The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page.

Many US states have legislated their own gun control laws, independent of existing federal gun control. Some have also created so-called assault weapon bans that are independent, though often similar to, the expired federal assault weapons ban. The state level bans vary significantly in their form, content, and level of restriction. Most US states have a state constitutional provision similar to the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights. This often raises legal issues on the legality of some of the legislations. Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... // Legal Topics Primary Organizations Liberty Belles Prominent individuals Advocates of firearms Gary Kleck Charlton Heston Wayne LaPierre John Lott Ted Nugent Advocates of firearms control Darrell Scotts Congressoinal Speech Michael D. Barnes Michael Bellesiles James Brady Sarah Brady Tom Diaz Arthur Kellermann Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine) Josh Sugarmann... The Federal Assault Weapons Ban, or AWB, was a provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a federal law of the United States that included a prohibition on the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons manufactured after the date of the bans enactment. ... The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF or BATF or BATFE) is a federal agency, a special federal police service within the United States Department of Justice. ... The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, also known as the Brady Bill, was passed by the United States Congress, signed into law by President Bill Clinton on November 30, 1993, and went into effect on February 28, 1994. ... // A Federal Firearms License, or FFL, is a license that enables an individual or a company to engage in a business that pertains to the production of firearms and ammunitions or the interstate and intrastate sale of firearms. ... Firearm case law are numerous in United States history. ... The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) is a United States federal law that revised many statutes in the Gun Control Act of 1968. ... The Gun Control Act of 1968 (also known as GCA or GCA68, and codified as Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code) is a federal law in the United States that broadly regulates the firearms industry and firearms owners. ... The political issues surrounding guns is an especially contentious topic in the United States. ... The National Firearms Act is a United States federal law passed in 1934 that mandates the registration of all Title II weapons - that is, all sound suppressors or silencers, all fully-automatic and burst-fire firearms, all rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches (406 mm) (SBR) and... Amendment II (the Second Amendment) of the United States Constitution, which is part of the Bill of Rights, declares the necessity for a well regulated militia, and prohibits infringement of the right of the people to keep and bear arms. // [edit] Text The Second Amendment, as passed by the House... A straw purchase is a situation in which a buyer uses an intermediary (a straw purchaser) through which to acquire one or more firearms from a licensed firearms dealer. ... The Sullivan Act is a controversial gun control law in New York City. ... The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (1994) is a piece of legislation, passed by the US Congress, which expanded Federal law in several ways. ... The political issues surrounding guns is an especially contentious topic in the United States. ... The Federal Assault Weapons Ban, or AWB, was a provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a federal law of the United States that included a prohibition on the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons manufactured after the date of the bans enactment. ... The Second Amendment may refer to the: Second Amendment to the United States Constitution - part of the Bill of Rights. ... A bill of rights can be a statement of certain rights that may be guaranteed to citizens or residents of a society, legal jurisdiction, or nation-state; or an enumeration of rights they would like to have or believe they ought to have. ...

Alaska

Alaska is the first state to adopt carry laws mimicking Vermont's (normally referred to as "Vermont Carry,"), in which no license is required to carry a handgun either openly or concealed. However, licenses are still issued to residents who want them for purposes of carrying in other states via reciprocity, to be in complete compliance with Federal Gun Free School Zone act or to not be subject to NICS check when purchasing firearms. The term "Alaska Carry" has been used to describe laws which require no license to carry handgun openly or concealed but licenses are still available for those who want them. Some gun activists prefer move their state to "Alaska Carry" so residents of "Alaska Carry" states have ability to earn permits mainly for the purpose of reciprocity. NICS or National Instant Check System is a point of sale system that Federal Firearms License holders are required by law to use when conducting a sale to somebody. ...

California

California has some of the strictest gun control laws of the United States. The Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989, its subsequent augmentation in 1999, and the .50 Caliber BMG Regulation Act of 2004 has led to many restrictions on semi-automatic firearms. In addition to a lengthy list of specific firearms that are banned by name, the following firearms are banned by characteristic: It has been suggested that Califas be merged into this article or section. ... This Act effectively banned all . ...

