The Second Amendment gave Americans “the right to keep and bear arms” back in 1789. But how does this constitutional right function in 2018? Who exactly is allowed to bear those arms—and when, and where, and how?
From the murders of 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary to the Pulse shooting in Orlando to the largest mass shooting in modern American history in Las Vegas, gun control has been part of a recurring discussion among state lawmakers and citizens across the nation. Mass shootings and extreme gun violence are not only normalized but expected. There were more than 200 recorded mass shootings in 2017 alone, and despite the death toll, gun violence doesn’t show any sign of dissipating. In February 2018, a single shooter in Parkland, Fla. school shooting killed 17 people, marking the deadliest shooting at a high school since Columbine in 1999. After each of these incidents, we reflect and recover in the same way. It is more important now than ever to understand the way gun control is being implemented in the U.S.
Gun laws across the nation vary significantly by state and conflicting state and federal gun laws often muddy the discussion about gun control nationwide. If you’re wondering what gun laws look like in your state, from campus carry regulations to the ownership of automatic weapons, here’s a breakdown for all 50 states.
Gun laws by state in the U.S.
Alabama
Buyer: 18 years or older, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 18+ with concealed handgun licenses only available to Alabama residents, no firearm safety course required, license valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit, some handgun restrictions
Campus carry: Allowed in some areas
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), must keep record of firearm sales
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations
News: In 2017, Alabama Sen. Gerald Allen (R) sponsored legislation to repeal restrictions on carrying or possessing firearms in public with or without a concealed pistol permit in Alabama. The bill, SB3, died in committee.
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Alaska
Buyer: 18+, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: Anyone 21+, no special permit
Open carry: Anyone, no special permit
Campus carry: Some areas, college decide
Dealers: No license required by state but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons restrictions, machine guns generally prohibited with some exceptions and regulations
Arizona
Buyer: 18+, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: Anyone 21+ (19 if serving in military), Arizona resident, permit issued by Arizona Department of Public Safety
Open carry: Anyone, no special permit
Campus carry: Some areas, colleges decide
Dealers: No license required by state but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons restrictions. Machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
Arkansas
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ (18 in military service), concealed weapons license, required firearm safety training, license valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit, with some regulations and restrictions
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No license required by state but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons restrictions. Machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
California
Buyer: Cannot purchase more than one handgun within 30 days, 10-day waiting period, 18+ to purchase long gun, 21+ to purchase handgun
Concealed carry: Allowed with license, required firearm safety course, license valid for two years
Open carry: Generally prohibited but sheriffs may issue licenses in counties with populations lower than 200,000, and chiefs of police for cities within such counties may also issue licenses
Campus carry: Some areas, colleges decide
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
Assault weapons/machine guns: Assault weapons must be registered. Machine guns prohibited
News: California cracked down with restrictive gun laws after series of mass shootings, but some California gun owners are finding ways to keep their AR-15 rifles.
Colorado
Buyer: No limit to number or firearms purchased at once, no waiting period to purchase, 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns
Concealed carry: Must have permit, sheriff issues permit, 21+, resident of Colorado, must do firearm safety training or demonstrate competence
Open carry: No special permit required
Campus carry: Allowed at public colleges
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
Connecticut
Buyer: No limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, 21+ for handguns, 18+ for long guns, two-week waiting period for long guns
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, must complete firearm safety training, permit lasts five years
Open carry: Must have permit for handgun, no laws specifically for open carrying of long gun
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: Assault weapons allowed if possessed prior to July 1, 1994, specific automatic and semi-automatic weapons prohibited, machine guns prohibited
News: Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) plans to introduce a bill to strengthen gun background checks.
District of Columbia
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, 10-day waiting period, limit handgun purchase in 30-day period
Concealed carry: Must be 21+ with a license, take a required firearm safety course, and have a license valid for two years.
Open carry: Prohibited
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: Must have a state license, a license from the ATF, and keep records of sales and detailed inventory.
Assault weapons/machine guns: Assault weapons and machine guns prohibited
Delaware
Buyer: No waiting period for purchase, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, 21+ for handguns or long guns, 18+ for ammunition
Concealed carry: Allowed with Delaware concealed carry permit, must complete firearm safety course, permit valid for three years
Open carry: Allowed, no permit required
Campus Carry: Prohibited
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the ATF, maintain records
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulation/machine guns prohibited.
