Req 1e — Gun Laws in Your Community and State
Firearm laws in the United States operate at three levels: federal, state, and local. A responsible shooter knows the basics at all three levels. Your counselor will ask you to explain laws relevant to your own state and community, so you need to do some research specific to where you live.
Federal Baseline
Several federal laws apply everywhere in the country:
- Minimum age: Federal law sets the minimum age to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer at 21. For long guns (rifles and shotguns), the minimum age is 18. States may set higher ages.
- Background checks: Licensed dealers (FFLs) must run a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check on every buyer. Certain convictions, adjudications, and other factors legally prohibit a person from possessing firearms.
- Prohibited persons: Federal law prohibits firearm possession by people convicted of felonies, domestic violence misdemeanants, those adjudicated as mentally defective, illegal drug users, and others listed in 18 U.S.C. § 922.
- Fully automatic weapons: Civilian ownership of machine guns manufactured after 1986 is heavily restricted under the National Firearms Act.
State Laws Vary Significantly
States have broad authority to set their own rules. Common state-level topics include:
- Permits or licenses: Some states require a permit to purchase or carry a firearm.
- Registration: A few states require firearms to be registered with the state.
- Magazine capacity limits: Some states restrict high-capacity magazines.
- Safe storage requirements: A growing number of states have laws requiring firearms to be stored locked when minors are present.
- Age restrictions: Some states set higher minimum ages than federal law.
Local Ordinances
Cities and counties sometimes add restrictions on top of state law—for example, discharge ordinances that prohibit firing within city limits except at licensed ranges, or regulations on transporting firearms.
How to Research Your State
Your state’s department of justice, attorney general’s office, or fish and wildlife agency typically publishes a summary of state firearms laws. State hunting regulations also outline laws specific to firearms used for hunting. Your counselor can help you find the right source.
For Your Counselor
You do not need to be a lawyer. Be prepared to name two or three key points from federal law and two or three points from your state’s laws. Know where you would look to find more information. Show that you understand the spirit of these laws: they exist to keep firearms out of the hands of people who would misuse them, and to reduce accidents.