A lot of students miss one shot and then mentally give up. Do not do that. Stay focused until the test is over.
9. Take the Online Class First if You Want More Confidence
Many people feel better when they understand the LTC process before range day. That is where MyLTCTexas is a great option.
If you are searching for the best online Texas LTC class, best LTC class in Texas, or a convenient LTC class near Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Waco, McAllen, Killeen, or Amarillo, MyLTCTexas helps you get started from home.
You can complete the classroom portion online, then handle your range instruction and shooting qualification with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor.
That makes the process easier to follow because you are not trying to figure everything out at once.
10. Make Sure Your LTC-104 Form Is Completed
After you pass the shooting test, your instructor completes the handgun proficiency portion of your LTC-104 Form.
This matters because DPS instructor updates state that the older LTC-100 and LTC-101 forms were discontinued and replaced by the LTC-104 effective April 14, 2025.
DPS instructions explain that the LTC-104 is used for the online training and/or handgun proficiency demonstration required by Texas Government Code Chapter 411. The handgun proficiency section can only be completed by a certified LTC Handgun Instructor for students who successfully pass the required course of fire.
Before leaving, confirm that you understand how your LTC-104 will be completed and submitted with your Texas LTC application documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the mistakes that can make range day harder than it needs to be:
- Bringing a handgun you do not know how to use
- Forgetting ammunition
- Forgetting eye or ear protection
- Rushing your shots
- Ignoring the 15-yard distance during practice
- Not listening to range commands
- Letting one bad shot ruin your confidence
- Thinking the online class replaces the range test
- Leaving without understanding the LTC-104 Form
Avoid those, and you are already ahead of many nervous first-time students.
Final Thoughts
The best Texas LTC shooting test tip is simple: prepare, stay safe, and slow down.
Practice at 3, 7, and 15 yards. Use a handgun you understand. Listen to your instructor. Focus on smooth trigger control. And remember that you do not need to be perfect to pass.
Start your online classroom portion with MyLTCTexas, complete your range instruction and handgun proficiency demonstration with a Texas Qualified LTC Instructor, and make sure your LTC-104 Form is handled correctly.
