If you live in the United States and have some access to the news, you know that gun control is a hot topic due to the rising number of school shootings and other mass shootings. While some citizens and politicians are very vocal about increasing gun control and even banning guns completely, many citizens believe that everyone in the United States has the right to bear arms as outlined in the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Gun laws are not determined by the federal government. Instead, each state determines the requirements for obtaining a gun, as well as the requirements for open carry and concealed carry. Additionally, some states have constitutional carry permitting peopole to carry concealed gun without a license or permit.
While there aren’t any states that have banned gun ownership, some states have “may issue” policies that make it difficult for average citizens to obtain and own a gun. This article will focus on the states that don’t have such strict laws regarding owning or carrying a gun. These are considered the best states for gun owners.
Best States for Gun Owners
Alaska
Alaska does not require a permit, purchase permit, or registration. There are no background checks on private gun sales, and open carry is allowed without a permit.
Arizona
Arizona does not require individuals to purchase a permit or register their firearms. There are no background checks performed for private gun sales. Open carry is legal in Arizona. There are also no restrictions on magazine size in this state.
Idaho
In Idaho, residents of the state do not need a permit. However, non-residents are required to have a permit for concealed carry within Idaho’s cities. No purchase permits or registrations are required. Open carry is allowed, and there are no magazine size restrictions. Idaho also does not require a background check for private sales.
Kansas
There is no carry permit, purchase permit, or registration required in Kansas. Open carry is allowed without a permit. No background checks for private gun sales or magazine size restrictions apply in this state.
Maine
Maine does not require people to carry permits, purchase permits, or firearm registration. Open carry is permitted, while there no requirement to run a background check for a private sale. Magazine sizes are also not restricted.
Mississippi
No carry permit is required if a gun is carried in a holster, satchel, purse, handbag, or sheath. Mississippi does not require purchase permits, registration, or background checks on private sales. Open carry is legal, and there are no restrictions on magazine sizes.
Missouri
No carry permit is required, although residents can obtain a permit to be exempted from laws passed by local authorities. Missouri does not require purchase permits or registration, and background checks do not have to be performed during a private sale. This state allows open carry and does not restrict magazine size.
New Hampshire
This state doesn’t require a carry permit, registration, or purchase permit. Open carry is allowed, but long guns located in vehicles can’t be loaded. A background check is not required for a private sale. Magazine size is not restricted.
Vermont
This state does not issue or require carry permits. It also does not require purchase permits or registration. However, Vermont does require sales only through licensed dealers unless the sale is to a family member. Open carry is allowed in Vermont. Vermont does put restrictions on magazine size.
West Virginia
This state does not require carry permits, purchase permits, or registration. Open carry is allowed. There are no restrictions on magazine size. There are also no laws that require background checks on private sales.
Wyoming
Residents are not required to get a carry permit. However, non-residents must get a permit to conceal carry guns. The state does not limit the size of magazines, does not require background checks for private sales, and doesn’t require purchase permits or registration. Open carry is allowed in this state.