Alaska Gun Control Laws

The state of Alaska was the first to adopt the carry laws of Vermont- often referred to as “Vermont Carry,” or, in reference to the adaptations made by the state government- “Alaska Carry.” Both of these terms either refer to the right to carry a handgun openly, or concealed. No license is required for residents of Alaska to carry a gun; however, it is required to carry it in any other state in the United States. In-state licenses are still available to those who want them for legal or registration purposes. City ordinances that do not permit concealed handguns without a license are invalidated by the state law.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

Alaskan residents may own and carry handguns, shotguns, or rifles, without an in-state permit. However, machine guns, which are defined by the state as “a firearm that is capable of shooting more than one shot automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger,” and silencers are illegal. However, if they are registered and processed in compliance with federal laws, they may be owned.  Alaskan state law says that it is illegal for an individual who has been convicted of a felony or a minor who has been labeled “delinquent” for a crime that would constitute a felony to carry a concealed weapon until a period of 10 years or more has elapsed since the individual’s unconditional discharge or adjudication of juvenile delinquency. The following restrictions also apply:

• No rifles should have barrel lengths, which are less than 16 inches
• No shotguns should have barrel lengths, which are less than 18 inches
• No rifle or shotgun should have an overall length of more than 26 inches
• Antique and replica firearms should be treated as ordinary weapons per Alaskan state law

It is illegal to possess a firearm on any public or private school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored event, unless one or all of the following conditions are met, including permission to carry a firearm is granted by the chief administrative officer of the school, or a person aged 21 years or older may possess an unloaded gun in the trunk of a vehicle or enclosed in a case, within the vehicle

Requirements: For Firearms Possession and Carry in the state of Alaska

Alaska Gun Purchasing Laws

Provisions for weapons purchase adhere to possession age limits and laws with other regulatory features.  Typically, a mandatory forty-eight hour waiting period exists for new weapons purchase by individuals, other than law enforcement and a few other exempted entities.  Gun purchases are also subject to federal review and approval from Department of Justice regarding criminal history and background of potential purchaser.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

The sale of firearms, in the following instances is illegal. Failure to comply with state and/or federal laws can result in heavy fines or jail time.

• A firearm cannot be sold or transferred to a criminal convicted of a felony or a delinquent minor, convicted of a felony offense. The only defense against this regulation is to argue that 10 years has elapsed since the purchaser’s unconditional release
• Guns should not be sold or transferred knowingly to a person who has been impaired by drugs or alcohol
• A person who is less than 18 years old cannot purchase a gun without his or her parent(s) present

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Alaska

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Alaska

Discharging a firearm in Alaska in a reckless or negligent manner, which could cause damage to property or person, is illegal.  Additionally, firing a weapon from any moving conveyance, including a car, is also illegal.  Firing a weapon across, on, or down a road, highway, or right is also illegal in Alaska.  Use of weapons is permitted in instances of predatory animals that pose threat to human property or person, however, endangerment to others during this action is illegal.  Self-defense use of handguns or firearms is acceptable if one is threatened with grievous bodily harm or injury, or any other individual is as well. 

Legal Help

Firearms possession laws are relatively lenient in Alaska, therefore, charges related to weapons typically involve discharge or use in a menacing manner in conjunction with other criminal charges.  Gun possession during a criminal offense heightens both level of charges, as well as the potential penalties. Individuals facing these charges should immediately consult with an attorney regarding their specific case.