Our founders’ experiment in self-government gave
us the gift of Federalism, where states unite under a centralized governing
authority while honoring a state’s rights. Though the power of the federal
government has increased, the United States still maintains great contrast on
the subject of gun ownership from states to states. Here’s a quick assessment
of each state’s gun laws in a format that ranks them from worst to first for
gun owners. This is post ban gun information as of 2015, and of course, it will be updating as years pass by.
51. Washington, D.C.
While D.C. is hardly a home for America’s gun
owners, things have improved slightly in the last few years. The District is in
the process of imposing a “may issue” permit system that is unlikely to issue
many, if any, permits to law-abiding citizens within the city. D.C. residents
must still register all firearms with the Metro Police Department, and legal
shooting opportunities within the District are nonexistent. If you’re a gun
owner looking to move to the D.C. area, take a hard look at Northern Virginia
instead.
50. New York
All we can say that’s positive about gun laws
within the Empire State is that they haven’t gotten any worse. New York remains
a very difficult state for gun owners, with mandatory handgun licensing,
magazine capacity limits and a total ban on NFA items. Carry permits are
granted on a “may issue” basis and obtaining one is no easy task. You’ll still
find some shooting sports activity in upstate areas, but the overall climate
for gun owners is bad.
49. New Jersey
Ownership of tactical rifles is tightly
regulated in New Jersey, and state law bans suppressors. Carry permits are “may
issue” and are not readily available.
48. Massachusetts
Licenses are required for the ownership of all
firearms, and tactical-looking rifles are all but banned unless grandfathered
and registered. The state’s magazine capacity limit is 10 rounds. Carry permits
are “may issue,” but they are actually obtainable. The state police can issue
temporary nonresident permits.
47. Hawaii
Hawaii’s gun laws are very restrictive. Permits
to acquire are required for all firearms. A 10-round magazine restriction is on
the books along with a complete ban on NFA items. Self-defense laws are
mediocre. If you’re a hunter, there are some surprisingly good outdoor
opportunities, which may be the only silver lining in paradise.
46. California
While many states have backed away from efforts to restrict the
rights of their gun owners, California is moving full steam ahead. Although
much of California’s geography is true rural America, the big cities
dominate the political landscape and enact strict gun laws accordingly. California
uses a restrictive “approved” handgun list that makes some models (many already
discontinued by the manufacturer) available in the state, and the mere act of
shipping a firearm to a dealer in California can be complicated. A 10-day
waiting period is imposed on all firearms acquisitions, and registration is
required. Tactical-looking rifles are restricted as are standard-capacity
magazines not grandfathered in. Mere possession of certain magazines is banned
in some municipalities, and most NFA items, including suppressors, are not
allowed.
45. Connecticut
Licensing requirements are in place for all
firearms, and handgun owners are required to have a permit to possess a handgun
anywhere outside the home. Mere possession of an unregistered magazine holding
more than 10 rounds is a felony, and tactical rifles must be registered and
grandfathered in. Carry permits are “may issue” but are generally given if an
applicant meets certain criteria. Permits from other states are not recognized.
Both suppressors and machine guns are legal if registered with both ATF
and in-state authorities.
44. Maryland
Carry permits in Maryland are “may issue” and
rare. Handguns must be registered and require a permit to own, though rifles
and shotguns do not. Tactical rifles are prohibited, with some exceptions
(including LWRC rifles, which are made in the state).
43. Illinois
Illinois has gone from one of the worst states
for gun owners to “not so bad as long as you don’t live in Chicago” these last
few years. The state’s “shall issue” concealed carry permit system is up and
running for both residents and nonresidents. Illinois’ Firearm Owner’s
Identification, or “FOID,” requirement remains in effect for all residents
wishing to touch a firearm or ammunition except for those possessed by
nonresidents in accordance with state law. Suppressors are not permitted in
Illinois. Short-barreled rifles are not allowed. At the point of sale, there is
a three-day waiting period before picking up a handgun, and a 24-hour waiting
period is applied to all long guns. The state has strong use-of-force laws, and
all tactical rifles are legal outside of municipalities such as Chicago and
Highland Park.