• (1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any two of the following:
  • (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon.
  • (B) A thumbhole stock.
  • (C) A folding or telescoping stock.
  • (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher.
  • (E) A flash suppressor.
  • (F) A forward pistol grip.
• (2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
• (3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.
• (4) A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
  • (A) A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer.
  • (B) A second handgrip.
  • (C) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel that allows the bearer to fire the weapon without burning his or her hand, except a slide that encloses the barrel.
  • (D) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip.
• (5) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
• (6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:
  • (A) A folding or telescoping stock.
  • (B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.
• (7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine.
• (8) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

There are also numerous other laws, such as prohibition on possession of tracer ammunition, handgun armor piercing ammunition, .50 BMG rifles, and the sale or transfer of magazines with a capacity of over 10 rounds. All rifles are normally exempt for the original owner if properly registered at the time of the acts which prohibited them.

In addition, the law states that any weapon that is part of the AR-15 series or AK series is also an assault weapon, regardless of manufacturer; this dates back to 1989 ban, and was confirmed in the Kasler v. Lockyer decision, filed 6/29/2000 [1]. However, the California Supreme Court declared the identification of assault weapon by series membership to be too dubious and difficult for the average citizen or even trial court to make without specific and clear model identification guidelines. The court thus set some specific requirements for the "series" identification portion of the law in their ruling of Harrot v. County of Kings, filed 6/28/2001 [2]. This decision required banned firearms to be specifically listed by make and model in California Code of Regulations (the "Kasler list", [3]) (it did not address assault weapons defined by features.) Thus, only firearms specifically listed by exact combination of manufacturer and model name, or conforming to explicit exterior characteristics (such as a pistol grip or folding stock in combination with a detachable magazine) can be banned under current legislation.

Once it was realized the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) has not updated the "Kasler list" in the five years after Harrott decision, many Californians found they could legally purchase and possess AR and AK rifles not yet officially identified as "series" members. As of February 2006, over 10,000 "off-list" receivers (frames) for such rifles have been legally imported to, and purchased within, California. The only requirement for these receivers are that the combination of make and model is not explicitly listed as banned, and as long as the owner does not add certain "characteristic features" turning the firearm into an assault weapon (i.e. pistol grip, flash suppressor, etc). These characteristic features can be used, however, if a nondetachable 10-round (or less) magazine, conforming in the converse to the California Code of Regulations section 978.20 definition of detachable magazine[4], is affixed to such "off-list" rifles. These off-list rifles can also be used without a pistol grip, folding stock or flash hider, in which case it is legal to own and use them with detachable magazines. The Attorney General of California is elected statewide to serve as the chief law officer of the state. ...

The CA DOJ produced a report from the Ferranto Commission in response[5], intimating that this list will be updated in early 2006; as of August 2006, it had not done so. On February 1, 2006, the CA DOJ also issued a controversial memorandum about this subject[6]; critics say the described actions are not founded or supported within statutory law in Penal Code 12275-12290. This memo stated that once off-list "series" firearms are declared and registered as assault weapons, they will not be able to have characteristic features added or fixed magazines removed. This is being challenged by pro-gun groups, since there is no criminal violation in the California Penal Code for adding or changing features to a legally-acquired, registered assault weapon.

On November 8, 2005, San Francisco voters enacted Proposition H, a total ban on the manufacture, sale, transfer or distribution of firearms or ammunition in San Francisco, as well as a ban on the possession of handguns within the city by San Francisco residents (excepting peace officers, security guards and the like). It does not, however, prohibit possession of weapons other than handguns, nor does it prohibit residents of other cities from possessing handguns in San Francisco. November 8 is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 53 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... Proposition H was a proposed ordinance that would ban the manufacture, distribution, sale and transfer of firearms and ammunition within San Francisco, California, United States. ...

