Cecily Zamora
Missouri has some of the most permissive gun laws in the United States. The state does not require firearm registration, a license to purchase a firearm, or a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Missouri also does not ban assault weapons or require background checks for gun purchases from unlicensed individuals. Gun laws in Missouri primarily regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition. The state's gun death rate is high, and it has been reported that Missouri could save 12,202 lives in the next decade if it had the same gun safety laws as the nine states with the strongest legislation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gun laws | Loose compared to other states |
| Waiting periods | Not required |
| Background checks | Not required for gun purchases from unlicensed individuals |
| Federal law | Sets licensing for firearms dealers and prohibitions on weapons and those who can possess them |
| State law | May provide restrictions on the carrying of firearms |
| State lawmakers | Passed a permitless carry law in 2017 |
| Concealed carry | Permitted by those 19 years or older |
| Antique firearms | Exempt from unlawful possession |
| School employees | Allowed to carry concealed guns on campuses |
| Gun death rate | One of the highest in the country |
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What You'll Learn
- Missouri's gun laws are permissive and lack foundational gun violence prevention measures
- Missouri does not require a license or permit to purchase, own or carry a firearm
- Missouri does not require background checks for gun purchases from unlicensed individuals
- Missouri allows open carry without a permit, unless expressly prohibited by law
- Missouri does not ban assault weapons or require registration of firearms
Missouri's gun laws are permissive and lack foundational gun violence prevention measures
Missouri's gun laws are among the most permissive in the country, and the state lacks many of the foundational gun violence prevention measures seen in other states. Missouri does not require firearm owners to register their weapons, and a license is not necessary to purchase a firearm. In 2017, the state passed a permitless carry law, allowing people to carry concealed weapons without obtaining a concealed carry license, undergoing a background check, or completing a firearm safety course. This lack of regulation makes Missouri an outlier among states, as it creates an environment where almost anyone can easily access and carry firearms.
Missouri's gun laws stand in contrast to those of many other states, which have implemented a range of measures to prevent gun violence. These measures include universal background checks, waiting periods for gun purchases, and extreme risk protection orders. Some states also have laws in place to promote gun safety and reduce access to guns by minors. Missouri's lack of such measures has contributed to a high rate of gun violence in the state. Between 2014 and 2023, the rate of gun deaths in Missouri increased by 40%, compared to a 33% increase nationwide.
Missouri's high rate of gun violence has significant costs, both in terms of lives lost and economic impact. In an average year, 1,381 people die by guns in Missouri, and the state experiences one of the highest rates of gun deaths, gun homicides, and household firearm ownership in the country. Gun violence costs Missouri an estimated $17.6 billion each year. Despite these stark figures, Missouri legislators have shown little momentum for passing gun safety protections.
The lack of foundational gun violence prevention laws in Missouri has been a concern for many citizens and advocacy groups, such as Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action. These groups have spoken out against legislation that undermines local efforts to advance gun violence prevention measures, such as a bill that transferred control of the St. Louis police department to a state board. They argue that such legislation strips municipal rights and prevents life-saving gun violence reform.
While Missouri's gun laws are permissive, there are some restrictions in place. For example, Missouri law prohibits the transfer of a firearm to a minor (under 18 years old) without the consent of the custodial parent or legal guardian. Additionally, federal law prohibits licensed dealers from selling handguns to anyone under 21 or long guns to anyone under 18, with limited exceptions. However, these limited restrictions do not make up for the lack of comprehensive gun violence prevention measures in the state.
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Missouri does not require a license or permit to purchase, own or carry a firearm
Missouri has some of the most permissive gun control laws in the country. The state does not require a license or permit to purchase, own, or carry a firearm. Missouri also does not ban assault weapons, and firearm owners are not required to register their weapons. The state passed a permitless carry law in 2017, which allows individuals to carry concealed weapons without a license, background check, or firearms safety course. Missouri's gun laws do not provide for waiting periods or require background checks for gun purchases from unlicensed individuals.
While the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, states have some freedom to regulate the sale and ownership of guns. Missouri's gun laws are relatively loose compared to other states, and the state continues to tip the balance in favor of gun rights in most circumstances. Missouri law does not state a minimum age for possessing a firearm, but it prohibits transferring a firearm to a minor (under 18) without parental consent. However, under federal law, a licensed dealer cannot sell a handgun to anyone under 21 or a long gun to anyone under 18, with limited exceptions.
Missouri is a "shall-issue" state, which means that county sheriffs will issue permits for reciprocity purposes, allowing Missouri residents to carry concealed defensive firearms in states that recognize Missouri's concealed carry permits, such as Oklahoma. While a permit is not required to carry a firearm in Missouri, residents can still apply for a concealed carry permit if they wish to carry in other states. Missouri's concealed carry law recognizes permits from every state and provides for permit reciprocity.
Despite Missouri's lack of gun control regulations, the rate of gun deaths in the state increased by 40% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. The data suggests that states with stronger gun laws have lower rates of gun violence. Missouri lawmakers often struggle to balance the rights of gun owners with the need for public safety.