42. Rhode Island
Despite numerous efforts to pass
more-restrictive gun control laws in the Ocean State, none have passed. Rhode
Island requires a seven-day waiting period for all firearm purchases, and a
safety course is required in order to purchase a handgun. The state has a
decent right-to-carry law in place and does not restrict tactical rifles. The
state has relatively weak self-defense statutes with no Castle Doctrine-type law
on the books, and all NFA items are prohibited.
41. Delaware
A rather cumbersome “may issue” CCW law prevents
Delaware from clawing its way into a better ranking. The state has strong
use-of-force laws including the Castle Doctrine, and it does not restrict
tactical rifles or magazine capacity. NFA laws are a mixed bag, with SBRs and
AOWs allowed in compliance with federal law. However, other items, including
machine guns and suppressors, are banned.
40. Washington
Washington State is a classic case of a mostly
rural state with a few cities that carry the bulk of the political influence.
Washington issues CCW permits on a “shall issue” basis. The state has a strong
use-of-force law and doesn’t require permits to purchase any category of
firearm. Tactical rifles are unrestricted, but machine guns are no-go, even
in-compliance with federal law.
39. Minnesota
Minnesota is the quintessential Midwest state in
which often visceral resistance to political change makes passing pro-gun
legislation more difficult. For now, Minnesota remains a middle-of-the-road
state with a “shall issue” CCW system with few prohibited places enumerated by
statute. Minnesota’s use-of-force laws are strong, but CCW reciprocity is
minimal. NFA laws are a bit of a mixed bag, with Curio and Relic (C&R)
machine guns allowed along with SBRs.
38. Iowa
Iowa’s state law preempts municipalities from
passing their own gun control regulations other than discharge ordinances. NFA
items are essentially banned but for some narrow statutory exemptions. Current
law prohibits adults from teaching children under 14 to shoot a handgun, which
doesn’t exactly promote youth shooting sports such as the Scholastic Pistol
Program.
37. Colorado
Colorado’s CCW remains a good one (with fees)
with strong reciprocity and few prohibited locations, but the state’s
use-of-force laws could use some strengthening. All NFA items are allowed under
state law. If you are a hunter, Colorado has lots going for it, and there is a
strong network of competitive shooters in the state.
36. New Mexico
New Mexico is a “shall issue” CCW state, but it
includes some odd provisions such as the maximum caliber a CCW holder can
carry. Use-of-force laws are pretty weak in New Mexico, with no Castle Doctrine
statute in effect. The wide-open spaces of the state provide more shooting
opportunities than most. The state places no restrictions on black rifles or
magazines, and permits to purchase are not required for any flavor of firearm.
35. Ohio
Things have gotten remarkably better for Ohio’s
gun owners. Suppressors are now legal for hunting, and CLEOs must sign NFA
transfer forms, which makes the already good Class 3 category even stronger. Ohio’s
CCW law has been changed to what is effectively a “full recognition” system,
but the state does have a somewhat restrictive list of prohibited locations. An
awkward definition of “automatic weapon” that created problems for certain
firearms and magazines has been fixed.
34. Nebraska
Change comes slowly in the Cornhusker State. Nebraska
gets near-max points in the NFA category. The use-of-force laws are relatively
mediocre, and an antiquated permit to purchase a handgun system remains in
effect decades after implementation of the NICS system.
33. Michigan
The state enjoys strong CCW reciprocity. It has
strong self-defense laws, and Michigan’s proud culture as a hunting state gives
it a boost in ranking.
32. Idaho
Idaho is a strong state for gun owners, both
culturally and legally. CCW permits are issued to both residents and
nonresidents, and the state recognizes permits for every state that issues
them. The Gem State places no restrictions upon tactical rifles or NFA items
and has a ton of places to shoot. The only area where Idaho loses points is
with its relatively weak use-of-force laws. The State of Idaho actually issues
a Friends of the NRA license plate, destined to get a road-tripper pulled over
in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast.
31. Arkansas
Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a longtime friend of gun
owners, signed an unprecedented eight pro-gun bills into law in 2015, making it
a landmark year for gun owners in the Natural State. One of the bills removed
the prohibition on carrying on private school property and shifts that decision
to the schools themselves. Another provision allows active and former members
of the military including those in the National Guard and Reserve to obtain a
CCW at age 18. Immunity from civil damages for citizens who used deadly force
appropriately improves the state’s previously weak use-of-force law.
