What are the 3 States with the Least Restrictive and the 3 States with the Most Restrictive Gun Law?

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There's no "federal mandate" for registration. There are those who believe the Feds are keeping more records than they're legally permitted to but that's a different subject.

I consider the 4473 and Bound Book to comprise federal registration, just not CENTRAL registration.

I am an Alabamian and think I have it pretty good here, ready CCW, OC legal, no stringent state regulations; frex private sales are ok and full auto is legal.
However, one sheriff was lax in background check for permits and we have lost our CCW = NICS status.

However, TV news yesterday gleefully announced "six gun bills" in the next legislative session. The only one described will standardize and centralize CCW permits under Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (Highway Patrol, etc.) instead of county sheriffs. Terms of one or five years, or lifetime. And get that sloppy sheriff out of the loop, maybe letting us reduce purchase hassle. BUT it will also make it easier to cancel a permit by action of about any law enforcement agency.

The only other thing I see is authorization for a judge to carry a gun into court. No sign of the other four.
 
Arizona was a leader, but IMO they've been surpassed by other states whose constitution carry is even less restrictive. For example, it's illegal for a person to carry into an establishment that serves alcohol without a permit.
 
NH where I live no longer requires any permits, you can CC, OC, drive around with a loaded firearm on the dash of your car if you so choose. Maine is similar, as is VT … there are of course nuances, but the laws over the past few years have been getting less restrictive.
VT definitely has not been getting less restrictive. Quite the opposite actually. This is just personal opinion of course but given the choice, I'll take a carry permit requirement over a standard capacity mag ban any day.
 
Currently, the only place I ever go where I can’t legally carry a firearm is my kid’s school.

Many federal properties, such as post offices, are off limits too, but that is true country wide.

Having to get a carry permit at all pushes PA down the list and then throw in handgun permit to purchase and it drops like a rock.

Actually there is no permit to purchase, but rather a PA State Police background check that is very similar to the NICS check. I'm not sure if the State Police can retain that information forever. If so, then you are correct, it is a backdoor form of registration.
 
OH seems to be pretty decent. They have a permit system for carry, but no registration otherwise. Permit seems to be must issue. No mag or "assault weapon" restrictions. Want a machine gun or silencer, go buy a stamp.

HI, since I've got to know it as a result of my son moving there, stuns me. Honolulu Co., which encompasses the island of Oahu, hasn't issued a carry permit in years. All guns, even long guns, must be registered. Mag restrictions, and all else that goes with it.

According to their regulations, even LEO from other states carrying under HR218 must register with them within 5 days of arrival. No other state, as far as I know, has anything like that, it defies federal law.
 
Having to get a carry permit at all pushes PA down the list and then throw in handgun permit to purchase and it drops like a rock.
Theres no handgun permit, there’s simply an extra form to fill out in addition to the 4473 when buying a handgun. It takes an extra 2 minutes at most. But my point is simply that there are states higher on that list that have much worse carry laws than PA does.
 
Rhode Island is 43rd on that list. However gun clubs and gun shops abound in this small state. It’s constitution mirrors the US. A “blue” card is required for hand guns purchase and a 7 day wait for the gun.
Long guns no restriction on purchase other than age and a 3 day wait. No ammo restrictions. No registration. Permit to Carry can be problematic depending on the AG in any given election year.
Guns in cars without a carry permit. To and from home to a gun store, gun smith or gun range only.
After residing there for 50 years I’ve amassed a goodly collection of firearms and been a gun club member for most of those, my current one for the past 38 years.
City dweller so don’t know about shooting on personal property in rural areas.
State does have a grandfathered anti-noise statute that protects shooting ranges from noise complaints.
One doesn’t miss what one has never had I suppose.
 
Actually there is no permit to purchase, but rather a PA State Police background check that is very similar to the NICS check. I'm not sure if the State Police can retain that information forever. If so, then you are correct, it is a backdoor form of registration.
You're right. Not really a permit to purchase. The State police keep a registry of all handgun transfers in the state ( the legal transfers anyway) in clear violation of PA law. Anyway, point is, it makes sense that PA would be down low on the list.
 
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Utah has very favorable laws. Open carry if unloaded, with permit can carry in schools and parks, permit costs $56, no purchase restrictions, no limit on magazine capacity, very favorable use of force laws, can have loaded firearm in vehicle without permit.