This makes San Francisco the third major U.S. city, following Washington, D.C. and Chicago, to enact a ban on handguns. However, San Francisco's ban goes farther, as the bans in Washington, D.C. and Chicago have grandfather clauses protecting existing gun owners. Handgun owners in San Francisco must turn over their handguns to the police by the end of March 2006, or move. However, in early 2006, San Francisco Superior Court Judge James Warren struck down the San Francisco handgun ban, asserting that under California law local officials do not have the authority to ban firearms from law-abiding citizens. The National Rifle Association (NRA) opposed the ban from its inception. Nickname: DC, The District Motto: Justitia Omnibus (Justice for All) Location of Washington, D.C., with regard to the surrounding states of Maryland and Virginia. ... Nickname: The Windy City, The Second City, Chi Town Motto: Urbs In Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in Chicagoland and Illinois Coordinates: Country United States State Illinois Counties Cook, DuPage Incorporated March 4, 1837 Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area    - City 606. ... In American English, a Grandfather clause is an exception that allows an old rule to continue to apply to some existing situations, when a new rule will apply to all future situations. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Issues with the California laws

As with most gun laws, there is much debate about the legality and effectiveness of California's gun laws. However, both sides agree that there are many firearms that are legal in California that are functionally identical to prohibited weapons, and evidence of the effectiveness of such laws is hard to come by. Both sides also agree that the law needs to be revised to make it more clear so ordinary people can understand what constitutes an assault weapon and what does not.

When the act was being debated in the legislature, the Association of California Cities, a prominent supporter of that act, claimed that California law enforcement agencies feared that some groups in large cities might undertake successful rebellions against civil order if armed with modern weapons. In spite of hundreds of thousands of such "assault weapons" in the public hands for some decades, no such events have ever occurred anywhere in the USA. Prominent members of black churches in L.A., as well as Senators Boxer (D-CA) and Feinstein (D-CA), have claimed that the only real purpose of such weapons is to kill large numbers of people, and therefore there is no reason to permit them. Some gun rights advocates argue that the police commonly carry such weapons in their cruisers and that if the only real purpose of such weapons is to kill large numbers of people then the police should not be carrying them either.

Some gun rights advocates claim that the primary uses of these firearms in civilian hands has been, and continues to be the sport of recreational target-shooting (there were no reported deaths or injuries related to the sport of target shooting in 1999, 2000, and 2001). Most gun rights supporters base their authority on the Second Amendment, which declares the necessity for "a well regulated militia", and prohibits infringement of "the right of the people to keep and bear arms".

Based on engineering differences, ease of modification, and their high level of expertise, California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) members see nothing special about assault weapons except their appearance, which is exactly what the gun collectors want, and what the legislature wants to prohibit. The legislature has thus been accused of being paternalistic and somewhat frivolous for creating the Assault Weapons Control Act. Another example of politically based gun laws is the ban of all ammunition with the word "Magnum" in the name by some parts of Los Angeles, when in fact the word Magnum is rather meaningless in ammunition nomenclature, with its reputation largely based on movies, not ballistics.

Gun rights advocates argue that the only real purpose of these "assault weapons" bans is to make the public used to the idea that firearms can be banned by government action and the public simply must accept any bans that the government chooses to impose in the future. According to gun rights advocates, these bans have purely symbolic and propaganda purposes with no chance of reducing violent crime.

Supporters of the ban counter that the banned features of these weapons were designed for military use. Supporters also argue that the features that define an "assault weapon" make it useless for hunting and less effective for target shooting, but more effective in combat. Gun rights advocates counter that this view exhibits an ignorance of what is involved in, e.g., competitive target shooting, and the features which are desirable in a gun intended for that pursuit. They point out that the military design heritage of the banned "assault weapons" may make for a more rugged and durable gun. They assert that some exterior features on some firearms targeted for ban - such as a pistol grip or a folding stock - lend only a cosmetic similarity to military weapons, and that the removal of these features simply restricts law abiding citizens' rights without reducing crime.

Illinois

Illinois has some of the most restrictive firearm laws in the country. It is one of very few states that actually registers firearm owners, requiring them to obtain a special identification card. There is no state preemption of firearm laws with the result that some localities, most notably Chicago and the near suburbs such as Wilmette, Illinois, have outright banned ownership of handguns. Among other things, lack of preemption makes it difficult to travel throughout Illinois with a firearm while being sure that no laws are being broken. There is no provision for citizens to carry a pistol openly or concealed. In the legal system of the United States, preemption generally refers to the displacing effect that federal law will have on a conflicting or inconsistent state law. ... Nickname: The Windy City, The Second City, Chi Town Motto: Urbs In Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in Chicagoland and Illinois Coordinates: Country United States State Illinois Counties Cook, DuPage Incorporated March 4, 1837 Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area    - City 606. ... Wilmette is a village in New Trier Township, Cook County, Illinois, United States. ...