30. Oklahoma
The state has a “shall issue” permit system and
recognizes permits from all other states. Oklahoma gets max points in the NFA
category, as CLEOs must sign for transfers within 15 days, preventing de facto
bans in certain municipalities. Oklahoma places no restrictions on
tactical-looking firearms or magazines.
29. Maine
Maine is one of a few states in the Northeast
that broke from the pack in regard to gun laws. Maine has a “shall issue” CCW
permit system. The state’s self-defense statutes leave something to be desired,
but NFA items and black rifles are fair game. Most of Maine is very rural and
boasts a strong gun and hunting culture.
28. Oregon
The state has relatively strong use-of-force
laws and preempts cities and towns from passing their own restrictions on gun
owners. NFA items are legal as long as federal law is followed, and the state
places no restrictions on tactical-looking firearms or magazines.
27. South Dakota
To say that the state is welcoming to gun owners
would be an understatement. The state does not restrict black rifles or NFA
items, and self-defense laws are strong.
26. North Dakota
North Dakota has strong use-of-force laws and
places no unusual restrictions or purchase requirements on gun owners.
25. Wisconsin
Life improved markedly for gun-owning Wisconsin
residents. The state has a Castle Doctrine statute on the books and doesn’t
restrict NFA items or tactical-looking firearms.
24. Virginia
When it comes to gun laws, crossing the Memorial
Bridge from D.C. to Virginia is about like passing westward through the
Brandenburg Gate during the Cold War. Virginia has a well-ranked CCW law, and
open carry is legal throughout the state, thanks to a strong preemption
statute. NFA items are legal with the exception of the Striker 12 shotgun
(which is classified as a “destructive device,” according to the BATF).
Tactical-looking rifles may not be possessed by persons under age 18 in the
Commonwealth.
23. Tennessee
Tennessee’s generally strong gun laws got a little stronger. The
Volunteer State has a strong Castle Doctrine statute, and black rifles and
magazines are unrestricted.
22. Nevada
Once a
year, Nevada becomes the home of America’s gun industry when the National
Shooting Sports Foundation’s SHOT Show rolls into town. Handgun registration is
officially a thing of the past in Las Vegas. The state’s Castle Doctrine
statute was also extended to include citizens’ vehicles. Nevada does issue
permits to nonresidents. As the world’s most popular “machine gun tourism”
spot, Nevada does not restrict NFA items. The state has good self-defense laws
and does not restrict black rifles or magazine capacity.
21. West Virginia
West Virginia ranks high in just about every
category, with no restrictions on NFA items or tactical-looking firearms. The
state’s self-defense laws are good, and CCW reciprocity is broad.
20. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s biggest gun issue has always been
the battle between gun owners and municipalities. Pennsylvania has a strong
Castle Doctrine law, it doesn’t restrict tactical firearms, and all NFA items
are available.
19. North Carolina
Under current law, NFA items are allowed in
North Carolina, but machine guns require a permit from the county sheriff, and
there’s nothing to guarantee that one will be granted. North Carolina
recognizes CCW permits from all states, which is good news for visitors. The
state has good use-of-force laws and does not place restrictions on tactical
firearms.
18. Mississippi
Mississippi places no restrictions on tactical
firearms, magazine capacity or NFA items.
17. Louisiana
Louisiana has a very strong “Stand Your Ground” statute and wide
CCW reciprocity, which is good news, since your chances of being a crime victim
in New Orleans are pretty decent. Louisiana does not restrict NFA items, and as
of 2014, it allows suppressors to be used when hunting.
16. Indiana
Indiana’s CCW is among the strongest in the nation, with permits
issued without training to residents and nonresidents for only $10 per year. If
you’re an open-carry kind of person, that’s fine with the Hoosier State. The
state recognizes permits from all other states. Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
are now allowed under state law, and no restrictions are imposed upon tactical
firearms or magazine capacity.
15. Texas
CCW permits are issued to both residents and
nonresidents, and the state has very good reciprocity. Carrying a long gun
openly is already legal, as evidenced by the recent media attention on the
subject. Texas has strong use-of-force laws, and all tactical-looking firearms
and NFA items are welcome.
