Gun Laws in Arkansas
Explore comprehensive information on Arkansas gun laws. Learn about permit requirements, firearm registration, assault weapon laws, carrying firearms, Castle Doctrine, and more. Stay informed and ensure your compliance with Arkansas state gun laws.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | AR Code § 5-73-120
AR Code §§ 5-73-301 to 5-73-320 | Arkansas is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Regular and Enhanced permits are issued. Enhanced permits are issued to those who complete a training course.
Permitless carry took effect on August 16, 2013.
Enhanced concealed carry permits allow for carrying in some areas such as carrying at public colleges, most public buildings, non-secure locations in airports, churches, and more.[7][8][9] |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | AR Code § 5-73-120 | |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | AR Code §§ 5-2-601 to 5-2-621 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | AR Code § 14-16-504 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | No | AR Code § 5-73-207 | Machine guns may not fire pistol cartridges of .30 in. or 7.63 mm or larger unless the gun is registered to an ammunition corporation. |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | AR Code § 5-73-112 | Shall certify within 15 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | Yes | Yes | AR Code § 5-73-120 | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | |
| Duty to inform? | Yes | Yes | | |
Gun Laws by State: Arkansas
Understanding Gun Laws in Arkansas
In the state of Arkansas, gun laws are pretty straightforward. However, it's important to understand the specifics to ensure you're in compliance with the law. Here's a breakdown of the key points.
Permits and Registration
Unlike some states, Arkansas does not require a state permit to purchase either long guns or handguns. Similarly, there's no requirement for firearm registration. This means you can purchase a firearm without having to go through the process of obtaining a state permit or registering the firearm with the state.
Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity
Arkansas does not have specific laws regarding assault weapons or restrictions on magazine capacity. This means there are no state-level restrictions on owning firearms that might be classified as assault weapons, or on the size of the magazines you can use with your firearms.
Carrying Firearms
When it comes to carrying firearms, Arkansas law is a bit more detailed. While there's no requirement for a permit to carry long guns, the laws around carrying handguns are more complex. According to AR Code § 5-73-120 and AR Code §§ 5-73-301 to 5-73-320, Arkansas is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. This means that the state must issue a concealed carry permit to any eligible person who applies.
Arkansas also offers an Enhanced permit for those who complete a training course. This permit allows for carrying in some areas such as carrying at public colleges, most public buildings, non-secure locations in airports, churches, and more. Furthermore, permitless carry took effect on August 16, 2013, meaning that in many circumstances, you can carry a handgun without needing a permit.
When it comes to open carry, there's no permit required for either long guns or handguns, as per AR Code § 5-73-120.
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Laws
Arkansas has both Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws in place, as per AR Code §§ 5-2-601 to 5-2-621. These laws allow you to use force, including deadly force, to protect yourself in your home (Castle Doctrine) and anywhere you have a legal right to be (Stand Your Ground) without a duty to retreat first.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
Arkansas law, specifically AR Code § 14-16-504, preempts local restrictions. This means that local governments cannot enact gun laws that are more restrictive than state law.
NFA Weapons Restrictions
While Arkansas does have some restrictions on NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons, these restrictions are specific. According to AR Code § 5-73-207, machine guns may not fire pistol cartridges of .30 in. or 7.63 mm or larger unless the gun is registered to an ammunition corporation.
Background Checks and Duty to Inform
Arkansas does not require background checks for private sales of firearms. However, there is a duty to inform law enforcement if you are carrying a firearm when you come into contact with them.
In conclusion, while Arkansas has relatively permissive gun laws, it's important to understand the specifics to ensure you're in compliance. Always remember to handle firearms safely and responsibly.
