Here in the US, gun laws can vary dramatically from one state to the next. Whether you love or hate them, firearms have been a part of the country’s culture for centuries and have resisted mass controversy until recent years. While many states have imposed strict gun laws to lower crime and increase safety, many locations remain lenient. Here are 22 “Stand your ground” states where gun owners can live in peace.
New Hampshire
As a state lacking any meaningful gun safety laws, New Hampshire is considered one of the most lenient states for firearm owners. Anyone over the age of 18 can legally carry a gun, whether openly or concealed, and won’t have to attend safety courses. These incredibly relaxed gun laws are, thankfully, paired with low crime rates.
Wyoming
Wyoming is known for its permissive gun laws, allowing residents permitless carry and no magazine capacity requirements. What’s more, antique firearms do not require permits or even registration.
Utah
In Utah, adults aged between 18 and 20 need a permit to possess guns, but anyone over 21 can carry their firearms permit-free. Unlike other states, Utah places fewer restrictions on the types of guns its residents can carry. Individuals can purchase either long guns or handguns without worrying about a permit.
Iowa
Despite needing background checks, Iowans can purchase rifles and shotguns without a state permit. Previously, a permit was required to purchase a handgun, but these laws were relaxed in 2021. In the same year, Iowa became a constitutional carry state, making open and concealed carry a permit-free affair.
Alaska
Alaska is famously gun-friendly and has some of the weakest firearm laws in the entire US. While this has sparked major controversy, the state seems unlikely to enforce gun safety measures any time soon.
Arkansas
Operating under a permitless carry system, Arkansas is another firearm-friendly state. For decades, Arkansas residents have endured limited regulation when it comes to owning handguns. While new laws could be on the horizon, the state remains lenient at present.
Florida
In 2023, the state of Florida approved a bill allowing residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit or background check. This relaxed approach has come under fire, with many people worried it will lead to more gun violence in the state.
South Carolina
As of this year, a new law has made South Carolina a Second Amendment sanctuary state, allowing residents permit-free carry. South Carolinians are now able to carry a gun just about anywhere without a permit legally. This has drawn many gun lovers to relocate to this sunny state.
Tennesse
Like most southern states, anyone eligible can walk into a gun shop and buy a rifle or shotgun, as long as they’re over 18. Those wishing to obtain a CCW and carry a concealed weapon must meet a criteria. Similar to a standard background check, applicants must show a clean bill devoid of any criminal charges or mental health concerns.
Indiana
While Indiana has Red Flag laws allowing police officers to remove guns from dangerous individuals, other firearm laws are lenient. Here, any citizen over the age of 18 can purchase and carry a gun without a permit.
Alabama
As of 2023, Alabama no longer requires permits for those wanting to carry a gun, whether openly or concealed. For years, Alabama’s open carry laws have been far more relaxed than most states, making the state a haven for multiple gun owners.
Kentucky
For many Kentuckians, carrying a firearm is woven into the fabric of daily life, and there’s very little to stop people from doing this. This pro-firearm state allows permit-free gun ownership and has lax purchasing laws.
Texas
This state’s gun laws are among the least restrictive in America, which is no surprise given Texas’s cowboy legacy. In Texas, you must be at least 18 to buy a long gun or a handgun, but there’s no minimum age to possess firearms under current law. As a result, roughly 60% of Texan households own at least one gun.
North Dakota
The North Dakota Constitution states that residents have the “inalienable right” to “keep and bear arms,” with this reflected in the state’s lenient gun laws. Here, permit-free ownership and carrying of firearms is a given.
South Dakota
The neighboring South Dakota takes a similar approach to firearms. Again, this is a permitless carry state, which has unfortunately left above-average levels of gun violence.
Montana
In 2021, Montana amended its gun laws to allow permitless concealed carry, in a move that surprised few. This state has an especially high rate of household gun ownership, with multiple firearms per house. This is partly because there’s no sales tax in Montana, lowering the price of guns bought locally.
West Virginia
Unlike many states, West Virginia doesn’t require additional background checks to own a gun, nor is a permit required to carry a firearm. Under the state’s stand-your-ground laws, there’s no duty to retreat.
Mississippi
Missisipi’s governor recently signed a bill to block gun tracking and firearm registries, making an already firearm-friendly state even more lenient. Anyone over the age of 18 can enjoy the state’s open carry legislation.
Missouri
In Missouri, there are no magazine capacity limits, and firearm registration isn’t required to purchase a gun. While slightly stricter than other states, Missouri maintains relatively relaxed gun laws and self-defense legislation.
Idaho
In recent years, Idaho has relaxed its already lenient gun laws further. Now, there are no state laws to regulate the possession of assault weapons or large-capacity magazines, which has caused controversy across the US.
Kansas
Like many states, Kansas allows anyone to open carry their gun over the age of 18. While the governor is advocating for stricter background checks, anyone over the age of 21 can purchase a handgun per federal law.
New Mexico
New Mexico is home to an embedded gun culture as part of the Intermountain West, with some of the most relaxed laws in the country. Individuals of legal age are able to openly carry their guns but require a permit for concealed carry.
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