Source: http://www.vanguardsurvival.com/gun-laws-state/
Timestamp: 2017-06-26 15:24:49
Document Index: 795144515

Matched Legal Cases: ['§12025', '§12031', '§12025', '§12031', '§12025', '§12280', '§12285', '§12220', '§12020', '§12020', '§ 16', '§ 65', '§ 237', '§11214', '§624', '§ 609', '§624', '§624', '§471', '§609', '§3657', '§360', '§165', '§364', '§418', '§222', '§275', '§350', '§922', '§478', '§159', '§159', '§207', '§159', '§ 265', '§35', '§21', '§21', '§21', '§21', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§229', '§ 15', '§ 18', '§ 18', '§ 18', '§ 18', '§ 18', '§ 18', '§ 18', '§ 18', 'art. 1', '§ 926', '§61']

Gun Laws by State | Vanguard Survival, LLC
This is a listing of the relevant State statutes concerning Firearms and their carry and use. It is not meant to be used as legal advice or as a complete listing of State laws regarding firearms. It is up to YOU to ensure that you are in compliance with State laws before carrying or using a firearm. Vanguard Survival, LLC, its agents and assigns are not responsible for any criminal or civil complaints that may arise out of your use of the information contained on this page.
Open carry is generally permitted. However, open carry in a vehicle without a concealed carry license is prohibited. As of August 1, 2013, the law states that: “It shall be a rebuttable presumption that the mere carrying of a visible pistol, holstered or secured, in public place, in and of itself, is not disorderly conduct.”
“The entire matter of handguns is reserved to the state legislature.”
*AOW’s disguised as walking canes are the only illegal firearms in Alabama.
“Assault weapon” prohibition or restrictions?
5-73-301 – 5-73-320
Shall-Issue. According to Act 746,no permit is required while “on a journey through or across Arkansas.” On July 8, 2013 Arkansas Attorney General clarified that the ban on openly carrying handguns in public remains in effect.[7]
Act 746 allows open carry for individuals “on a journey through or across Arkansas,” provided the individual carry has not or does not intend to use the weapon to commit a crime.
[Weapons are allowed if] The person is carrying a weapon when upon a journey, unless the journey is through a commercial airport when presenting at the security checkpoint in the airport or is in the person’s checked baggage and is not a lawfully declared weapon. “Journey” is defined as “travel beyond the county in which a person lives.” (5-73-120(B)(3))
All firearm sales must be completed through a dealer. *Handgun purchases require a Handgun Safety Certificate and proof of residency unless the individual purchasing the firearm is active duty military. Military reservists must still acquire a Handgun Safety Certificate and proof of residency to purchase a firearm.
§12025and§12031
All handgun serial numbers and sales are recorded by the state (registered) in the Department of Justice’s Automated Firearms System. As of January 1, 2014 Long gun serial numbers are now recorded, where as previously only the sale was recorded. While there is no requirement for California residents to register previously owned handguns or firearms with law enforcement, §12025 and §12031 enhance several misdemeanor offenses to felonies if the handgun is not on file in the Department of Justice’s Automated Firearms System. California §12025 states that handguns must be transported unloaded and in a locked container other than the glove compartment or utility box in a motor vehicle. A “locked container” is further defined to mean “a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device.” New residents must register handguns (purchased outside of California) with DOJ within 60 days.
§12280,§12285
May issue, depending on jurisdiction. County sheriff’s or local Police Chief’s discretion, many counties are de facto “no-issue,” while others are “shall-issue” in practice. CCW permits valid statewide. Out-of-state permits not valid in California. The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals ruled California’s May-Issue law unconstitutional in February 2014, but has allowed the law to remain in effect pending further appeals. Some counties that have historically been very restrictive in issuing CCW permits have implemented Shall-Issue policies for granting CCW permits in the wake of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, while other counties with restrictive policies have opted to continue operating under the existing discretionary criteria until a court order is issued that eliminates the requirement for applicants to show “good cause.” for a CCW permit. A few counties have stopped processing CCW permits altogether and are awaiting a final ruling from the courts before they resume processing applications.
*Long guns may be carried in unincorporated rural areas where open carry is permitted by local ordinance. In a county with a population of less than 200,000 residents, a permit to carry a handgun “loaded and exposed” may be issued by the county sheriff.
§12220, §12020,§12020
Possession of automatic weapons or short-barreled shotguns or rifles prohibited without DOJ “Dangerous Weapons Permit”; permission rarely granted outside of film industry. Suppressors (aka silencers) prohibited. Destructive devices are prohibited unless are designated as curios & relics, in which case a collectors permit can be obtained. The only AOW’s that are permitted are smoothbore pistols and firearms with a combination of a smoothbore and rifle barrel.
California courts have ruled that large capacity magazines that are disassembled or LCM parts are legal to possess. Otherwise federal rules are observed.
After July 1, 2013, magazines holding more than 15 rounds may not be sold or transferred within the state. LCMs lawfully obtained prior to July 1, 2013 may be kept. The new large capacity magazine law is silent in regards to non-residents bringing LCMs into Colorado for personal use. The LCM ban does not explicitly prohibit Colorado residents from bringing into Colorado LCMs lawfully purchased from out-of-state sources for personal use.
