Gun Laws in Missouri

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?	No	No	RSMo 571.030	Missouri is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 19 years or older. Permitless carry took effect on January 1, 2017.
Permit required for open carry?	No	No	RSMo 21.750 RSMo 571.037	May carry openly without permit, except localities can pass ordinances restricting open carry. Carry permits allow holders to carry openly anywhere in the state.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?	Yes	Yes	RsMo 563
State preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	RSMo 21.750	Local governments can regulate the open carry and discharge of firearms. In December 2019, St. Louis passed an ordinance forbidding the carrying of firearms in city parks, athletic fields and facilities, and recreational facilities.[74][75] A lawsuit challenging the ordinance as a violation of the preemption law is expected.
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No
Peaceable Journey laws?	Yes	Yes
Background checks required for private sales?	No	No

Understanding Gun Laws in Missouri

Missouri, like every state in the U.S., has its own unique set of gun laws. These laws govern everything from the purchase and registration of firearms to their use and carry. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the gun laws in Missouri.

Permits and Registration

One of the first questions many people have about gun laws in any state is whether a permit is required to purchase a firearm. In Missouri, the answer is no. Neither long guns nor handguns require a state permit for purchase. Similarly, there is no requirement for firearm registration in the state. This means that once you legally purchase a firearm, you are not required to register it with the state.

Assault Weapons and Magazine Capacity

Missouri does not have an assault weapon law, which means that there are no specific restrictions on the purchase or possession of assault-style weapons. Similarly, there are no restrictions on magazine capacity for firearms in Missouri.

Owner License and Carry Permits

Missouri does not require gun owners to have a license. However, the state does have laws regarding the carry of firearms. As of January 1, 2017, Missouri became a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 19 years or older. This means that the state is required to issue a concealed carry permit to any eligible applicant.

Interestingly, Missouri does not require a permit for open carry. However, localities can pass ordinances restricting open carry. Carry permits allow holders to carry openly anywhere in the state. You can find more information on these laws in RSMo 21.750 and RSMo 571.037.

Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground Law

Missouri is a state that has a Castle Doctrine or Stand Your Ground law. This law allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves in their own homes. You can find more information on this law in RsMo 563.

State Preemption of Local Restrictions

Missouri has a state preemption law, which means that local governments can only regulate the open carry and discharge of firearms to a certain extent. However, in December 2019, St. Louis passed an ordinance forbidding the carrying of firearms in city parks, athletic fields and facilities, and recreational facilities. A lawsuit challenging this ordinance as a violation of the preemption law is expected.

NFA Weapons

Missouri does not restrict weapons that are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). This includes items like machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and suppressors.

Peaceable Journey Laws

Missouri has peaceable journey laws, which allow individuals to transport firearms across state lines as long as they are legally possessed.

Background Checks for Private Sales

Finally, Missouri does not require background checks for private gun sales. This means that if you are purchasing a firearm from a private individual, you are not required to undergo a background check.

In conclusion, Missouri's gun laws are relatively permissive, with no requirements for permits to purchase, firearm registration, or background checks for private sales. However, the state does have specific laws regarding the carry of firearms and the use of force in self-defense. Always ensure you are up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations before purchasing or carrying a firearm.