Missouri Open Carry Laws
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Over the past ten years, Missouri’s gun laws have undergone significant changes, reflecting the state’s dedication to preserving Second Amendment rights while addressing evolving perspectives on firearm ownership and public safety. From concealed carry to background checks, these developments aim to strike a balance between individual rights and community security. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key advancements in Missouri’s gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, presented in bullet points:
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Missouri enacts legislation to simplify the process for obtaining a concealed carry permit, emphasizing responsible firearm ownership.
Legislation is introduced to require background checks for private firearm sales at gun shows, promoting responsible transfers and closing potential loopholes.
Missouri adopts a “Stand Your Ground” law, allowing individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat under certain circumstances.
Legislation is introduced to enforce stricter penalties for individuals convicted of gun-related crimes, aiming to deter illegal firearm use.
Missouri improves the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by prohibited individuals.
Missouri strengthens state preemption laws to prevent local jurisdictions from enacting firearm regulations that exceed state laws.
The state tightens the background check process for concealed carry permit applicants, focusing on mental health history and criminal records.
Missouri introduces regulations requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement, aiming to prevent potential diversion to illegal markets.
Missouri introduces guidelines promoting responsible firearm storage practices, particularly in households with minors, to prevent unauthorized access.
Missouri considers potential regulations to require background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions.
Missouri explores legislation to enhance school safety by permitting certain school staff to carry concealed firearms on school grounds, subject to proper training.
Proposed legislation aims to enhance firearm training requirements for concealed carry permit applicants, emphasizing responsible gun ownership and firearm handling skills.
Missouri reviews its “Stand Your Ground” law to assess its impact on self-defense rights and community safety.
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Missouri continues to improve the reporting of mental health records to NICS to ensure the prevention of firearm access by prohibited individuals.
Missouri gun laws are among the weakest in the country, but such leniency has not significantly affected the state’s violent crime statistics. This contrast can be attributed to the state’s cultural emphasis on the right to carry guns. To illustrate this attitude toward gun control, here is a quick reference chart on licenses, registrations, and permits. For clarity, handguns and rifles are divided into two groups.
- No permit is required to purchase rifles and shotguns.
- Registration of rifles and shotguns is not required under Missouri gun law.
- Ownership licenses are not required.
- A permit to carry shotguns and rifles is not required.
- No permit is necessary to purchase a handgun.
- Registration of handguns is not required.
- Ownership licenses are not required.
- The right to carry handguns requires a license.
Licenses of ownership and registration of firearms are not mandatory under Missouri gun law. State permits are also not required for the purchase of handguns or long guns in Missouri. Miscellaneous restrictions regarding the use of such firearms are fairly generic according to Missouri gun legislation.
- It is a misdemeanor to possess an unloaded firearm under the influence of drugs or alcohol (it is a felony if the weapon is loaded).
- The only other regulation regarding possession under Missouri gun law is that it is unlawful for a felon (within five years from imprisonment), fugitive, or habitual drug user to possess a concealable firearm. Like many states in the Midwest and Deep South, Missouri gun law is very loose and has minimal regulation.