Colorado is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Denver’s restrictions on transport/possession of firearms in vehicles do not apply to persons traveling to or from other jurisdictions; see Trinen v. City & County of Denver, 53 P.3d 754
Certificate of Eligibility for Pistol and Revolvers or Long Guns or Ammunition required to purchase handguns, long guns or ammunition, respectively. Applicants must complete an approved safety course, and pass a NICS background check prior to issuance of certificate. Certificates of Eligibility are granted on a Shall-Issue basis to qualified applicants, and are valid for five years. There is a 14-day waiting period for the purchase of long guns, with exceptions for peace officers, Active-Duty military members, and holders of carry permits. With the passing of Public Act 13-3, hunting licenses (which take approximately 12 hours to complete versus the eight hours the NRA Basic Pistol Course takes) may no longer be used to purchase ammunition or long rifles. Long guns and ammunition purchased outside of Connecticut are not subject to the long gun and ammunition eligibility requirements (even if one is a CT resident) other than the two week waiting period must be observed for long gun transfers out of state.
*Registration required for assault weapons purchased between September 13, 1994 and April 1, 2014 and for machine guns obtained before October 1, 1993.There is a de facto registry of the sale (including the serial numbers) of handguns and long guns purchased in state that is maintained by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Any transfer, be it from a dealer or private party, must be accompanied by an authorization number issued by the DESPP and a form containing personal and weapon identification (DPS-3-C) must be submitted to DESPP and local police. This form is collected and maintained on all guns purchased from FFL dealers as well. The DPS-3-C form is not required for long gun transfers made out of state.
Partial ban. Selective fire weapons, some .50 BMG variants, and semiautomatic center-fire firearms with one defined feature; banned weapons lawfully possessed prior to this date must be registered with DESPP. Registered weapons may only be sold or transferred to a licensed gun dealer, to the State Police or local police department or transferred to a recipient outside of Connecticut. Assault weapons manufactured and lawfully obtained prior to September 13, 1994 no longer require registration with DESPP and may be sold or transferred to non-prohibited persons.[8] Exceptions exist for active and retired law enforcement and military members.
As of April 4, 2013, magazines holding more than 10 rounds are considered Large Capacity Magazines (LCM), and such magazines manufactured after that date may not be sold or transferred within the state. Existing owners of LCMs may possess such magazines if they declare them with the DESPP before January 1, 2014. Owners of registered LCMs may not load such magazines with more than 10 rounds except when inside the owner’s home or on the premises of a licensed shooting range. Even if an individual has a permit to carry a pistol or revolver, they can never carry, other than at a shooting range, a pistol that has an LCM loaded with more than 10 bullets. Unlawfully possessing a Large Capacity Magazine obtained prior to the ban’s effective date is an infraction with a $90 fine for the first offense, and a Class D felony (punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $5,000 fine) for subsequent offenses. Unlawfully possessing a LCM obtained after the effective date of the ban is a Class D felony.
Shall-Issue, with Limited Discretion. Connecticut’s pistol permit law specifies that issuing authorities May-Issue pistol permits to qualified applicants, but the state’s courts have generally ruled that permits must be granted on a Shall-Issue basis to applicant’s meeting the state’s qualifications for a pistol permit, as Connecticut does not require an applicant to “show good cause” for needing a permit. Issuing authorities have limited discretion to deny a permit when he or she has personal knowledge of the applicant’s character that would not otherwise be reflected on a background check, although a denial on this basis would have to be justified with supporting evidence showing that the applicant is not of “suitable” character to be granted a pistol permit.Connecticut has a two-step permitting process: a 60-day Temporary permit issued by local authorities and a 5-year regular permit issued by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Issuance of a Temporary permit not a prerequisite to apply for a Regular permit, but an applicant must await a decision from local authorities on the Temporary permit application before applying to DESPP for the Regular permit. Permit needed to carry open or concealed. Exceptions for peace officers and Active-Duty military members. Out of state permits not valid in Connecticut, but nonresidents may apply for a Connecticut Nonresident carry permit through the mail.
Connecticut is a Licensed Open Carry state. A Connecticut Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers allows the carry of handguns openly or concealed. Despite this, local law enforcement have been known[citation needed] to detain carriers. There have been very few actual arrests and no convictions in recent history as a result of carrying unconcealed. State law is silent on the open carry of long guns in public either with or without a permit, although some municipalities have enacted ordinances restricting or banning the practice.Various towns and the state police as well have articulated through training memos that open carry is legal and to not harass people who carry openly without some other cause.[9]
No duty to retreat if you are in your home or on property owned by yourself. *There is no “stand your ground law” but, courts have granted civil immunity to those with carry permits and used “reasonable force” in the past.
State pre-emption of local ordinances not explicitly specified in state law, but established by court precedence. Most municipalities have ordinances restricting or banning the discharge of firearms. Some municipalities have restrictions or bans on carrying long guns in public places. The City of New London and the City of New Britain previously had ordinances that forbade open carry of hanguns, which have since been repealed in both cities.
*SBR, SBS, DD, suppressors are legal, provided they also comply with the assault weapons provisions, unless purchased before October 1, 1993. Machine guns are legal but, must not be select-fire unless purchased before October 1, 1993.
