Essential tools, guides, and contacts to help you understand and navigate firearms laws. Find attorneys, training courses, and official government resources.
Official government agencies and resources
atf.gov
Federal firearms regulations, NFA forms, industry guidance, and field office locations.
fbi.gov/nics
National Instant Criminal Background Check System for firearm purchases.
atf.gov/forms
All official ATF forms including Form 1, Form 4, Form 4473, and more.
congress.gov
Federal legislation tracking, bill status, and full text of bills.
gpo.gov
Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, and official publications.
State-by-state resources
Links to state police, attorney general offices, and licensing authorities.
Find quality firearms training near you
Required courses for concealed carry permits. Covers laws, safety, and qualification.
Fundamentals of firearm operation, safety, and marksmanship.
Practical defensive skills including draw, movement, and threat engagement.
Simunition-based scenario training for realistic self-defense preparation.
When searching for firearms training, look for:
Find qualified firearms attorneys and legal help
If you are facing any firearms-related charges or legal issues, you should contact a qualified firearms attorney immediately. Do not make statements to law enforcement without legal representation.
Not all attorneys are familiar with firearms law. Look for attorneys who specialize in:
If you cannot afford an attorney:
If you're facing imminent legal issues, contact a firearms attorney as soon as possible. Many offer emergency consultations.
Advocacy groups and membership organizations
The largest and oldest firearms rights organization. Offers training, legal defense, and legislative advocacy.
Focus:
Lobbying, training, publications, legal aid
No-compromise gun rights organization focusing on legislative action and legal challenges.
Focus:
Legislative activism, lawsuits, membership
Focuses on legal action and court cases to defend Second Amendment rights.
Focus:
Constitutional litigation, research
Provides training, insurance, and resources for concealed carry permit holders.
Focus:
Training, insurance, member benefits
Grassroots organization focused on protecting gun rights at state and federal levels.
Focus:
Grassroots activism, lobbying
Focuses on the historical connection between firearms ownership and preventing genocide.
Focus:
Education, historical perspective
Industry trade association for firearms manufacturers.
Focus:
Industry advocacy, education, safety
Focuses on litigation, legislation, and grassroots action at the state level.
Focus:
Litigation, state-level advocacy
Helpful apps and tools for firearms owners
USCCA, Armed Citizens Legal Network
Mobile apps providing legal representation and coverage for self-defense incidents.
Hornady, Winchester, Federal
Calculate trajectory, energy, and other ballistics data for your ammunition.
GunVault,悄悄地, Multiple
Track your firearms collection and access history for insurance or compliance.
USCCA, Handgunlaw.us
Interactive maps showing concealed carry permit reciprocity across states.
Multiple options available
Track your training sessions, scores, and progress over time.
Ammoseek, Gun.deals, etc.
Find ammunition and firearms availability and pricing across retailers.
Learn more about firearms laws and safety
Comprehensive firearms education from basic to advanced levels.
Required certification in most states for hunting activities.
Firearms safety fundamentals for all experience levels.
Understanding firearms laws and your rights.
"Firearms Law" by Emmett Hogan
"The Law of Self-Defense" by Andrew Branca
"The ABCs of Concealed Carry" by Michael Martin
"NRA Family Safety Guide"
Information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for your specific situation.
Common questions about firearms resources
Look for instructors certified by the NRA, USCCA, or state agencies. Check reviews, ask for references, and verify they have experience with your skill level. Many ranges have certified instructors on staff. The NRA website has an instructor locator tool.
Generally no. Most permit applications can be completed without an attorney. However, if your application has been denied, you have a prior criminal record, or you're in a complex situation, consulting an attorney may be beneficial.
It depends on your state. Some states accept online-only courses, while others require in-person instruction with live fire qualification. Check your state's specific requirements. Online courses are often acceptable as a supplement but may not meet all state requirements.
Call 911 immediately, render aid if possible, stay at the scene, and cooperate with law enforcement. Do NOT make detailed statements without an attorney present. Exercise your right to remain silent and invoke your right to an attorney. Contact a firearms attorney as soon as possible.
Check with the ATF, your state's issuing authority, or use reciprocity maps from organizations like USCCA or Handgunlaw.us. Reciprocity agreements change frequently, so always verify current status before traveling. The state you plan to visit has final authority on permit recognition.
Use these resources to understand your rights and stay current on firearms laws.