Missouri Gun Laws

Missouri gun laws are among the weakest in the country, but such leniency has not reflected in the states violent crime statistics. This contrast can be attributed to the state's prideful history and culture towards the right to carry guns. To elaborate this cavalier attitude towards gun control a quick reference chart towards licenses, registrations, and permits is appropriate. For clarity sake, handguns and rifles will be divided into two groups.

Rifles and Shotguns

No permit is required to purchase rifles and shotguns

Registration of rifles and shotguns is not required under Missouri gun law

Ownership licenses are not required

A permit to carry shotguns and rifles is not required

Handguns

No permit is necessary to purchase a handgun

Registration of handguns is not required

Ownership licenses are not required

The right to carry handguns requires a license

License of ownership and registration of firearms is not mandatory under Missouri gun law. State permits are also not required for the purchase of handguns or long guns in Missouri. Miscellaneous restrictions, which outline the use of such firearms is fairly generic according to the interpretation of Missouri gun legislation.

It is a misdemeanor to possess an unloaded fire arm under the influence of drugs or alcohol (it is a felony if the weapon is loaded). The only other regulation in regards to possession under Missouri gun law is: unlawful for a felon (5 years from imprisonment), fugitive, or habitual drug user to possess a concealable firearm. Like many states in the mid west and deep south, Missouri law gun is very loose and possess very little regulation.

The right to carry guns in Missouri is a little more rigorous. It is illegal to carry a concealed handgun without a concealed carry endorsement, which is labeled on the Missouri driver's license.

To obtain a carry endorsement the applicant must be at least 23 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and reside in Missouri for a minimum of 6 months. Applications to legally carry and conceal a firearm are submitted to the sheriff of the county of residence. The application includes basic information, state and federal background checks, fingerprinting, and proof of weapons training completion.

Once all documentation is filed the sheriff has three days to issue the certificate of qualification for a concealed carry endorsement. In addition to the endorsement, any state concealment permit will be upheld by Missouri gun laws-the right to carry guns will be considered legal if any concealment permit is shown to law enforcement. Once obtained the endorsement, is valid for 3 years.

The right to carry guns, whether concealed or not, is always considered unlawful in airports, hospitals, schools, churches, bars or restaurants, and sporting events. Like most states, Missouri gun law is lax in regards to purchase, ownership, and registration, but is strict when it comes to concealment.

According to the Brady Campaign (popular movement to further increase gun control laws), Missouri has some of the weakest gun laws in the country. Although crime isn't an issue, Missouri borders the most states in the country and is susceptible to illegal gun trafficking. Since Missouri gun law has no regulations on dealers, and does not require background checks on all firearms sales, funneling of weapons to felons and convicts has become a substantial problem.

NEXT: Montana Gun Laws