Delaware is a “may issue” state for concealed carry, but mostly shall-issue in practice. Permits are generally issued to all applicants not barred from owning a firearm.
Open carry is generally permitted. Local prohibitions in effect before July 4, 1985 are not preempted. City of Dover requires a permit from police chief or a state concealed permit to open carry. This was not preempted and is the only known non-preempted carry law.
All firearms must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. A background check, online training, and testing of the gun owner are required.
Federal law (FOPA) applies.
Allows concealed possession of handguns, electronic weapons or devices, tear gas guns, knives, or billies, but not long guns or machine guns perChapter 790.06(1). Concealed carry only; no open carry of firearms allowed, even with license, except when hunting, fishing, camping, or while practice shooting and while traveling to and from those activities.
Florida law does not require one to disclose one’s possession of a firearm on contact with Law Enforcement.
A person may not carry a handgun openly in Georgia without having a valid Georgia Weapons Carry License (GWCL) unless he or she meets one of the exceptions under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126(a)-(g). Openly carrying a handgun without a GWCL in one’s home, motor vehicle, or place of business is covered by the exception in section 16-11-126(a).
HRS 0134-0002
Must be registered with county Police Chief within 5 days of purchase.
Law bans “assault pistols” with two or more banned features. Does not apply to rifles or shotguns with a barrel length greater than 16 inches
Handgun magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds are prohibited
HRS 0134-0009
By law, Hawaii is a Licensed Open Carry State, but since licenses are rarely issued, the state is Non-Premissive for open carry in practice. The chief of police may grant a permit “Where the urgency or the need has been sufficiently indicated” provided that the person is “is engaged in the protection of life and property”. In practice, Hawaii is “No-Issue,” as issuing authorities rarely or never approve applications for permits.
Machine guns, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and silencers/suppressors are prohibited from the average citizen. Destructive devices and AOW’s are allowed with proper tax stamp and NFA paperwork from the ATF
Idaho 18-3302
License needed to carry concealed, may carry openly in a vehicle or on foot. May carry concealed when outside the confines of a city or city limits, and not inside a vehicle while engaged in a lawful outdoor activity.[2]
Cities May regulate the discharge of firearms within their confines or limits.
Permitted as long as such possession is in compliance with all federal regulations
Shall-issue with limited discretion.[11] Concealed carry permits are issued by the state police. Permits issued by other states are not recognized, but nonresidents from states with “substantially similar” licensing requirements can apply for an Illinois nonresident permit. Non-residents may carry in a vehicle if they are in possession of a permit from their home state.
Preemption for the regulation of handguns, and for the transportation of firearms. Preemption for laws regulating “assault weapons”, unless enacted before July 20, 2013.
Cook County and the city of Chicago have separately banned the possession of “assault weapons”, as have several Chicago suburbs.
Shall-Issue. Officially “License to Carry Handgun”
May carry openly with license. Those who choose to open carry are often confronted or accosted by police forces.[12] The legality of this police practice is hotly disputed.[13]
Federal laws observed, with the exception that short barreled shotguns are not permitted.
A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, or licensing of firearms when the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state
Permit To Carry may be used in lieu of Permit to Acquire when purchasing a handgun
Concealed carrypermits issued?
Accepts permits from all states, Iowa residents must have Iowa permit
Iowa issues a “Permit to Carry Weapons” that is necessary to carry a firearm. Iowa law does not generally require that firearms be concealed.
704707.6
Civil immunity for use of “reasonable force” in self defense
Nearly complete prohibition
Kansas Chapter 75 Article 7c
KRS § 65.870
Exception: KRS § 237.115 allows the following entities to restrict concealed carry:
Louisiana is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Open carry is generally permitted without a license, but may be restricted by local governments with laws in place before July 15, 1985.
Local restrictions in place before July 15, 1985 are grandfathered in. Parishes may regulate hunting and the shooting of firearms.
Automatic firearms, short-barreled shotguns, short-barreled rifles, or silencers may not be possessed or transferred without permission of the Department of Public Safety, and must be registered with the Department.
Maine is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Open carry is generally permitted. Open carry in a vehicle is permitted only with a concealed carry license.
12 MRS §11214
*Some requirements if a semi-automatic firearm is used for hunting
Md Public Safety Article Section 5-117.1[14]
A Handgun Qualification License is required, unless exempted (Active Duty/Retired Military with identification cards, Active/Retired Law Enforcement with department credentials); training is required, unless exempted; fingerprints are required; background checks are required; does not invalidate the requirement to perform a comprehensive background check for every handgun purchase transaction.[14]
The state police maintain a permanent record of all handgun transfers. Automatic weapons must be registered with the state police.
Certain models of firearms are banned as “assault pistols” and “assault long guns”. It is illegal to possess an “assault weapon” or a “copycat weapon” with two or more specified features (folding stock, grenade/flare launcher, flash suppressor) unless owned before 10/1/2013, or received through inheritance from a lawful possessor and not otherwise forbidden to possess .[14]
Illegal to purchase, sell or manufacture magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds within Maryland. However, possession of magazines greater than 10 rounds is legal if purchased out of state. These may not, however, be transferred to a subsequent owner.