One of our Representatives tried for a red flag law last year, without much support. He tried again this year and got so little support that he pulled the bill.
 
Here in KY
1. Constitutional carry
2. Open carry legal
3. You can carry it in the capitol and all state buildings
4. No Gun signs DO NOT carry letter of the law, meaning you cannot be arrested for carrying in a business that posts one. Even Arizona can't say that
5. No ban on anything like AR rifle, high cap mags, etc.
6. Cities that may try gun restrictions are shot down be preemptive state law
7. Stand your ground/castle doctrine state
8. State park, all local cities statewide, national parks, all allow open or concealed carry
9. No red flag laws
10. Most law enforcement agencies are 2A supportive in a big way
11. Knob Creek gun show, largest machine gun show in the world
12. Church carry legal
13. No registration of any kind
14. Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol
15. Private transactions legal
16. Do not have to inform officer
And I don't know why people rate states like Texas and Arizona over us. I guess it's about TV wild west perception.
 
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Top 5 - Best Gun-Friendly States
1. Arizona
2. Idaho
3. Alaska
4. Kansas
5. Oklahoma

Bottom 5 - Worst Gun-Friendly States
47. California
48. Hawaii
49. New Jersey
50. Massachusetts
51. New York

51. New York
New York had enjoyed a few quiet years since the passage of the draconian “NY SAFE Act” (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act) in 2013, but that honeymoon ended when Democrats gained control of majorities in both houses of the “Empire State’s” legislature. During the first month of 2019, five separate gun bills were passed along party lines. Among the bills were mandatory storage legislation, as well as a Red Flag bill. Worse yet, these bills were passed without public hearings that would have allowed residents to speak their minds. So much for transparency. New York doesn’t allow for NFA firearms, and magazine capacity is restricted to 10 rounds. Carry permits can be obtained on a may-issue basis but they are notoriously difficult to get, especially in New York City where a separate permit is required. (2018 rank: 51)

50. Massachusetts
This May, Massachusetts passed a comprehensive gun bill that, among other things, created a Red Flag system and categorized stun guns as firearms. The reality is that Massachusetts is a state where things can’t get too much worse for gun owners. Magazines are limited to 10 rounds and no NFA items are legal to possess in the “Bay State”. The state gets 3 points in the RTC column, as their may-issued permit system does actually issue some permits. There is a duty to retreat in Massachusetts where one must “do everything reasonable in the circumstances to avoid physical combat before resorting to force” in self-defense cases, which lands the state 5 points under the Castle Doctrine category. (2018 rank: 49)

49. New Jersey
Last year, New Jersey banned magazines that exceeded 10 rounds. There was no Grandfather Clause, and the deadline to remove or destroy magazines was last December. This year, the General Assembly passed legislation mandating that retailers offer “smart guns” for sale, even though the technology does not currently exist in the marketplace. This is N.J.’s second look at a “smart gun” law after a similar proposal was passed back in 2002. CCW permits are expensive and all but impossible to obtain. In almost all known cases, only police and retired law enforcement can obtain a New Jersey Concealed Handgun Permit. NFA items are banned in the state. (2018 rank: 50)

48. Hawaii
This year, Hawaii raised the age in which a non-resident can bring a firearm into Hawaii from 18 to 21. Hawaii has a may-issued CCW system that issues no permits, resulting in a practical ban on concealed carry. Magazine capacity is limited to a 10-rounds limit, and all NFA firearms and accessories are prohibited. The state has relatively weak Use of Force laws, earning in 4 points in the Castle Doctrine column. (2018 rank: 48)

47. California
It’s pretty safe to say that California Governor Gavin Newsome is one of the most outspoken chief executives in the nation when it comes to advocating for gun control. California is a very challenging state for gun owners despite a rich historic culture epitomized by the birth of practical pistol shooting in the state. California recently implemented one of the most strict semiauto bans in the country, which costs the state several points in the Black Gun category. May issued Concealed Carry permits are issued on a county-by-county basis, and whether you can actually obtain a permit varies wildly by geography. NFA items are a mixed bag and suppressors are not allowed. (2018 rank: 46)

46. Washington D.C.
Our nation’s capital has gone from being one of the worst places in America for gun owners, to one that actually allows for gun ownership and even concealed carry. As a result of several court actions, D.C. is now a “Shall-Issue” jurisdiction for CCW for both residents and non-residents. D.C.-specific training, along with more general firearms training, is required, and non-residents must have a valid permit from any state. D.C. still requires the registration of all firearms, and many firearms and magazines are banned from ownership. Black Guns are a no-go, as are NFA items. (2018 rank: 47)

