{"id":375878,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/oregon-law\/oregon-gun-control-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-09T11:08:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-09T16:08:02","slug":"oregon-gun-control-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/oregon-law\/oregon-gun-control-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Oregon Gun Control Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Oregon Gun Control Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/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

In the U.S. Congress and many states, tension has grown over the nature and scope of the nation’s gun control laws. The regular mass shootings and prevalence of gun deaths of children frustrate the public. Lawmakers look for balance in laws that promote public safety but do not penalize responsible gun owners. The proper approach to issues of gun violence often divides communities.<\/p>\r\n

Oregon laws reflect the challenge of this balancing act. The state constitution includes a right to bear arms. The Beaver State contains millions of acres of public land open to hunting and fishing. Yet, the state also hosts major cities like Portland, Eugene, and Salem that experience concerns about gun crime.<\/p>\r\n

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

Federal and state governments enact gun control laws. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) issues and enforces firearms regulations<\/a> from the federal government. Federal law sets rules for licensed firearms dealers. It also limits ownership of certain dangerous weapons, like machine guns, and bans certain dangerous people from having guns.<\/p>\r\n

Gun Control Laws in Oregon: Overview<\/h2>\r\n

State gun laws are usually more comprehensive than federal law. Still, state laws<\/a> that regulate the purchase and use of guns vary quite a bit from state to state, often reflecting regional traditions and attitudes toward guns. Some states require a permit for buying a gun or include a waiting period for a background check. Other states have very few restrictions.<\/p>\r\n

Oregon does not ban assault weapons. The open carry of firearms is legal, but some restrictions are in sensitive locations and safety concerns in larger cities. The state requires a concealed carry permit for handguns.<\/p>\r\n

In 2022, Oregon voters narrowly passed Measure 114<\/a>, a gun safety law. This ballot measure included a ban on high-capacity magazines and the creation of a firearm purchase permit.  A month after its approval, the law was challenged in court by two Oregon gun owners, halting its implementation. A judge ruled that the law\u2019s magazine capacity limit and permit requirement violated the Oregon Constitution. The state appealed.<\/p>\r\n

In 2024, arguments regarding Measure 114 were presented to a panel of judges as part of the state’s appeal process.  The Oregon Court of Appeals will make a decision, but regardless of the outcome, the case is expected to proceed to the Oregon Supreme Court. The legal battles over Measure 114 are expected to continue for months or even years before a final resolution is reached.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Oregon Concealed Handgun License<\/h2>\r\n

If you want to carry a concealed handgun in the state of Oregon, you need to get a concealed handgun license (CHL). The law has exceptions for those who only conceal a pistol at their homes or places of business.<\/p>\r\n

State law has objective criteria you must meet to get a CHL. This includes passing a criminal background check proving that you are not legally prohibited from having a firearm.<\/p>\r\n

You file your application with your local county sheriff. You must give your fingerprints and two references as part of the application process. The sheriff’s office will photograph you as well. You must be 21 or older to apply. You also must show competence with the handgun \u2014 usually by proof you completed a firearms safety course<\/a>. There are no waiting periods under Oregon law. So, once you meet all the criteria, the state will issue you a license.<\/p>\r\n

CHL holders have limited location restrictions. For example, even with a concealed weapons permit, you can’t take a gun into a courthouse or into the secure area of a correctional facility or a commercial airport.<\/p>\r\n

Oregon has no reciprocity law. So, the sheriff is not likely to recognize a concealed carry license from out of state. If you have concerns or questions about that, get answers<\/a> before you travel to Oregon with a firearm.<\/p>\r\n

Ban on Undetectable Firearms<\/h2>\r\n

In 2021, state lawmakers passed a law prohibiting so-called "ghost guns<\/a>," firearms that a metal detector can’t detect. The law defines an undetectable firearm as one that:<\/p>\r\n