*Automatic firearms, SBS’s, and SBR’s must be owned in compliance with federal law. Law is silent in regards to DD’s, silencers, and AOW’s
Registration is not specifically required by law, however transfers of firearm ownership are required to be recorded with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) by the seller if in state or by the buyer if out of state. The Massachusetts EOPSS provides the option to register a firearm as well, although other than obtaining a firearm from out of state (a transfer of ownership), this is not required by law.
MA Ch. 140 Sec. 131
Massachusetts is a “may issue” state for concealed carry; the issuing authority is the local police chief for most jurisdictions. There are several different types of concealed carry licenses. CCW issuance varies within the state. Counties closer to large cities (like Boston) are de facto no-issue, whereas more rural (and some suburban) counties have shall/reasonable issuance policies .[citation needed] Restrictions can be put on any type of permit however, such as only while target shooting and hunting. Permits are valid state wide as long as you are carrying in the manner you are allowed to.
*Open carry is legal in some areas with a concealed carry license but generally is discouraged by law enforcement.[citation needed]
A two point “banned features” system is what defines an “assault weapon”. These “assault weapons” are prohibited unless lawfully owned on or prior to September 13, 1994. Firearms that do not have two or more “banned features” are legal to purchase with an LTC-A, LTC-B or in some cases a standard FID so long as magazine restrictions are followed to what your license allows.
The possession of automatic firearms is only allowed with a permit, which is rarely granted .[citation needed] Silencers are restricted only for law enforcement. Some destructive devices are banned at the state level, while others are banned at a local level. DD’s can be completely illegal or legal depending on what county you live in. SBR’s, SBS’s, and AOW’s are allowed with proper approval from the ATF, provided they comply with the current assault weapon law and local restrictions.
*Permit required for purchase from an individual if, not processed through a FFL dealer.
MCL 28.422]
Handguns must be registered with the city chief of police or county sheriff.
Michigan is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Short barreled shotguns, short barreled rifles, automatic weapons, AOW’s, and silencers/suppressors are allowed if in compliance with federal law.
Subject/Laws
§624.7131
Permit to purchase required to transfer/purchase “military-style assault weapons” and handguns through FFL dealers. A permit to carry also acts as a permit to purchase for Minnesota residents. Traditional rifles and shotguns may be purchased without a permit. There are private seller regulations in Minnesota. Please read here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.7132#stat.624.7132 . A private seller is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if a private transfer is made to a prohibited person who then uses or possesses the firearm during the commission of a felony crime of violence within one year of the transfer. Minn. Stat. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.7132#stat.624.7132§§ 609.66, subd. 1f (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.66#stat.609.66.1f) and 624.7132, subd. 12(1)(https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.7132#stat.624.7132.12).
Persons under the age of 21 prohibited from purchasing handguns. Persons 18 and older may purchase “assault weapons” with a permit to purchase (or permit to carry for persons 21 and older).
§624.714
Shall Issue. Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol required to carry handguns. Concealment is permitted but not required, but only handguns may be carried concealed.
§624.7181
May carry openly with permit to carry. A carry permit also allows for open carry of long guns.
§471.633
Municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within their borders.
§609.67
Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns, unless designated Curios & Relics, are prohibited in most cases. Sound suppressors and some destructive devices are prohibited in most cases.
MS Code Sections 95-3-1, 45-9-101, 97-37-7, House Bill 506 of the 2011 Mississippi Legislature
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety shall issue a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver to a qualified applicant within 45 days. The license is valid for five years. Concealed carry is not allowed in a school, courthouse, police station, detention facility, government meeting place, polling place, establishment primarily devoted to dispensing alcoholic beverages, athletic event, parade or demonstration for which a permit is required, passenger terminal of an airport, “place of nuisance” as defined in Mississippi Code section 95–3–1, or a location where a sign is posted and clearly visible from at least ten feet away saying that the “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited”. With an enhanced carry permit per Mississippi Code section 97-37-7(2) as amended by House Bill 506 of the 2011 Regular Session,[15] the prohibited locations to carry concealed are as follows: any police, sheriff or highway patrol station; any detention facility, prison or jail; courtrooms during a judicial proceeding; any “place of nuisance”; and (not listed in the Mississippi statutes, but still relevant) any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law. A license to carry a pistol or revolver is not required for open carry. A license is not required for transporting a concealed or visible firearm in a vehicle.
House Bill 2 of the 2013 Mississippi Legislature
The “HB2” Unlicensed Open Carry Law went into effect July 1, 2013. An injunction, declaring the definition of “concealed handgun” unconstitutionally vague, was initially put in place by a Circuit Court Judge in Jackson, MS. The injunction was vacated August 29th, 2013 by the Mississippi Supreme Court.[16]
No county or municipality may adopt any ordinance that restricts or requires the possession, transportation, sale, transfer or ownership of firearms or ammunition or their components. However, local governments may regulate the discharge of firearms, the carrying of firearms at a public park or public meeting, or the use of firearms in cases of insurrection, riots and natural disasters.
Permitted as long such possession is in compliance with all federal regulations
Missouri is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Open carry is generally permitted, but may be restricted by local governments.
Local governments may regulate open carry and the discharge of firearms.
Peaceable journey law?
Montana 45-8-321
Montana is a “shall issue” state. Concealed carry without a permit is generally allowed outside city, town, or logging camp limits.