45. Connecticut
Last year the Connecticut legislature considered a bill that aimed to criminalize the possession of unserialized “90% receivers” attempting to prevent the manufacturing of so-called “ghost guns”. This session a bill was signed into law that effectively prevents citizens from manufacturing firearms for their own use, something that is legal under federal law. The state also passed mandatory storage requirements for both homes and automobiles, which means you now have to install a safe in your car in order to leave a handgun in it. CT has a may-issue CCW system that does issue permits, and Connecticut’s Use of Force laws are fairly strong. Suppressors are permitted, but Black Guns and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds are restricted. (2018 rank: 45)
 
Top 5 - Best Gun-Friendly States
1. Arizona
2. Idaho
3. Alaska
4. Kansas
5. Oklahoma

Bottom 5 - Worst Gun-Friendly States
47. California
48. Hawaii
49. New Jersey
50. Massachusetts
51. New York

51. New York
New York had enjoyed a few quiet years since the passage of the draconian “NY SAFE Act” (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act) in 2013, but that honeymoon ended when Democrats gained control of majorities in both houses of the “Empire State’s” legislature. During the first month of 2019, five separate gun bills were passed along party lines. Among the bills were mandatory storage legislation, as well as a Red Flag bill. Worse yet, these bills were passed without public hearings that would have allowed residents to speak their minds. So much for transparency. New York doesn’t allow for NFA firearms, and magazine capacity is restricted to 10 rounds. Carry permits can be obtained on a may-issue basis but they are notoriously difficult to get, especially in New York City where a separate permit is required. (2018 rank: 51)

50. Massachusetts
This May, Massachusetts passed a comprehensive gun bill that, among other things, created a Red Flag system and categorized stun guns as firearms. The reality is that Massachusetts is a state where things can’t get too much worse for gun owners. Magazines are limited to 10 rounds and no NFA items are legal to possess in the “Bay State”. The state gets 3 points in the RTC column, as their may-issued permit system does actually issue some permits. There is a duty to retreat in Massachusetts where one must “do everything reasonable in the circumstances to avoid physical combat before resorting to force” in self-defense cases, which lands the state 5 points under the Castle Doctrine category. (2018 rank: 49)

49. New Jersey
Last year, New Jersey banned magazines that exceeded 10 rounds. There was no Grandfather Clause, and the deadline to remove or destroy magazines was last December. This year, the General Assembly passed legislation mandating that retailers offer “smart guns” for sale, even though the technology does not currently exist in the marketplace. This is N.J.’s second look at a “smart gun” law after a similar proposal was passed back in 2002. CCW permits are expensive and all but impossible to obtain. In almost all known cases, only police and retired law enforcement can obtain a New Jersey Concealed Handgun Permit. NFA items are banned in the state. (2018 rank: 50)

48. Hawaii
This year, Hawaii raised the age in which a non-resident can bring a firearm into Hawaii from 18 to 21. Hawaii has a may-issued CCW system that issues no permits, resulting in a practical ban on concealed carry. Magazine capacity is limited to a 10-rounds limit, and all NFA firearms and accessories are prohibited. The state has relatively weak Use of Force laws, earning in 4 points in the Castle Doctrine column. (2018 rank: 48)

47. California
It’s pretty safe to say that California Governor Gavin Newsome is one of the most outspoken chief executives in the nation when it comes to advocating for gun control. California is a very challenging state for gun owners despite a rich historic culture epitomized by the birth of practical pistol shooting in the state. California recently implemented one of the most strict semiauto bans in the country, which costs the state several points in the Black Gun category. May issued Concealed Carry permits are issued on a county-by-county basis, and whether you can actually obtain a permit varies wildly by geography. NFA items are a mixed bag and suppressors are not allowed. (2018 rank: 46)

46. Washington D.C.
Our nation’s capital has gone from being one of the worst places in America for gun owners, to one that actually allows for gun ownership and even concealed carry. As a result of several court actions, D.C. is now a “Shall-Issue” jurisdiction for CCW for both residents and non-residents. D.C.-specific training, along with more general firearms training, is required, and non-residents must have a valid permit from any state. D.C. still requires the registration of all firearms, and many firearms and magazines are banned from ownership. Black Guns are a no-go, as are NFA items. (2018 rank: 47)

