Find answers to common questions about firearms laws and our website.
Our website provides general informational content about firearms laws across the United States. We aim to help gun owners, prospective buyers, and enthusiasts understand the complex landscape of federal and state firearms regulations.
No. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not attorneys, and using our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal questions specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified firearms attorney.
We strive to keep our content current and accurate. Firearms laws change frequently, and we make efforts to update our information when significant legal developments occur. However, we cannot guarantee that all information reflects the most recent changes. Always verify with official sources.
We work to provide accurate information sourced from official government resources and legal databases. However, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy at all times. Laws change rapidly, and errors can occur. We encourage users to verify all information with official sources before making legal decisions.
Constitutional Carry (also called "permitless carry") means that individuals can carry a concealed firearm without a government-issued permit. These laws are based on the Second Amendment premise that the right to bear arms does not require government permission. Currently, about 28 states have some form of Constitutional Carry.
Shall Issue: If you meet the legal requirements (background check, no felonies, etc.), the state must issue your permit. These are generally straightforward to obtain.
May Issue: The issuing authority has discretion over whether to grant permits. You typically need to demonstrate a specific "good cause" need beyond personal protection. These permits are often very difficult to obtain.
It depends on state-to-state reciprocity agreements. Some states honor permits from all other states, while others only honor permits from specific states. Additionally, some states that have Constitutional Carry may still honor permits from other states for benefits like purchasing firearms in that state. Always check the specific laws before carrying in another state.
Federal law prohibits firearms in:
State and local laws add additional restrictions. Always research your specific destination before carrying.
A background check (NICS check) is conducted through the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Federal Licensed Firearm Dealers (FFLs) must run this check before transferring a firearm. It searches criminal records, restraining orders, and other disqualifying information. The process typically takes a few minutes but can take up to 3 business days in some cases.
Form 4473 is the ATF's "Firearms Transaction Record" that must be completed for every firearm purchased from an FFL. It collects information about the buyer, the firearm, and includes attestations that the buyer is not prohibited from purchasing firearms. This form must be retained by the dealer and is subject to inspection by ATF.
Generally, you must purchase firearms in your state of residence through an FFL. You can purchase a firearm in another state, but it must be shipped to an FFL in your home state, where you will complete the 4473 and background check. Private sales between residents of different states are prohibited.
NFA (National Firearms Act) items are heavily regulated by the ATF and include:
To own an NFA item like a silencer, you must:
Also ensure silencers are legal in your state.
We appreciate corrections! Please use our contact form and select "Report an Error" as the subject. Include the specific page URL and description of the error so we can investigate and correct it quickly.
We review all error reports and make corrections as quickly as possible.
We cannot recommend specific attorneys due to the nature of our informational-only service. However, we provide resources to help you find qualified firearms attorneys:
To stay informed about firearms law changes:
If you couldn't find the answer to your question, feel free to contact us. For specific legal matters, we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney.
Reminder: Our website provides informational content only. For legal questions about your specific situation, please consult with a qualified firearms attorney.