Gun Laws in Arizona
Explore comprehensive information on Arizona's gun laws. Learn about permit requirements, assault weapon laws, concealed and open carry rules, Castle Doctrine, and more. Stay informed and exercise your Second Amendment rights responsibly.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | A.R.S. § 13-3108 | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | A.R.S. § 13-3102
A.R.S. § 13-3112 | Arizona is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older.
Permitless carry took effect on July 29, 2010. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | | May carry openly without permit. |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | A.R.S. §§ 13-401 to 13-421 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | A.R.S. § 13-3108 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | | |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | A.R.S. § 13-3121 | Shall certify within 60 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | A.R.S. § 44-1382 | |
Gun Laws by State: Arizona
Understanding Gun Laws in Arizona
Arizona is a state known for its strong support of the Second Amendment. The state's gun laws reflect this, with a focus on individual rights and limited government interference. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the gun laws in Arizona.
Permits and Registration
One of the first questions many people have about gun laws is whether a permit is required to purchase a firearm. In Arizona, the answer is No. Neither long guns nor hand guns require a state permit for purchase. This is in line with Arizona's commitment to making firearm acquisition accessible to its residents.
Similarly, Arizona does not require firearm registration. This applies to both long guns and hand guns, as stated in A.R.S. § 13-3108. This means that once you legally purchase a firearm, you are not required to register it with the state.
Assault Weapons and Magazine Capacity
Arizona does not have an assault weapon law. This means that there are no additional restrictions on the purchase or possession of firearms that may be classified as "assault weapons" in other states. Similarly, there are no restrictions on magazine capacity in Arizona. This allows gun owners more freedom in their choice of firearm and accessories.
Concealed and Open Carry
Arizona is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry permits. This means that the state is required to issue a permit to any citizen or lawful permanent resident who is 21 years or older, as long as they meet the necessary requirements. However, as of July 29, 2010, Arizona allows permitless carry. This means that you do not need a permit to carry a concealed firearm, as per A.R.S. § 13-3102 and A.R.S. § 13-3112.
As for open carry, Arizona does not require a permit. This means that you may carry a firearm openly without needing any special permission from the state.
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Law
Arizona has both a Castle Doctrine and a Stand Your Ground law. These laws allow you to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat, as long as you are in a place where you have a right to be and you believe it is necessary to prevent serious harm or death. This is outlined in A.R.S. §§ 13-401 to 13-421.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
Arizona has state preemption of local restrictions. This means that local governments cannot enact gun laws that are more restrictive than state law. This is stated in A.R.S. § 13-3108.
NFA Weapons and Shall Certify
NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons are not restricted in Arizona. This includes items like machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and suppressors. Furthermore, Arizona law states that the state "shall certify" the transfer or making of a firearm in accordance with federal law within 60 days, as per A.R.S. § 13-3121.
Private Sales and Background Checks
Arizona does not require background checks for private gun sales. This means that if you are selling a firearm privately, you are not required to run a background check on the buyer, as per A.R.S. § 44-1382.
In conclusion, Arizona's gun laws are designed to uphold the rights of individuals to bear arms, with minimal government interference. However, it's always important to stay informed about any changes to these laws and to handle all firearms responsibly.