Florida
Buyer: Three-day waiting period to purchase gun, 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 21+, permit required, must complete firearms safety course, permit valid for seven years
Open carry: Generally prohibited
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No state license required, but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations. Yes, you can own a machine gun in Florida.
Georgia
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns, no limit to number of firearms bought at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, no required firearm safety course, permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed with weapons carry license for handgun, allowed for long gun without license
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: Handgun dealers must have state license and all must have license and license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulation for assault weapons, machine guns allowed if registered and manufactured prior to May 19, 1986
Hawaii
Buyer: 21+, no limit to number of firearms bought at once, background check and all firearms registered to state, permit required to purchase, must complete firearm safety course to purchase handgun
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, firearm safety course not specifically required, permit valid for one year
Open carry: Allowed for handguns with permit, allowed for long guns only for target practice or hunting with a license
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the ATF, no record of firearm sales required
Assault weapons/machine guns: Prohibits “assault pistols,” machine guns manufactured prior to May 19, 1986, allowed if registered
Idaho
Buyer: 21+ for handguns or 18+ for long guns, no permit required to purchase or possess, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ for statewide carry, no permit required, 18+ outside of city limits, must be Idaho resident, county sheriff may require firearm safety course, permit valid for five years
Open carry: No permit required
Campus carry: Public colleges
Dealers: No state license required, but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations
Illinois
Buyer: Background check, 10-year license “Firearm Owner’s ID” required, waiting periods between purchase and transfer, no restrictions on purchasing multiple firearms, 18+ to possess, 21+ to get Firearm Owner’s ID card
Concealed carry: 21+ with concealed handgun license, background check, must complete 16 hours of firearm safety training, license valid for five years
Open carry: Prohibited for handguns and long guns
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No state license required, but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No state regulation, but local jurisdictions can restrict assault weapons; machine guns prohibited
Indiana
Buyer: 18+ or 23+ if buyer has been adjudicated as a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed as an adult, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms bought at one time
Concealed carry: Concealed carry license, no required safety training, license valid for four years
Open carry: Allowed with permit for handguns, no permit required for long guns
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations for assault weapons; machine guns generally prohibited with exceptions
Iowa
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, permit required to purchase, annual permit required for handguns, background check for handguns, three-day waiting period, no background check for long gun purchases, no limit to number of firearms bought at one time
Concealed carry: Allowed with concealed weapons permit, 18+ for professional permit, 21+ for non-professional permit, non-professional applicants must complete firearm safety course, permit lasts five years
Open carry: Allowed statewide with license, no license required outside city limits
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: No state license required, but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulation for assault weapons, machine guns prohibited
Kansas
Buyer: 18+, no permit required to purchase, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at once
Concealed carry: Allowed without permit, 21+, must complete firearm safety course
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: No state license required, but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No restrictions for assault weapons, machine guns prohibited
Kentucky
Buyer: 18+, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: Allowed with license, 21+, required firearm safety course, license valid for five years, must have background check
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No state license required, but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations
News: Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin tweets about “political opportunists” promoting greater gun regulations after Las Vegas shooting
Louisiana
Buyer: 17+ (but national requirement of 18+ trumps state law), no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period, no background check from dealers
Concealed carry: Allowed with concealed carry permit, 21+, must complete firearm safety course, permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations on assault weapons, machine guns generally prohibited
Maine
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, 16+ for long guns (but federal law imposes 18+ restrictions), no limit to number of firearms purchased at once, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ without permit, 18+ with permit, firearm safety course required, concealed handgun permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations on assault weapons, some machine guns allowed if registered and meet criteria
Maryland
Buyer: 21+ for assault weapons or handguns, 18+ for long guns, can only buy one handgun and assault weapon within a 30-day period, firearm safety course required to purchase handguns and assault weapons, permit required to purchase firearms
Concealed carry: Allowed with permit, firearm safety required, permit valid for two years
Open carry: Allowed with permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: Assault weapons generally prohibited with some regulations but allowed if specific criteria are met, machine guns must be registered
Massachusetts
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period, permit to purchase required for handguns
Concealed carry: Allowed with license, 21+, firearm safety course required for some, license valid for six years
Open carry: Allowed for handguns with permit, prohibits open carry of long guns, firearm safety course required
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: Must have a state license and license from the ATF, must conduct buyer background checks, must maintain permanent record of firearm sales
Assault weapons/machine guns: Prohibited
Michigan
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at once, permit required to purchase handguns
Concealed carry: Allowed with license, 21+, Michigan resident, required firearm safety course, license valid for up to five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Allowed in some areas
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations for assault weapons, machine guns prohibited unless licensed by federal government
Minnesota