M.C.A 45-8-351
Permitted as long such possession is in compliance with all federal regulations.
The city of Omaha requires the registration of all handguns.
Nebraska is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Clark county (excluding Boulder City) requires the registration of handguns.[17]
NRS 202§3657 – Application and PermittingNRS 202§360 – Prohibited Persons
NV Constitution Article 1 Section 11NRS 503§165 – Carrying loaded rifle or shotgun in or on vehicle on or along public way unlawful; exceptions.
Open carry is generally permitted throughout the state. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm must be clearly visible if upon the person, however in Clark County is subject to possible unlawful arrest and litigation.[18][19]
NRS 244§364 – County of 700,000 or moreNRS 268§418 – City of 700,000 or moreNRS 269§222 – Town of 700,000 or more
NRS 202§275 Possession, manufacture or disposition of short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgunNRS 202§350 Manufacture, importation, possession or use of dangerous weapon or silencer18 USC §922(b)4 – Unlawful Transfer27 CFR §478.98 – Sales or deliveries of destructive devices and certain firearms.
Possession and ownership of an SBR, SBS, machine gun (selective-fire weapon), or silencer, all NFA items, are subject to federal purview and regulation.[20][21]
NHRS XII §159:14
Carry License issued?
NHRS XII §159:6
License is shall-issue.
NHRS XVIII §207:7
Handgun open carry without license except in a motor vehicle. Loaded long guns prohibited from motor vehicles.
NHRS XII §159:26
Includes knives.
New Jersey calls its permit a “permit to carry a handgun” and is a “may-issue” state for firearm carry, either openly or concealed. Permit applicants must “specify in detail the urgent necessity for self-protection, as evidenced by specific threats or previous attacks which demonstrate a special danger to the applicant’s life that cannot be avoided by means other than by issuance of a permit to carry a handgun.” As a result of this tough standard, New Jersey is effectively a “no issue” state unless one is a retired law enforcement officer. Armed security officers and armored car drivers typically get restricted permits limited to carry while on duty only. A letter of need from the security company is required.
New Jersey prohibits the possession of certain named firearms or “substantially identical” firearms deemed to be “assault firearms”, including possession of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled. Firearms classed as assault firearms but acquired before May 1, 1990 and registered with the state are legal to possess. Police officers may possess “assault weapons” for duty purposes and may possess personal assault weapons with recommendation by their agency.
N.J.S.A. Title 2C:39-1y
Magazines are limited to 15 rounds for semi-automatic firearms and 6 rounds for semi-automatic shotguns. Police officers may possess “standard capacity magazines” for duty purposes and may possess personal “standard capacity magazines” with recommendation by their agency.
Possession of automatic firearms, suppressors and silencers and other NFA items is prohibited without a state license, which is generally not granted.
Shall-issue, with completion of 15-hour handgun safety course that includes live-fire instruction. Permit required to carry concealed loaded firearm on foot. No permit needed for open carry, concealed carry of an unloaded firearm, or transport of a loaded firearm either concealed or openly in a vehicle. Unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm is a petty misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 6 months in a county jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
There is no law that specifically addresses Castle Doctrine or Stand your Ground in New Mexico. However, Castle Doctrine has been established on a limited basis by a 1946 New Mexico Supreme Court ruling, which states that when a person reasonably feels “threatened with an attack need not retreat. In the exercise of his right of self-defense, he may stand his ground and defend himself.”[22] Currently, the courts have limited the scope of Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground to self-defense situations occurring inside the defender’s home, and neither law nor court precedence provides the defender immunity from lawsuits by the aggressor arising from the use of lethal force in self-defense.
“Opt-Out” statute?
Property owners may prohibit the carrying of firearms onto property they lawfully possess by posting signage or verbally notifying persons upon entering the property. Violating these “gun-free” establishments is a 4th-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Federal rules observed. Federal law pre-empts Native American reservation laws
S 265.20, S 265.01
No NYS permit is required for long guns. NYC residents must apply for and receive a rifle/shotgun permit from the NYC police department, must register every long gun purchased with said permit with the NYC police department and purchases are limited to one long gun per ninety day period. Handguns require a permit. Permits are issued by County or State Supreme Court judges/justices outside of New York City, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, with a background check. Permits for those wanting to carry concealed are issued on a “may issue” basis, whereas permits to merely purchase and possess handguns in the home are issued on a “shall issue” basis. There is an application fee for each Permit, as well as an amendment fee for each handgun added to the permit.
S 700.00, S 265.01
No registration for long guns. All handguns must be registered under a license. There is a $3 registration fee. Handguns are registered with purchase permit. The serial number and sale is noted down. It is illegal to possess any un-registered firearm. Antique weapons are exempted from this. All handguns must travel in the manner one’s license is issued. No record is needed of previously owned handguns with laws enforcement. *All rifles classified as “assault weapons” must be registered with the state by January 15, 2014.
No license is required for long guns. New York State has a handgun ban in place. Exceptions are to those who own a license. They are normally restricted to three types, residence or business premises permit (must issue generally), Target & Hunting and Unrestricted Carry. Target and hunting allows carry while engaged in those activities. Unrestricted allows carry at anytime. All permits issued outside of New York City are not valid in New York City, EXCEPT for retired police and federal law enforcement officers with that status marked on their permit, and for armored car guards on duty. The minimum age to be issued a handgun license is 21 unless you are a former or current member of the armed forces or law enforcement.