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Missouri does not require background checks for gun purchases from unlicensed individuals
Missouri has permissive gun control laws compared to other states. The state does not require background checks for gun purchases from unlicensed individuals. This means that people prohibited from owning guns can take advantage of a thriving market for unlicensed sales and obtain guns illegally. Missouri law previously required background checks on all handgun sales for over 80 years. However, the state repealed this background check law, leading to substantial increases in firearm homicide and suicide rates.
In Missouri, all firearm transfers by licensed dealers are processed through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System or the FBI, which enforces federal purchaser prohibitions. On the other hand, Missouri does not require private sellers or unlicensed dealers to initiate a background check when transferring a firearm. This lack of regulation creates a loophole that prohibited purchasers can exploit. For example, between 2016 and 2017, three individuals were arrested for trafficking around 90 firearms purchased online into Illinois from Kentucky, contributing to violent crimes in the latter state.
While the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, states have some freedom to regulate the sale and ownership of guns. Missouri's gun laws do not provide for waiting periods or require background checks for purchases from unlicensed individuals. The state also does not ban assault weapons or require firearm registration. Missouri passed a permitless carry law in 2017, allowing individuals to carry concealed weapons without a license, background check, or firearms safety course.
The lack of background checks and permitless carry laws in Missouri have contributed to an increase in gun violence. Between 2014 and 2023, the rate of gun deaths in Missouri increased by 40%, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. In 2018, there were 1,419 aggravated assaults with firearms in St. Louis, and the city has seen more than 1,700 such assaults to date. Each year, more than 1,200 Missourians are killed with guns, and over 2,500 others are wounded.
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Missouri allows open carry without a permit, unless expressly prohibited by law
Missouri's gun laws are considered more relaxed than those of other states. While the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, states have some freedom to regulate the sale and ownership of guns.
Missouri is a permitless carry state, meaning that a license or permit is not required to carry a firearm. However, this does not apply to those who are prohibited from possessing a firearm for any reason. Missouri does not require background checks or firearm registration for guns purchased from private individuals. There is also no waiting period for purchasing a firearm.
Missouri's gun laws do not specify a minimum age for possessing a firearm, but federal law prohibits licensed dealers from selling handguns to anyone under 21 or long guns to anyone under 18. Missouri law does prohibit the transfer of a firearm to a minor (under 18) without the consent of their parent or guardian, with exceptions for those in the Armed Forces or National Guard on duty.
Open carry is legal in Missouri for anyone who can legally possess a firearm. There is no age restriction on open carry, but federal law may apply if the firearm is a handgun. While open carry is generally permitted, Missouri law prohibits exhibiting "any weapon readily capable of lethal use" in an angry or threatening manner. Local authorities may also restrict open carry in certain buildings or areas, and some municipalities have banned open carry altogether.
Missouri also allows concealed carry without a permit, but there are age requirements for this. To obtain a Missouri CCP (Concealed Carry Permit), one must be at least 19 years old (or 18 for military personnel and veterans). Concealed carry is not permitted in certain locations, such as courthouses and public transportation.
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Missouri does not ban assault weapons or require registration of firearms
Missouri has some of the most permissive gun control laws in the United States. The state does not ban assault weapons or require firearm owners to register their weapons. Missouri also does not require a license to purchase a firearm. In 2017, a permitless carry law was passed, allowing individuals to carry concealed weapons without a license, background check, or firearms safety course.
The Missouri General Assembly passed the Second Amendment Preservation Act in 2021, which stated that the state would not enforce or assist in the enforcement of federal gun laws that infringe on the Second Amendment right to bear arms. This law was later struck down by a federal district court as an unconstitutional violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Despite the lack of a statewide ban on assault weapons, some Missouri cities and counties have attempted to pass their own gun laws. However, a preemption law prevents local governments from enacting gun laws that conflict with state law. This preemption law has led to confusion among law enforcement officers, as they must navigate the complex web of state and local regulations.
The rate of gun deaths in Missouri increased by 40% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. Gun violence in the state has brought the issue of gun control into public view, with 53% of gun deaths attributed to suicides and 43% to homicides. While Missouri continues to tip the balance in favor of gun rights, the data suggests that stronger gun laws could lead to a reduction in gun violence.
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Frequently asked questions
Missouri has some of the most permissive gun control laws in the country. The state does not require a license to purchase a firearm, nor does it require firearm owners to register their weapons. Missouri also does not ban assault weapons or require background checks for gun purchases from unlicensed individuals.
In 2021, Missouri lawmakers passed the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," which attempts to bar federal gun laws from being enforced in the state. However, this act is currently being challenged in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Some proposed changes to Missouri's gun laws include implementing red flag laws, requiring background checks for all gun purchases, and banning certain assault-style weapons. Additionally, there have been efforts to address the high rate of gun violence in the state, which has one of the highest rates of gun deaths and gun homicides in the country.