45. Connecticut
Last year the Connecticut legislature considered a bill that aimed to criminalize the possession of unserialized “90% receivers” attempting to prevent the manufacturing of so-called “ghost guns”. This session a bill was signed into law that effectively prevents citizens from manufacturing firearms for their own use, something that is legal under federal law. The state also passed mandatory storage requirements for both homes and automobiles, which means you now have to install a safe in your car in order to leave a handgun in it. CT has a may-issue CCW system that does issue permits, and Connecticut’s Use of Force laws are fairly strong. Suppressors are permitted, but Black Guns and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds are restricted. (2018 rank: 45)
How can Arizona be tops when no gun signs carry letter of the law. That's a huge issue
 
Alaska has concealed carry for anyone who is legal to possess.
Non violent felons get their 2nd A Rights back after 10 years after they have served their time and no further problems.
All type guns are legal to possess and shoot, although not all are legal to hunt with.
Supressor friendly state, class 3 too.
 
The rules get a little messy with revolvers. But if you carry with an empty chamber so that it takes two actions to fire the firearm, it is legally unloaded.
That’s cool. Normal carry for A SA revolver.
Might be a problem with a DA.
The actions would have to be closely defined.
 
Vermont used to be the best state for firearms. No permit needed to carry concealed or open. No regulations of any kind outside of the federal ones. Then they passed a magazine ban as well as some other crap and dropped quite a few places. I visited VT in September for a large, family event. I was legally allowed to carry with my AL permit, as my firearm met all the new laws. One advantage of keeping a slightly lower capacity .40 clone of your high capacity 9mm.
 
Vermont was #2 on the list only behind Arizona until 2018 when Phil Scott aka Satan nixed a couple centuries of 2nd amendment freedom in the state. I dont even want to know where VT lands on the list now. I guess it was only a matter of time, NY to the west, CT and MA just to the south. New Hampshire and Maine watch out they're coming for you next.....
 
Not really. Illinois requires getting a FOID from the state police. Complete form and send in with photo, wait 3 months. But after that they really don't have much restricted. Buy all the ammo you like, buy all the guns you like without registrations. About the only true limits are no silencers or machine guns, and CC license is expensive. There are significantly more hassles buying and carrying handguns, AWBs and other restrictions in most states on both coasts.

** FOID is supposed to be issued in 30 days, they tend to be backlogged. Cost is $10 and renew it after 10 years.

Having spent about 50 of my 56 years in Illinois, I'd respectfully submit it's a PITA when it comes to gun ownership.
Yes, you are correct: You can own all the non-NFA firearms you'd like. And, no, it is not the most restrictive state
But the hoops!
First, there's the FOID, which I don't philosophically agree with, but OK ... they need to get on top of administering it and issue it per the statute, not when the they manage to get to the task.
Second, all firearm purchases now require the 72-hour wait.
Third, they've driven a bunch of FFL holders out of business with a state licensing requirement that is more restrictive than the federal.
Fourth, and this is somewhat true of all states, there is a vast disparity in knowledge and attitude among LE about the state's own firearm laws and the still, in spots around Chicagoland, restrictive communities. An encounter in which an LEO knows of the firearm's presence might be "Thanks for being a responsible owner" all the way to multiple car presence for merely the presence of a legally owned and transported firearm.
Fifth, the CC law, is chock-full of restrictions and more than a handful for the average citizen (and even the average LEO) to understand and retain. And although now an Indiana resident, I have taught and remain eligible to teach the Illinois course. The Illinois CC restrictions are a house of mirrors. (Here's a pretty good summary for anyone interested: https://lawcenter.giffords.org/other-location-restrictions-in-illinois/ )
The difference in attitude across one state line to the east is absolutely remarkable.
God bless Chicago. It is in many ways a wonderful city, but it has an awful violence problem. And the result of that problem and Chicago-Democrat (not synonymous with downstate-Democrat) politics imposes a nannied existence on gun owners throughout the state, which is 390-mile long state.
Not trying to flame you, man, but I can tell I do not miss all the hoops of being a gun owner in Illinois. A 3-day wait for any firearm purchase? A special card to buy or possess ammo? A dozen categories of CC prohibitions? Been there, done that, got exasperated with it.
Peace.
 
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