New York issues CCWs on a “may issue” basis. CCW Issuance is different by county. Generally it is harder to obtain a permit in counties closer to large New York cities. Most Counties that aren’t a part of downstate New York have shall/reasonable issuance policies, but may administratively restrict where you can carry your weapon (such as only for target shooting or hunting). It is not a crime to carry a weapon under a Target or Hunting permit for other purposes, but if caught or reported the permit will likely be revoked. Concealed carry without any kind of permit must be charged as a felony unless the weapon is unloaded and no ammunition for it is in possession of the person carrying. Permits are not automatically valid statewide; each city or county may or may not recognize in-state permits issued by other localities within New York.
S 265.00, S 265.02
Possession of assault weapons is prohibited, except for those legally possessed on January 15, 2013 and registered with the state by January 15, 2014. New York City, Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester have enacted their own assault weapon bans. Law enforcement and retired law enforcement are exempt from the “assault weapons” ban.
§ 265.02
Magazine size limited to 10 rounds. Law enforcement and retired law enforcement are exempt from the 10 round limit.[23]
Title II (National Firearms Act) weapons restricted?
S 265.02, S 265.02
Ownership of machine guns, suppressors, SBR, and SBS are prohibited to the average citizen. DDs are permitted except for rockets with greater than 3 ounces of propellant, which are prohibited.
S 265.35, S 265.01
Open carry is effectively banned under state law. *However some counties (such as Delaware County) will issue permits to open carry, but not concealed carry. Licensed handgun owners have been known to open carry in that county
*New York has a castle doctrine law. It allows for the “use of (non-lethal) physical force in defense of premises and in defense of a person in the course of burglary.” Lethal force is governed under §35.15.
New York preempts only handgun licensing.[24][24] Places such as Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and most notably New York City have put in more restrictive gun laws, such as licensing of long guns and 5 round magazine limits.
S 265.10
With certain restrictions (see below), most notably magazines are not exempt. Some law enforcement agencies (notably the New York State Police) do not recognize the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act, and may detain or arrest non-residents transporting firearms through New York in accordance with FOPA. Individuals in such situations would then have to use FOPA as an affirmative defense to firearms-related charges in court.
For handguns, a permit to purchase or a concealed handgun permit is required.
*Durham County formerly required registration of handguns. This was repealed on June 18, 2014.
North Carolina is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Open carry is generally not-permitted, but may be limited by local governments.
A permit to possess an automatic firearm may be issued at the discretion of the county sheriff. All other NFA weapons (aka Title II weapons) and silencers/suppressors are allowed, as long as federal rules are followed
North Dakota is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
NFA-compliant automatic firearms must be registered with the county sheriff and the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
O.R.C. 2923.11
Magazines for weapons not in .22 caliber holding over 31 rounds makes the weapon an “automatic firearm” subject to law accordingly
O.R.C. 2923.125
Shall Issue – 12 hour training required
O.R.C. 2923.16
Traditional open carry state. Restrictions in motor vehicle.
O.R.C. 9.68
Full preemption, affirmed by City of Cleveland v. State of Ohio
O.R.C. 2923
It is a violation of state law to possess NFA weapons except as permitted by federal law.
§21-1277, §21-1272,§21-1278, §21-1290.5
Open carry is permitted with a handgun carry license.
The Oregon State Police may maintain a record of firearms sales from Federal Firearm Licensees for a period up to seven years.
Oregon is a “shall-issue” state for residents. Technically sheriffs “may issue” licenses to non-residents of contiguous states however, in practice most county sheriffs either adopt very restrictive criteria for issuance to non-residents or simply refuse to issue licenses. Firearm carry is prohibited by ORS 166.250, however this law does not apply to Concealed Handgun Permit holders (see ORS 166.260).
Open carry of firearms is legal, but for those who do not have a concealed handgun license, cities and counties may regulate the open carry of loaded firearms in public places. Localities that prohibit non-licensed open carry of loaded firearms in public places include: Astoria, Beaverton, Independence, Newport, Oregon City, Portland, Salem, Tigard, and Multnomah County.
Local regulations do not apply to licensed open carry.
Allowed as long as such items including machine gun lower receivers/ automatics sears, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and suppressors are in compliance with federal law and registered to the NFA.
License to Carry Firearms issued on a “shall-issue” basis. *A LTCF normally doesn’t affect rifles and shotguns, however a LTCF is required to carry a rifle or shotgun within a City of the First Class(Philadelphia is the only one) and during a declared state of emergency.
Castle Law. No duty to retreat inside castle. No duty to retreat outside castle if confronted with a deadly weapon.
All purchasers of handguns must complete and pass a safety exam managed by the RI Department of Environmental Management, at which time they will receive a DEM issued “blue card” allowing purchase. Exempt are active duty military members, law enforcement officers, and retired law enforcement officers.
Rhode Island is a hybrid “shall issue” and “may issue” state for carry. Licenses may be granted either by local authorities or by the state’s attorney general’s office. Licenses granted by local authorities are “shall issue” while those issued by the attorney general’s officer are “may issue” under state law. However, most local authorities defer to the attorney general which effectively blocks most issuance, unless one is a retired LEO.
