Many people wonder what you actually need to know before buying a gun in the United States. Federally, the buyer has to be a US citizen. The buyer also has to be 18 years of age to buy a rifle or shotgun. Those 21 and older can purchase other types of firearms, like handguns.
Additional requirements for buying a gun depends on the state in which you reside. There are currently 19 states that allow residents to carry concealed weapons without the need for a permit.
Open-Carry Firearm States
The 19 states that do not require a license to carry a concealed firearm include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
All of the above listed still issue CCW permits, which allow those that hold them to carry concealed in other states and get special considerations when it comes to purchasing and background checks.
The remaining 31 states require that the individuals that wish to purchase a firearm to acquire a permit issued by the state, allowing the individual to carry concealed weapons in public areas. Some states have “may issue” laws, and others have “shall issue” laws. Basically, your application is not guaranteed to get approved. It is most difficult to get approved for a CCW permit in California, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Hawai, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. These “may issue” states leave permitting up to the officials, based on guidance and statutory items. Classes, references, and interviews are typically required before a determination.
In states that are considered “may issue,” most applicants are approved unless they are a convicted felon or mentally incompetent. Officials may deny an application if they have reason to believe that the application is a danger to themselves or those around them.
In addition to the above requirements to purchase a firearm, it is also important to note that there are also limitations as to where these concealed items can be carried. These locations vary by state. Check with local authorities to determine where you can and cannot have your concealed weapon.
Your CCW permit will need to be renewed. The renewal periods vary by state, and the applicant may have to undergo another complete background check before the renewal is granted.
It is important to note that your CCW permit is issued and valid for the state in which you applied for it. If you are traveling, make sure that you are traveling to allow you to carry a concealed firearm, and note their particular requirements to do so.
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