14. South Carolina
South Carolina gets nearly top marks in every
category, with no restrictions on what types of firearms can be owned or
possessed in the state.
13. Georgia
Georgia’s strong gun laws got even stronger. Georgia’s
use-of-force law is among the strongest in the nation, and cities such as
Atlanta cannot regulate any aspect of gun ownership except for where a gun can
be discharged. All NFA items are allowed in the state as long as federal law is
complied with, and black rifles are unrestricted.
12. Florida
For many years, Florida’s
gun laws have been the envy of gun owners nationwide. The Sunshine State places
no restrictions upon modern firearms, magazines or NFA items, and the state has
a healthy competitive shooting network. Finding a place to shoot in the larger
metropolitan areas was a challenge for many years, but the private sector has
responded to the demand, and ranges can now be found in nearly every corner of
the state.
11. Montana
Montana has legalized the use of suppressors when hunting. Montana
has a model Castle Doctrine law and places no restrictions on semiautomatic
firearms or NFA items. The gun culture in this state is as strong as it gets
with one of the fastest-growing gun industry presences in the nation.
10. New Hampshire
Permits to carry in New
Hampshire are inexpensive, quick to obtain and enjoy good reciprocity. The
state does not restrict tactical firearms, magazine capacity or NFA items.
There’s virtually no gun-related crime in New Hampshire, so it must be doing
something right.
9. Missouri
Missouri is one of those states that has done an about-face on its
gun laws in the past several years. The state’s CCW regs could be better, with
lots of prohibited locations and high permit fees, but reciprocity is strong.
Unfortunately, permits are only issued to residents. Missouri is on top of the
list in the tactical gun category, and all NFA items are available as long as
the ATF approves.
8. KansaKansas went from one of four states without a CCW statute in 2005 to one of few states approving permitless carry in 2015. Taxpayer-funded firearm “buyback” programs have also been banned by the state legislature. Kansas has become one of the strongest states for gun owners in the nation.
7. Alabama
Sweet Home Alabama is the
home to one of the largest firearm industry operations in the nation. Obtaining
a CCW permit is quick and easy and does not require training. Alabama’s Castle
Doctrine law is very strong, and no restrictions are placed on tactical
firearms or NFA items. Competitive shooting is popular in most of the state,
and the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s range in Anniston is fantastic.
6. Wyoming
Wyoming probably has more guns than people. As one of the states
that allows for both permitted and permitless carry, the Cowboy State is on top
of the list CCW category. Wyoming has very few prohibited locations for carry
and doesn’t restrict any type of firearm or magazine. Its gun and hunting
culture is about as good as it gets, as it is thus far unspoiled by massive
numbers of transplants looking to love it to death (compare with Californians
moving to and changing Colorado).
5. Kentucky
Kentucky has always done well in the gun rights rankings with
statutes and a culture consistently friendly toward gun owners.
4. Utah
Utah’s gun laws are very strong by national
standards. Utah recognizes permits from anywhere, its fees are low at $10
annually, and it issues permits to nonresidents. Utah requires CLEOs to sign
for NFA items, and it places no restrictions on tactical-type firearms. Its
self-defense statutes are a model for the nation, and the gun culture in the
state is widespread.
3. Alaska
What can
you say about a state that basically has it all? Alaska allows you to carry
with or without a permit, openly or concealed. You can own anything that the
feds don’t ban, and you have millions of acres of public land on which to
shoot. Hunting in Alaska is world class, and it’s the one state where carrying
a gun is probably more likely to protect you from four-legged predators than
from the more common two-legged variety.
2. Vermont
If there were a category for most overrated state for gun owners,
it would go to Vermont. Vermont remains the sole state with only a permitless
carry system, with no method of obtaining a permit for the purpose of
reciprocity.
1. Arizona
Still threigning champion, Arizona combines strong laws with an
unmatched shooting culture and strong industry presence. Arizona gets full
points in every category with both permitless and permitted carry, strong
self-defense laws, a “shall sign” NFA statue and a thriving competitive
shooting scene. Whether you’re into ISPC-style shooting, 3-Gun, long-range
rifles, Cowboy matches, shotgunning or just shooting machine guns in the
desert, Arizona has everyone covered.