State law mirrors Federal law to a limited degree but does not make any provision for transport of rifles and explicitly states that an individual transporting a weapon must have a valid permit in another state. The State may also adhere to federal law but this is unclear and there does not appear to be any statewide policy. The Firearms owners protection act preempts this however, and the only known weapons that are illegal are NFA weapons.
SC Code 23-31-210
South Carolina is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
SC Code 16-23-210 through 16-23-250
Permitted if registered in accordance with federal laws. State law makes possession, storage, and transfer illegal but then grants an exception for “any person authorized to possess these weapons by the United States Department of the Treasury, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or any other federal agency empowered to grant this authorization”.
SD 23-7-7
South Dakota is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Open carry is generally permitted. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm must be clearly visible.
T.C.A. § 39-17-1351[26]
Permits are “shall-issue”. Concealed or open carry of a handgun is allowed with permit. *Loaded long gun carry is generally illegal. Those with a Handgun Carry Permit(HCP) holders may have loaded long guns in a private vehicle so long as there is not a round in the chamber T.C.A. § 39-17-1307(e)[26] There are also other exceptions (like for hunting) listed in 39-17-1307.[26]
T.C.A. § 39-17-1307
T.C.A. § 39-17-1308[26]
Open carry of loaded handguns is permitted for those who have been issued a license to carry. Long guns may only be carried unloaded.
T.C.A. § 39-17-1314[26]
State preemption, except that local ordinances in effect before April 8, 1986 preempt State law, per T.C.A. § 39-17-1314(a).[26] Local governments may post signs per T.C.A. § 39-17-1359[26] to prohibit carry on government property, just like private property owners.
On July 1, 2003 public chapter 275 is in effect. It requires the CLEO, chief law enforcement officer, to sign NFA paperwork in 15 days if the applicant is not prohibited from possessing firearms. see T.C.A. § 39-17-1361.[26]
T.C.A. § 39-11-611[26]
There is no duty to retreat before using deadly force, as long as you are acting lawfully and are in a place you have a right to be in. It is presumed you had a reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily injury if someone unlawfully and forcibly enters a residence, business, dwelling or vehicle.
“Assault” weapon law?
GC Ch. 411.172
Concealed carry of a handgun requires a “shall-issue” permit, and is subject to specific laws governing trespass while armed. Open carry of a handgun is prohibited with some exceptions (hunting, on one’s own property).
PC 46.02
*Long gun and black powder weapon open carry is not forbidden by law, unless it is done in a manner “calculated to cause alarm.” Open carry of a long gun is generally allowed in rural areas.
LGC §229.001.
FIREARMS; EXPLOSIVES. (a) A municipality may not adopt regulations relating to the transfer, private ownership, keeping, transportation, licensing, or registration of firearms, ammunition, or firearm supplies.Municipal governments can enact regulations on the discharge of firearms (such as noise, nuisance or public safety ordinances); however, those laws are subject to and cannot preempt State law concerning justified use of a firearm.
PC 46.01(9), PC 46.05
State law prohibits ownership outside of NFA compliance, calling possession while in compliance “a defense to prosecution.”
PC 46.02, PC 46.15
A person may carry a loaded handgun without a permit while in or heading directly to a motor vehicle or watercraft they own or control. The statute does not specifically state the handgun must be concealed while heading to the vehicle or watercraft, and 46.02, which requires concealment of a handgun while in a motor vehicle or watercraft, is not applicable to a person while the person is traveling, pursuant to said activities. 46.15(b)(2).
Castle Doctrine/ Stand your ground law?
PC 9.32
Private sales are legal. No waiting period.
“Assault Weapons” law?
UT 53-05-0704
Open carry allowed without permit and concealed carry of loaded firearm allowed with permit.
Open carry of unloaded handguns and long guns is generally permitted without a permit.
State pre-emption of local restrictions?
Municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms.
Possession of NFA firearms in violation of federal law is a third degree felony under state law. However, possession and ownership of NFA firearms and items is legal under state law if federal requirements and laws are followed.
“Peaceable Journey” law?
Persons exempt from weapons laws.”(g) a nonresident traveling in or through the state, provided that any firearm is: (i) unloaded; and (ii) securely encased as defined in Section 76-10-501.” Handguns may be loaded in any vehicle under the person’s control.
“Castle Doctrine” law?
Force in defense of habitation.“(1) A person is justified in using force against another when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other’s unlawful entry into or attack upon his habitation; however, he is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury only if: (a) the entry is made or attempted in a violent and tumultuous manner, surreptitiously, or by stealth, and he reasonably believes that the entry is attempted or made for the purpose of assaulting or offering personal violence to any person, dwelling, or being in the habitation and he reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent the assault or offer of personal violence; or (b) he reasonably believes that the entry is made or attempted for the purpose of committing a felony in the habitation and that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of the felony. (2) The person using force or deadly force in defense of habitation is presumed for the purpose of both civil and criminal cases to have acted reasonably and had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury if the entry or attempted entry is unlawful and is made or attempted by use of force, or in a violent and tumultuous manner, or surreptitiously or by stealth, or for the purpose of committing a felony.”