Buyer: 18+ in cities without parent consent, 14+ outside cities with parent consent (but federal laws require 18+)
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, required firearm safety training, permit valid for five years, annual background check
Open carry: Handguns allowed with permit to carry, open carry of rifles and shotguns in public prohibited
Campus carry: Allowed in some areas
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF. State law requires dealers to post signs on premises with: “It is unlawful to store or leave loaded firearm where a child can obtain access”
Assault weapons/machine guns: Some regulations for assault weapons, machine guns generally prohibited with some exceptions
Mississippi
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age to possess rifles or shotguns, no limit to number of firearms bought at one time
Concealed carry: Allowed with permit and 21+, required firearm safety course, valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Allowed at public colleges
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires a license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations
Missouri
Buyer: 18+, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: Allowed without permit, 19+ or 18 if active-duty U.S. military, required firearm safety course
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns prohibited
Montana
Buyer: No specific age restriction, child access prevention law prohibits children under 14 from possessing firearm (federal age restrictions differ), no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 18+ with concealed weapons license, required firearm safety course, license valid for four years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations for assault weapons, machine guns may be owned as long as not used for offensive or aggressive purpose
Nebraska
Buyer: 18+, permit required to purchase, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with concealed handgun permit, required firearm safety course, permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF; dealers must distribute information about the dangers of leaving loaded firearm unattended around children
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations for assault weapons, machine guns prohibited
Nevada
Buyer: 18+, no permit required to purchase, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ with concealed firearm permit, background check required, firearm safety course required, permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed, no permit required
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations for assault weapons, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 198, and registered under federal law
News: Site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history
New Hampshire
Buyer: 18+, 16+ to buy ammunition
Concealed carry: Allowed with license, no firearm safety course requirement, license valid for four years
Open carry: Allowed with permit to possess loaded firearm
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: Local license required to sell handguns and federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations
News: Required license for concealed carry will be repealed in February
New Jersey
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, required permit for purchase for handguns, seven-day waiting period
Concealed carry: Allowed with permit, required firearm safety course, permits valid for two years, non-residents must get New Jersey permit
Open carry: Allowed for handguns with handgun carry permit, allowed for long guns with Firearms Purchaser ID Card
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: All firearm dealers and employees must have a valid retail license and federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: Prohibits assault firearms with a few exceptions, machine guns allowed with application and license
New Mexico
Buyer: 19+ for handguns, no age requirement for long guns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at once, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ with license, New Mexico residence
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No state license required, federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No regulations
New York
Buyer: 21+ for handguns, 16+ for long guns (federal law limits purchases to 18+), permit required to purchase handguns, no waiting period
Concealed carry: Allowed with permit, generally does not require firearm safety course, permit valid three to five years
Open carry: Prohibited
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: State license required and federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: Assault weapons prohibited unless owned prior to Jan. 15, 2013, and valid assault weapon owners must register gun to state and undergo background check; machine guns prohibited
North Carolina
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns (18+ for purchases under federal law), permit required to purchase handguns, background check for handgun purchase but not long gun purchases
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, required firearm safety course, permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF. Firearms sellers must display warning at purchase counter: “It is unlawful to store or leave firearm that can be discharged in a manner that a reasonable person should know is accessible to a minor”
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
North Dakota
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns, permit to purchase handgun
Concealed carry: 18+, no permit required to carry concealed handgun
Open carry: Unloaded handgun open carry during the day for any person, open carry for anyone for long gun without permit
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF; dealers must keep records of firearm purchases
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited with exceptions
Ohio
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with license, Ohio resident, required firearm safety course at leasts 12 hours of training, license valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed, no permit required
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, unlawful to carry machine guns without license
News: A recent Ohio law allows handguns on workplace property
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Oklahoma
Buyer: 18+, no permit required for purchase, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms bought at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with handgun license, required firearms safety training course, license valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without license
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: Required state license, and federal law requires a license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, prohibits machine guns unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
Oregon
Buyer: 18+, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms bought at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with license, resident of the county, required firearm safety course, license valid for four years, sheriff of the county keeps record of all handgun licensees
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Allowed in some areas
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, prohibits machine guns unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986 and registered under federal law.