Kansas

Despite a relative lack of gun control legislation, Kansas remained one of the few states with no provision for the concealed carry of firearms until March of 2006, when the state legislature passed Senate Bill 418, "The Personal and Family Protection Act." This bill made Kansas the 47th state to permit concealed carry (in some form) and the 36th state with a "shall issue" policy. The bill was passed 30-10 in the state senate and 91-33 in the state house of representatives, gaining enough votes to override veto from Governer Kathren Sebelius (D), who had previously vetoed several other attempts at concealed carry in the past. Under the law, the Attorney General will begin granting permits to qualified applicants effective January 1, 2007. Previously, Kansas had allowed only open carry of firearms, except where prohibited by local ordinance. For a shall-issue gun law, authorities (usually the local police) are required to issue a concealed carry permit to any individual who request it if he meets the states issuance criteria, often a background check and a safety class. ... The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ...

Additionally, at least some National Firearms Act firearms are prohibited in Kansas, including short barrelled shotguns (less than 18 inches), silencers, and all firearms capable of fully automatic operation. The National Firearms Act is a United States federal law passed in 1934 that mandates the registration of all Title II weapons - that is, all sound suppressors or silencers, all fully-automatic and burst-fire firearms, all rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches (406 mm) (SBR) and... Mark 23 with a suppressor A suppressor (popularly known as a silencer, although no suppressor silences a firearm completely), is a device attached to a firearm to reduce the amount of noise and flash generated by firing the weapon. ... M2 machine gun An automatic firearm is a firearm that will continue to load and fire rounds of ammunition as long as the trigger (or equivalent) is activated or until it runs out of ammunition. ...

Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires all firearm owners to first get a purchase permit and then get a license for a shotgun or a rifle. A purchase permit, license, and safety training are required to legally own a handgun. Private sales are required to be registered with the state. Magazines above ten round capacity are illegal. The state has its own assault weapons ban as well. Massachusetts is a "may issue" state in that concealed carry permits are issued in a highly discretionary manner. In the United States of America, for a may-issue gun law, authorities (usually the local police) have broad discretion as whether to issue a concealed carry (often a background check and safety class) permit to a given individual. ...

New Jersey

In New Jersey, firearm owners are required to get a purchaser identification card. Handguns are required to be registered and capacities of both handguns and rifles (total in magazine plus chamber) are limited to 15 rounds or less. New Jersey has its own assault weapons ban as well. Official language(s) None, English de facto Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Area  Ranked 47th  - Total 8,729 sq mi (22,608 km²)  - Width 70 miles (110 km)  - Length 150 miles (240 km)  - % water 14. ...

New York

New York State has a ban that is an exact mirror of the Federal assault weapons ban, except that it does not have a sunset provision. Official language(s) English de facto Capital Albany Largest city New York City Area  Ranked 27th  - Total 54,520 sq mi (141,205 km²)  - Width 285 miles (455 km)  - Length 330 miles (530 km)  - % water 13. ... The Federal Assault Weapons Ban, or AWB, was a provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a federal law of the United States that included a prohibition on the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons manufactured after the date of the bans enactment. ... In public policy, a sunset provision or sunset clause is a provision in a statute or regulation that terminates or repeals all or portions of the law after a specific date, unless further legislative action is taken to extend it. ...

New York's laws are not uniform throughout the state. New York City is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Nickname: Big Apple Location in the state of New York Coordinates: Country United States State New York Boroughs Bronx (The Bronx) New York (Manhattan) Queens (Queens) Kings (Brooklyn) Richmond (Staten Island) Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) Area    - City 1,214. ...

On May 24, 2005, the New York State Assembly passed a bill to change the definition of 'assault weapons' and calling for ballistic fingerprinting of all firearms. Bill Text and Summary. The bill does not appear to be under consideration in the Senate. May 24 is the 144th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (145th in leap years). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

New York is a particularly interesting case, because New York separates all of New England from the bulk of the United States. This means that under the Firearm Owners Protection Act, all people traveling through New York City and New York state with "assault weapons" must have the weapons unloaded and locked in a hard case where they are not readily accessible. It is also prudent for travelers with firearms to maintain a low profile while passing through. This article is about the region in the United States of America. ... The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) is a United States federal law that revised many statutes in the Gun Control Act of 1968. ...

