Believe it or not, the constitutional right to ‘bear arms’ is so diversely interpreted by different countries of the States that each one has their own set of laws. Since the topic is extremely broad, we’re going to cover them as many laws and prohibitions as possible, but note that US legislation is immense and vast.
There are many laws and actually even more so-called side notes that further specify what is allowed and prohibited and to what extent. Without further ado, let’s begin.
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Gun Laws In The US States
Alabama Gun Laws
The gun laws in Alabama are quite loose altogether. You don’t need a permit to buy your guns, you don’t need the owner’s license and you don’t even need to register your guns. Sounds like Wild West so far, doesn’t it?
On another hand, you do require a permit to carry handgun whereas ‘open carry’ is permitted for as long as the gun is holstered.
A fun fact about Alabama’s gun laws is that ‘other weapons’ (mostly long guns and assault rifles’ that are disguised as, believe it or not, walking canes seem to be the only type of illegal firearms.
Arizona Gun Laws
Arizona’s gun laws are a bit more strict in comparison to Alabama. Namely, up until recently (2017), a background check was required before a private sale of a firearm could take place, but that’s no longer the case.
There’s no need for a state permit, firearm registration, no assault weapon restriction, or the actual need for the owner’s license. As for the matter of ‘concealed carry’, you only need to be over the age of 21.
Arkansas Gun Laws
Once again, we have a state that has several side notes that differ from Arizona and Alabama. The permit or license is still not needed, but what’s interesting about this state is the fact that you can not carry a machine gun if it’s loaded with 7.63mm ammunition (or bigger), that is unless the firearm has been registered to appropriate ammunition corporation.
There are several ‘Peaceable Journey’ laws as well, which means that you’re allowed to carry weapons when you’re ‘on a journey’ unless it takes you through any commercial airport. The term’ journey’ was defined as ‘travel beyond the county in which a person lives’.
California Gun Laws
California made quite a big deal of the firearm laws, as there are quite a few of them. You’ll need a permit in order to purchase a firearm, you can only purchase your guns from a certified dealer, the registration is obligatory, and though you don’t need an owner’s license, you still need the Firearm Safety Certificate as a substitute.
Assault weapons are banned for possession and purchase ever since 1989, although there are several cases which could pass on for exceptions (for example, if you have a permit for the possession of Dangerous Weapons).
The open carry is partially allowed, which means that you can openly carry firearms in rural areas, but if the county has a population of approximately or more than 200 000 residents, you’ll need a Sheriff’s permit.
Another interesting thing that this is the first state on the list that actually has a waiting period that needs to pass after you make your firearm purchase. In California, you’ll need to wait for 10 days after purchases or transfers of firearms. Background checks and Red Flag laws are both in effect.
Colorado Gun Laws
Colorado’s gun laws resemble Arizona and Alabama’s. There’s no need for a state permit and firearm registration, assault rifles are altogether banned, you don’t need to have an owner’s license, and you don’t need permission to openly carry small arms and long guns (Denver is the only exception).
It’s interesting that this is only the second state with the Peaceable Journey law, meaning that you can carry weapons without restrictions if you’re ‘journeying’ (defined above), but this does not apply to people who are traveling to other jurisdictions (or from).
The infamous ‘stand your ground law’ is no longer in effect and background checks are required in order for any kind of private sale to take place.
Connecticut Gun Laws
Just like California, Connecticut has a set of strict laws and rules regarding firearms. The state permit is needed for the purchase of both long guns and handguns, firearm registrations are defined as ‘partially required’ because sales are actually registered, assault rifles have ‘suffered’ a partial ban, although you could find certain .50 BMG fire weapons that are suitable for sale.
Owner’s license is not required, although you’ll need a permit to carry (both open and concealed) small arms. A peaceable journey is not stated and background checks are in effect in terms of private firearm transfers.
Delaware Gun Laws
Delaware has only a couple of regulations concerning firearms. There are no assault weapon laws whatsoever, you don’t need a permit to purchase the firearms, you don’t need to register them, there are no restrictions concerning magazine capacity, and you don’t need an owner’s license.
Open carry is widely permitted (no need for special permission, that is), and as for concealed carry, there’s the ‘may issue’, meaning that permissions can be issued if necessary.
Background checks are in effect, as well as the ‘Red Flag Law’ – in case a mental health worker labels a person as ‘dangeours’ to either himself (herself) or anybody other, police may temporarily seize his (or her) firearms.
Florida Gun Laws
In Florida, you don’t need a state’s permission to purchase firearms, although you need to be at least 21 years old to do so. Registration is not necessary, the owner’s license is not needed, and there are no laws concerning assault weapon laws or magazine capacity restrictions. Permit for small arms is required.
There are no background checks, duties to inform, or peaceable journey laws, although there’s a three-day period that needs to pass whenever you’re transferring or purchasing firearms.
Georgia Gun Laws
Georgia has but a small number of firearm laws. A permit is needed for open and concealed carry of firearms, and that’s pretty much it – no background checks, peaceable journey laws, NFA restrictions, registrations, or permits.