{"id":374372,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:44","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-gun-control-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-30T12:56:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T17:56:00","slug":"mississippi-gun-control-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-gun-control-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Mississippi Gun Control Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mississippi Gun Control Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Gun control laws remain a controversial topic in the United States. Gun owners point to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to bear arms. Both state and federal governments struggle with the need to balance gun rights with the public’s right to be free of gun violence. <\/p>\r\n

Gun laws identify what types of guns should be illegal, if any, and what conduct or behavior by a person can cause them to lose the right to possess or own firearms.<\/p>\r\n

Advocates for gun safety believe Mississippi has weak gun control laws. The state has not adopted many regulations beyond federal law requirements. Under Mississippi law, you do not need a purchase permit to buy a gun or a state permit to carry one concealed on your person under most circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

Federal Gun Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Any understanding of federal gun laws begins with the Second Amendment<\/a>, which states "a well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." <\/p>\r\n

In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted this language to provide an individual’s right to keep and carry guns for self-defense and other lawful reasons. This view of a constitutional right to arms has led to closer scrutiny of state and federal firearms regulation.<\/p>\r\n

Key federal gun laws derive from Congress’ ability to regulate interstate commerce in firearms. In 1934, Congress passed the National Firearms Act (NFA) to regulate and tax manufacturers, owners, and purchasers of certain dangerous weapons that were used by organized crime. <\/p>\r\n

In 1968, Congress updated the NFA when it passed the Gun Control Act. It expanded its licensing of firearms dealers and categories of those who were prohibited<\/a> from possessing guns. It later set up the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. <\/p>\r\n

If you purchase a firearm from a licensed federal dealer, the gun won’t be delivered until the completion of a criminal background check that shows that the purchaser is not in a prohibited category.<\/p>\r\n

Mississippi Gun Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Mississippi law does not close the background check loophole. State law does not require that private sales and transfers of firearms occur via a licensed dealer with a background check. <\/p>\r\n

Unlike some other states, there is no waiting period between the purchase of a firearm and when delivery takes place. Mississippi does not ban assault weapons or large-capacity magazines of ammunition. <\/p>\r\n

There is no minimum age to own or possess a rifle or shotgun. You must be at least 18 years old to own or possess a handgun under most circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

In 2016, the state adopted a permitless carry law. This law allows a person 21 years of age or older to carry a concealed pistol, revolver, or stun gun on their person without first obtaining a permit and passing a background check as long as they are not prohibited under state or federal law. <\/p>\r\n

In Mississippi, concealed means hidden or obscured from common observation. If a person carries a handgun in a sheath, belt holster, shoulder holster, or case that is partially visible, the law does not view that as concealed. <\/p>\r\n

You also do not need a license or permit to carry a firearm on your person at your dwelling, place of business, or in your motor vehicle.<\/p>\r\n

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety<\/a> maintains a concealed\/enhanced carry permit process for those permit-holders who seek reciprocity to carry a concealed handgun in another state. Applicants must pass a criminal background check, provide their fingerprints, and pay a license fee. <\/p>\r\n

Enhanced permit holders must complete an approved firearms training course. Those with an enhanced permit can also carry concealed in certain areas where firearms are prohibited for the general public. <\/p>\r\n

Members of the Armed Forces, active law enforcement, and honorably retired law enforcement officers are granted an exemption from the permit law. Mississippi is a shall-issue state, meaning that if you meet the objective criteria and pass a background check, the state must issue the permit. Details on eligibility for a firearm permit appear in the table below.<\/p>\r\n

Certain locations remain off-limits for firearms in the state. These include:<\/p>\r\n