Ohio

In April 2004, Ohio's concealed carry statute went into effect. The law (Ohio Revised Code 2923.12, et seq.) allows persons 21 and older to receive a concealed handgun license provided that they receive a minimum of 12 hours of handgun training (10 hours of classroom instruction and 2 hours of range time) from a certified instructor, demonstrate competency with a handgun through written and shooting tests, pass a criminal background check, and meet certain residency requirements. Official language(s) None Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Cleveland Area  Ranked 34th  - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 km²)  - Width 220 miles (355 km)  - Length 220 miles (355 km)  - % water 8. ...

The licenses are issued by county sheriffs.

The statute prohibits any person with any drug conviction from receiving a license, as well as any person convicted of a felony and those who have been convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes of violence within three years (ORC 2923.125).

The law contains language that asserts it is a "law of general application" and thus supersedes any local ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. However, as of July 2006, at least two court cases brought by municipalities are challenging this language as being in violation of Ohio's Constitution.

Ohio's concealed handgun law allows for reciprocity with other states with "substantially comparable" statutes, and to date Ohio has reciprocity with 16 other states.

An Ohio CCW license does not allow totally unfettered carry. Any owner of private property can ban concealed handguns, and all government buildings are off-limits. In addition, licensees cannot carry concealed handguns in any establishment which holds a Class D liquor permit -- generally any bar or restaurant that serves alcohol.

The most unusual provision of the Ohio statute is perhaps its motor vehicle carry section (ORC 2923.16). This section allows for three ways for a licensee to carry a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle (which includes motorcycles):

• In a locked glove compartment;
• In a locked case that is in plain sight;
• In a "holster attached to a person's person that is in plain sight."

However, Ohio law does not define "in plain sight" for the purposes of concealed carry.

Source: House Bill 12 of 2004; Ohio Revised Code 2923.11 et. seq.; Ohio Attorney General.

Oregon

Oregon is a shall-issue concealed pistol license state, and is notable for having very few restrictions on where a concealed firearm may be carried. For example, Oregon is one of the few states where a concealed handgun may be carried in any public school. Oregon has statewide preemption for its firearm laws. Official language(s) None Capital Salem Largest city Portland Area  Ranked 9th  - Total 98,466 sq mi (255,026 km²)  - Width 260 miles (420 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 2. ... In the legal system of the United States, preemption generally refers to the displacing effect that federal law will have on a conflicting or inconsistent state law. ...

There is an ongoing battle between some localities and the state, with localities, particularly in Multnomah county, trying to supersede state preemption and restrict concealed weapon carry in certain places not restricted by the state. A good source for information on this and other interesting issues Oregon Firearms Federation homepage.

Vermont

Vermont is notable in that it has no gun control laws aside from prohibiting counties and other localities from making their own gun control laws (preemption). The only gun control laws that apply in Vermont are federal ones. [7] Official language(s) None Capital Montpelier Largest city Burlington Area  Ranked 43rd  - Total 9,620 sq mi (24,923 km²)  - Width 80 miles (130 km)  - Length 160 miles (260 km)  - % water 3. ... Preemption as used with respect to operating systems means the ability of the operating system to preempt or stop a currently scheduled task in favour of a higher priority task. ...

The term "Vermont Carry" is used by gun rights advocates to refer to allowing citizens to carry a firearm concealed or openly without any sort of permit requirement.

Virginia

Virginia allows unlicensed open carry of a handgun that has a capacity of twenty rounds or less, unthreaded barrel and no collapsible stock. (Most handguns fall under this category). Open carry is defined as the gun's true nature is not hidden from general view. This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders are exempt from:

• One gun a month rules
• Rules regarding open carry firearm restrictions (see above)
• General College Carry Restrictions Offical Attorney General Opinion
• Gun Free School Zone act, CHP holders are allowed to have guns on school grounds in their personal vehicles as long as they stay in the car
• Ban regarding firearms in VA General Assembly.

