By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Jeff Burtka, Esq. | Last reviewed November 07, 2022
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A combination of federal and state gun control laws regulates the purchase and use of firearms throughout the country. State gun control laws tend to vary quite a bit. Ohio gun control laws prohibit certain weapons while restricting gun purchases and ownership by certain individuals.
For instance, no one may possess a sawed-off shotgun, which allows easy concealment and maximum damage; a "zip" gun, which refers to improvised and often dangerous firearms; or weapons and ammunition designed specifically for military use.
Certain convicted felons (but not all) are prohibited from owning firearms, as are individuals with substance abuse problems or who are deemed mentally incompetent. Ohio does not require a waiting period prior to purchasing a gun and only requires background checks for guns purchased from federally licensed dealers. If you buy from a private seller or unlicensed dealership, you are not required to have a background check.
The main provisions of Ohio gun control laws are listed in the table below.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
Ohio Revised Code, Title 29 Crimes-Procedure, Sections 2923.11 through 2923.25
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following firearms are illegal in Ohio:
|
Waiting Period |
Ohio does not require a waiting period to purchase a firearm. |
Who May Not Own |
The following people may not own or possess a firearm:
|
License Required? |
Ohio does not require a license to own a firearm. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
Ohio does not require a concealed carry license to carry a concealed handgun. |
Open Carried Allowed? |
Open carry is permitted except in locations where the possession of firearms is prohibited by law. |
Machine Gun Laws |
Ohio has no specific prohibition against machine guns, but most machine guns are banned by Ohio's automatic firearm ban. Additionally, You must register your machine gun in compliance with federal law. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
|
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Ohio firearm laws are complex, and federal law also contains gun control laws. If you want to ensure your ownership of a gun does not violate the law, or if you charged with a gun offense, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Ohio.
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