News: In August 2017, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed into law a gun confiscation bill, which allows temporary firearm confiscation in “extreme” instances in which a person poses a threat to his or her self or others.
Pennsylvania
Buyer: 18+, no permit required to purchase
Concealed carry: 21+ with license, does not require firearm safety course, license valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without license, except in Philadelphia
Campus carry: Allowed in some areas
Dealers: Required state license and federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
Rhode Island
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, permit required to purchase handguns, seven-day waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with license, required firearm safety course, license valid for four years
Open carry: Allowed with license
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: Required state license and federal law requires license from the ATF; dealers may not display handguns or imitation handguns where they can be seen from street
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited, attorney general may issue state license to manufacture and sell machine guns and parts
South Carolina
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: Allowed with permit, required firearm safety course, concealed weapons permit valid for five years
Open carry: Prohibited open carry of handguns, long guns allowed in restricted areas
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
News: In 2017, the South Carolina House and a Senate panel approved a bill allowing handgun carrying without a permit, and it is currently awaiting committee consideration.
South Dakota
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: Allowed with permit, no required firearm safety course, permit valid for four years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF; dealers not allowed to sell handguns if purchasers are known personally by dealer
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
News: A South Dakota senator received backlash for comments after the Las Vegas shooting.
Tennessee
Buyer: 18+ for handguns, no minimum age for long guns, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, required firearm safety course, permit valid for eight years
Open carry: People with handgun permits can open carry loaded guns, long guns can be open carried unloaded
Campus carry: Vehicle storage only
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
Texas
Buyer: 18+, no limit to number of firearms bought at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with handgun license, required firearm safety course, license valid for four years
Open carry: Allowed with permit
Campus carry: Allowed in some areas at public colleges
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF, pawnbrokers may not display pistols for sale in front window of store
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
Utah
Buyer: 18+, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period period
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, required firearm safety course, permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed with unloaded firearms, loaded firearms openly carried require permit
Campus carry: Allowed at public colleges
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns allowed if 18+
Vermont
Buyer: 16+ but federal law limits purchases to 18+, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: Allowed without permit
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons or machine gun regulations, except in context of hunting
Virginia
Buyer: 18+, no minimum age for rifles but federal law limits purchases to 18+, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit, permit valid for five years, required firearm safety training
Open carry: Allowed without permit, with restrictions on handguns
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: Assault weapons allowed with some regulations, machine guns allowed with some regulations and must be registered
Washington
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ with license, no required firearm safety course, license valid for five years
Open carry: Persona may not carry, exhibit, display or draw any firearm or weapon apparently capable of bodily harm in a manner that manifests an intent to intimidate or warrants alarm for the safety of others
Campus carry: No
Dealers: Required state license and federal law requires license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
West Virginia
Buyer: 18+, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ with permit (or 18-21 with provisional permit), required firearm safety course, permit valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed with no permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons restrictions, machine guns generally prohibited unless purchased prior to May 19, 1986, and registered under federal law
Wisconsin
Buyer: 18+, no waiting period, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time
Concealed carry: 21+ with license, required firearm safety course, license valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Colleges decide
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF; dealer must register each handgun sold or owned
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons restrictions, machine guns generally prohibited
Wyoming
Buyer: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns, no limit to number of firearms purchased at one time, no waiting period
Concealed carry: 21+ (or 18+ if local sheriff makes recommendation) with license, required firearm safety course, license valid for five years
Open carry: Allowed without permit
Campus carry: Prohibited
Dealers: No required state license but federal law requires license from the ATF
Assault weapons/machine guns: No assault weapons regulations, machine guns allowed except in state game fields or forests
For more information about each state’s specific gun laws visit: The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, or the state’s official government website.
Editor’s note: This article is regularly updated for relevance.