Virginia CHPs are shall issue. For a shall-issue gun law, authorities (usually the local police) are required to issue a concealed carry permit to any individual who request it if he meets the states issuance criteria, often a background check and a safety class. ...

Open Carry is done throughout the state mainly by Concealed Carry Permit Holders as they enter alcohol serving restaurants as required by state law. However, in more rural parts of Virginia it is more common as a CHP costs money that some rural residents may not be able to afford.

In urban areas, open carry is extremely uncommon, but not unheard of nor illegal under Virginia State law. However, local law enforcement has been known to stop and question individuals who do so. This is becoming less common as police officers come to a greater understanding of the law and become less concerned with citizens open carrying.

Under Virginia code Virginia Statute 15.2-915 localities may no longer regulate the firearms with sole exception of regulation of discharge of firearms.

See the packing.org Virginia Page.

NFA34 weapons are allowed under Virginia state law but machine guns must be registered with Virginia State Police. The National Firearms Act (NFA), cited as the Act of June 26, 1934, Ch. ... A machine gun is a fully-automatic firearm that is capable of firing bullets in rapid succession. ...

Washington

Washington is one of the original "shall issue" states, in which a concealed pistol permit must be issued to any person not prohibited from owning a pistol. Furthermore, a concealed pistol license is not required to carry a concealed pistol if the person carrying the firearm is in route to, in route from, or actively participating in a 'legitimate outdoor activity.' The text of this law can be found at the Washington page of packing.org. Open carrying of firearms, including pistols, is questionable. The law does not outrightly ban this practice, but it does not endorse it either, and trouble with law enforcement has been encountered while open carrying in the past, most notably in a case in Ellensburg, Washington^{[citation needed]}. Official language(s) None Capital Olympia Largest city Seattle Area  Ranked 18th  - Total 71,342 sq mi (184,824 km²)  - Width 240 miles (385 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 6. ... Ellensburg is a city located in Kittitas County, Washington. ...

Although Washington state is typically liberal on firearms issues, it is one of seven states that bans civilian ownership of fully automatic weapons. Civilian ownership of sound suppressors is legal, but the use of them is questionable.

Washington is a "Castle Doctrine" state, in which there is no duty to retreat in the face of what would be perceived by an ordinary person to be a threat to themselves or others by another person that is likely to cause serious injury or death. The Castle Doctrine here refers to a legal concept derived from English Common Law as it is presently applied in sections of the United States of America. ...

Washington may allow ownership of a firearm silencer, but using one is prohibited by RCW 9.41.250(3) which makes it a gross misdemeanor to "Use[s] any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm."

Wisconsin

Anyone who possesses or uses a firearm while intoxicated, shoots within 100 yards of a home without permission, points a weapon at anyone except in self-defense, negligently handles a weapon, or commits a drive-by shooting is in trouble. Statute 941.20

Carrying a concealed weapon is a class A misdemeanor, state statute 941.23. This is any "weapon", not just firearms. Knives are legally defined as "dangerous weapons".

Going armed in any building owned/leased by the government is a class A misdemeanor, state statute 941.235.

Carrying a handgun where alcohol is sold/consumed is generally a class A misdemeanor, state statute 941.237.

Armor-piercing ammunition prohibited in handguns when committing a crime. Statute 941.296.

"No person may carry or display a facsimile firearm in a manner that could reasonably be expected to alarm, intimidate, threaten or terrify another person", unless on your own property or business, or that of another person with their consent. Statute 941.2965.

Wisconsin has a state pre-emption law that generally forbids cities from passing firearms ordinances more strict than that of state law. Statute 66.0409. This doesn't affect zoning regulations, which is why only one Madison gun shop sells handguns.

Committing a crime while possessing a dangerous weapon is a penalty enhancer. Statute 939.63.

It is a felony to possess a firearm if you are a:

• Felon
• Committed a felony as a juvenile
• Not guilty of a felony by reason of mental disease or defect
• Committed under mental health laws & ordered not to possess a firearm
• Are the subject of a domestic abuse or child abuse restraining order
• Are ordered not to possess firearms as a subject of a harassment restraining order

Any person who knowingly provides a firearm to an ineligible person is party to a felony crime. Statute 941.29

Buying & Selling: There is a 48-hour waiting period on handgun transfers: Statute 175.35

Rifles and shotguns can be purchased in a contiguous state as long as the purchase complies with Federal law and the laws of the contiguous state. Statute 175.30

State Parks & Wildlife Refuges: Statute 29.089 requires firearms to be unloaded and encased in state parks. There is an exception for hunting when the hunt is administratively approved. Statute 29.091 requires firearms to be encased and unloaded in wildlife refuges.