Force in defense of person — Forcible felony defined.“(1) (a) A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that force or a threat of force is necessary to defend the person or a third person against another person’s imminent use of unlawful force. (b) A person is justified in using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury only if the person reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to the person or a third person as a result of another person’s imminent use of unlawful force, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.”
All NFA weapons are allowed with the exception that supressors may not be sold or possessed by civilians.
*Automatic firearms are required to be registered with the state police.
*Proof of age and citizenship required for the purchase of “assault weapons”.
Virginia is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
§ 15.2-915.2§ 18.2-287.4
Open carry is generally allowed without a permit for people 18 years of age and older. The exceptions are: open carry of “assault weapons” (any firearm that is equipped with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or is designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock) and shotguns equipped with a magazine that holds more than 7 rounds. The aforementioned exceptions only apply in the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Virginia Beach and in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, and Prince William. However, these restrictions do not apply to valid concealed carry permit holders. Stated differently, you may open carry an assault weapon/shotgun with more than 7 rounds with a permit in the aforementioned locations, but do not need a permit to do so in any other locality in Virginia.For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm must be “properly secured in a container or compartment within the vehicle” (i.e. glove box, center console, trunk, etc.). The container/compartment does not have to be locked, the firearm may be within the reach of the driver or a passenger, and the firearm may be loaded. This does not preempt an employer from prohibiting firearms “at a place of employment if there is a company policy or signage prohibiting firearms on the premises.”Furthermore, a “county or city may by ordinance make it unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road, or highway within such locality.” However, this does not “apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.”
In addition, a firearm may be considered “open carry” in a vehicle if the firearm is openly visible, though this is not as well established as the “secured in a container/compartment” rule.
Virginia has state preemption for most but not all firearm laws.
§ 18.2-287.4§ 18.2-308.2:01
*Proof of age (18+ for long arms, 21+ for pistols) and proof of citizenship (or permanent residence license) are required for the purchase of “assault weapons”. “Assault weapons” are defined as a semi-automatic, centerfire, firearm equipped with a folding/adjustable stock, or equipped at the time with a magazine capable of holding more than 20 rounds, or capable of accommodating a silencer/suppressor.
§ 18.2-287.4§ 18.2-282.
*Magazines capable of holding more than 20 rounds are legal but, they make the firearm an “assault weapon”, subject to law accordingly.
§ 18.2-308.8§ 18.2-308.5
§ 18.2-295
Automatic firearms must be registered with the state police. Plastic firearms and some destructive devices (such as the striker 12 shotgun) are prohibited outside law enforcement. SBS, SBR, AOW’s, and silencers are legal with NFA paperwork.
Relevant Statutes for Long guns / Handguns
No / Partial
WA Constitution art. 1 sec. 24
Washington is a “shall-issue” state and will grant concealed carry permits to all applicants that meet the criteria. There are no training requirements.
RCW 09.41.050 (in vehicle)
Open carry is lawful in Washington without any permit. Open carry of a loaded handgun in a vehicle is legal only with a concealed pistol license. Open carry of a loaded long gun in a vehicle is illegal, regardless of CPL possession.
RCW 09.41.190 RCW 09.41.220 RCW 09.41.225RCW 09.41.250(1)(c)
Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns are illegal for non-law-enforcement possession. Silencers are lawful to possess and use if registered properly with ATF. Short barreled rifles will be lawful to possess and use if registered properly with the ATF, as of June 12, 2014.[29]
RCW 09.41.050 RCW 09.41.060 18 USC § 926ACCW Reciprocity
Castle Doctrine / Stand your ground law?
Not defined – de facto
RCW 9A.16.050, RCW 9A.16.110
The Washington State Supreme Court ruled “that there is no duty to retreat when a person is assaulted in a place where he or she has a right to be.“[30][31]
WV Code §61-7-4
West Virginia is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry.
Open carry is generally permitted, but some local restrictions are grandfathered in.
Local laws in place before June 1, 1999 are valid. UPDATE Pursuant to The Enrolled Public Act of Senate Bill 317 by The West Virginia Legislature, as Signed into Law by Governor Tomblin, The Amended Provisions of West Virginia Code Section 8-12-5a(a) Preempt and Preclude Municipalities from Regulating: ‘…The Carry[ing] of any Revolver, Pistol, Rifle, or Shotgun’.******
As a Result, a Municipality may no longer Prohibit Open Carry of a Firearm within its’ Jurisdictional Limits.
48 hour waiting period on handguns
Open carry of loaded handguns and long guns is permitted without a license. If carrying openly in a vehicle, it must be “visible to ordinary observation” in order not to be considered concealed (needing a license).
No duty to retreat in the “dwelling” or owned/operated place of business. No deadly force solely to protect property. 3rd party protection. If attack is provoked, self-defense may only be used if reasonable belief of imminent death or great bodily harm. If attack is provoked deadly force only allowed if all other reasonable means of avoidance exhausted.
“the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the facts constituting the defense did not exist in order to sustain a finding of guilt”
941.298941.26
Silencers, SBR, and SBS allowed if NFA rules followed, otherwise felony
No permit required for both residents and non-residents.
Permit to purchase/License required
60103, 60106
Concealed carry & Open carry license issued?
Shall Issue. Bill 296-32 passed by legislature for shall issue,signed by Governor. “Governor”.