Gun Laws in Mississippi

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Hand Guns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit required to purchase?	No	No
Firearm registration?	No	No
Assault weapon law?	No	No
Magazine capacity restriction?	No	No
Owner license required?	No	No
Permit required for concealed carry?	N/A	No	Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101 Miss. Code Ann. § 95-3-1 Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1 Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-7(2)	Mississippi is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. Regular and Enhanced permits are issued. Enhanced permits are issued to those who complete a training course. Permitless carry took effect on April 15, 2016, and applies to the carry of handguns in "belt and shoulder holsters and sheaths." Some forms of concealed carry still require a permit (e.g., without a holster, or in an ankle holster). Enhanced concealed carry permits allow for carrying in all areas except for any police, sheriff or state highway patrol station; any detention facility, prison or jail; courtrooms during a judicial proceeding; and, any "place of nuisance".
Permit required for open carry?	No	No	Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(14) Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1(4)	May carry openly without permit. Handguns must be carried in a "a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster".
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law?	Yes	Yes	Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-15
State preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes	Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-51 Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-53	"...no county or municipality may adopt any ordinance that restricts the possession, carrying, transportation, sale, transfer or ownership of firearms or ammunition or their components." However, local governments may regulate the discharge of firearms, the carrying of firearms at a public park or public meeting, or the use of firearms in cases of insurrection, riots, and natural disasters.
NFA weapons restricted?	No	No
Peaceable Journey laws?	No	No
Background checks required for private sales?	No	No

Gun Laws by State: Mississippi

Understanding Gun Laws in Mississippi

When it comes to gun laws, every state in the United States has its own set of rules and regulations. In this article, we will be focusing on the gun laws in the state of Mississippi. From purchasing requirements to carry permits, we'll cover everything you need to know.

Do You Need a State Permit to Purchase?

In Mississippi, you do not need a state permit to purchase either long guns or hand guns. This means that residents can buy firearms without having to obtain a special permit from the state.

Is Firearm Registration Required?

Mississippi does not require firearm registration for either long guns or hand guns. This means that once you've purchased your firearm, you are not required to register it with the state.

Are There Assault Weapon Laws?

There are no specific assault weapon laws in Mississippi. This means that residents are not restricted from owning or purchasing what are often classified as "assault weapons" in other states.

Are There Magazine Capacity Restrictions?

Mississippi does not have any laws restricting the capacity of firearm magazines. This means that there are no limits on the number of rounds a magazine can hold.

Is an Owner License Required?

Mississippi does not require gun owners to have a license. This means that you do not need to obtain a license to own a firearm in the state.

Is a Permit Required for Concealed Carry?

Mississippi is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. This means that the state must issue a concealed carry permit to applicants who meet the legal requirements. However, as of April 15, 2016, permitless carry took effect, which applies to the carry of handguns in "belt and shoulder holsters and sheaths." Some forms of concealed carry still require a permit (e.g., without a holster, or in an ankle holster).

Is a Permit Required for Open Carry?

In Mississippi, you may carry openly without a permit. Handguns must be carried in a "a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster".

Does Mississippi Have a Castle Doctrine or Stand Your Ground Law?

Yes, Mississippi has both a Castle Doctrine and a Stand Your Ground law. This means that residents have the right to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves in their homes, vehicles, or any place they have a legal right to be.

Does the State Preempt Local Restrictions?

Mississippi law preempts local restrictions on firearms. This means that no county or municipality can adopt any ordinance that restricts the possession, carrying, transportation, sale, transfer or ownership of firearms or ammunition or their components. However, local governments may regulate the discharge of firearms, the carrying of firearms at a public park or public meeting, or the use of firearms in cases of insurrection, riots, and natural disasters.

Are NFA Weapons Restricted?

Mississippi does not restrict weapons that fall under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This includes machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and suppressors.

Are There Peaceable Journey Laws?

Mississippi does not have specific peaceable journey laws. This means that the state does not have specific laws regarding the transportation of firearms across state lines.

Are Background Checks Required for Private Sales?

Mississippi does not require background checks for private gun sales. This means that private sellers are not required to conduct a background check on the buyer.

In conclusion, Mississippi has relatively relaxed gun laws compared to other states. However, it's always important to stay informed and up-to-date on the laws in your area. Always remember to handle firearms responsibly and safely.