Class 3 Firearms: Machine guns are legal if you follow BATFE process, state statute 941.27

Short-barrel rifles and shotguns are legal if you follow BATFE process, state statute 941.28

Silencers are legal if you follow BATFE process, statute 941.298

Firearms & Minors: It is a class I felony to possess a firearm on school grounds or within 1000' of a school zone. Statute 948.605. This statute does not apply to:

• private property not part of school grounds
• individuals licensed by the local government body to possess the firearm
• unloaded and encased firearms
• individuals with firearms for use in a school-approved program
• individuals with school contract to possess firearm
• law enforcement acting in official capacity
• unloaded firearms when traversing school grounds to gain access to hunting land, if the entry is approved by the school.

It is a class G felony to discharge or attempt to discharge a firearm in a school zone. Limited exceptions for private property not part of school grounds, school programs, and law enforcement.

Leaving a firearm within reach of a child under 14 is generally a misdemeanor, if that child points it at anyone or shows it to anyone in a public place. Defenses include having the gun locked in a safe or container, or having a trigger lock on the gun, or removal of a key operating part, or illegal entry by anyone to obtain the firearm, or a reasonable belief a juvenile couldn't access the firearm. Statute 948.55

Firearms retailers are required to provide every buyer with a written warning stating, "If you leave a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a child you may be fined or imprisoned or both if the child improperly discharges, possesses or exhibits the firearm." Statute 175.37

Possession of a dangerous weapon by anyone under 18 is a class A misdemeanor. Giving/loaning/selling a dangerous weapon to someone under 18 is a class I felony. Statute 948.60. Defenses to prosecution under this statute:

• Target practice under the supervision of an adult
• Members of armed forces under 18 in the line of duty

For hunting purposes, the following exceptions to the age limit apply, as specified in statute 29.304 for weapons with barrels 12" or longer.

• under 12 may not hunt with a firearm or bow under any circumstances
• under 12 can only possess firearm/bow in Hunter Safety class, or while cased/unloaded and under parental supervision while going to/from Hunter Safety class
• 12-13 may hunt when accompanied by an adult
• 12-13 may possess firearm when accompanied by an adult, or while transporting cased/unloaded firearm to/from Hunter Safety class, or in Hunter Safety class
• 14-15 is the same as 12-13, except Hunter Safety graduates can hunt and possess firearms without adult supervision.

School students shall be suspended until their expulsion hearing if they possess a firearm in school or during a school event. State law requires a minimum one-year expulsion for this offense. Statute 120.13(1)(bm) and 120.13(1)(c)2m. In addition, the student's driver license may be suspended for two years under Statute 938.34(14q). This suspension also applies to bomb threats and CCW violations in government buildings.

Firearms in vehicles: In this section, unloaded = "Having no shell or cartridge in the chamber of a firearm or in the magazine attached to a firearm." Encased = "enclosed in a case that is expressly made for the purpose of containing a firearm and that is completely zipped, snapped, buckled, tied or otherwise fastened with no part of the firearm exposed." Statute 167.31

Boats: Firearms must be unloaded and encased when the motor is running.

Aircraft: Firearms must be unloaded and encased.

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATV, snowmobiles: Firearms cannot be placed in or on a vehicle unless the firearms are unloaded and encased. However, it is legal to "lean an unloaded firearm against a vehicle". Statute 167.31(4)(d).

Exceptions: Law enforcement officers, military personnel on active duty, landowners & their family and employees on farm tractors inside CWD eradication zones, and disabled hunters with special permits meeting all the requirements.

See also

• Federal assault weapons ban

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban, or AWB, was a provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a federal law of the United States that included a prohibition on the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons manufactured after the date of the bans enactment. ...

External links

• Concealed Carry Laws by State
• Open Carry Laws by State