Arizona Gun Control Laws

Arizona firearms laws, regarding concealed carry, are known as a “shall issue” state laws.  The state of Arizona will allow most individuals who are over that age of 18 to possess and openly carry a firearm. To carry a concealed weapon, an individual, who is over the age of 21, must take an 8-hour training course and then submit his or her fingerprints and pay a $60 fee every five years.  The gun laws across most of the state of Arizona, however, are scattered and varied due municipal preemption of many state laws regarding weapons possession.  Even further complicating the matter is the sovereignty of Native American land reservations, which comprise a significant portion of the state’s land.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

Against the provisions of the 1968 Gun Control Act, Arizona state law enforcement rarely enforces violations of possession of specific kinds of weapons, as well as rarely enforces peaceable possession of firearms by juveniles in spite of the Youth Handgun Safety Act.  Possession and carry restrictions apply to certain Arizona residents. They include:

• Residents of Native American reservations, which make up a large portion of the state, are governed by their own tribal laws and regulations, which are often more strict than those of the surrounding state
• Firearms cannot be carried in hydroelectric or nuclear power generating stations. Failure to comply with this law will result in a felony charge.
• Carrying a gun in any other restricted area (such as a game preserve, polling places on election day, an establishment that sells liquor for consumption on premises or a school) will result in a misdemeanor charge
• Those individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who are serving their parole for domestic violence charges are not allowed to possess firearms

According to Arizona state law, no nonimmigrant or undocumented alien may possess a firearm, unless he or she meets one or more of the following criteria:

• He or she possesses a valid hunting license or permit, issued by the United States or Arizona government
• He or she is entering the U.S. to participate in a competitive or sporting firearms event, such as a trade show or hunting demonstration
• He or she is a diplomat, approved by state or federal government
• He or she is a distinguished foreign visitor, approved by the U.S. Department of State
• He or she has received a waiver from the United States Attorney General

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

Arizona Gun Purchasing Laws

Arizona gun laws note that it is illegal to sell, loan, lend, or offer a firearm to a minor, unless there is written consent from the child’s parent.  Other than minors, all individuals, who are deemed legal possessors, may purchase any firearm without a permit.  However, a legal possessor is not:

• Any person on parole, probation, or form of community control
• Any person deemed a danger to themselves or others
• Any convicted felon, or person convicted of crimes of violence
  

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

• Purchase, sale, or transfer of any weapon that one knowingly has altered or defaced the identification serial number is illegal
• Sale to minors is allowed, but only with proper parental or guardian written consent
  

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Arizona

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Arizona

Generally speaking, it is illegal to discharge a firearm within the limits of any Arizona municipality. However, some exceptions, including the following do exist:

• On a supervised firing range
• In an area recommended as a hunting zone by the Arizona game and fish department
• With a permit from the Arizona game and fish department or the U.S. fish and wildlife service for the control of nuisance wildlife, such as native coyotes that attack livestock and other domesticated animals
• With special permit from the chief of police
• Required use by an animal control officer
• The firing of blank cartridges (However, this can result in charges of disorderly conduct)
• More than one mile away from any occupied building or structure.
• In self-defense against a human or animal attack to oneself or another

Legal Help

Firearms charges are serious legal matters that can potentially have long lasting legal fallout.  In many cases, convictions will result in the creation of a criminal record, as well as immediately increase penalties for any future offenses that may occur.  Having competent legal counsel during any gun charge case is highly advisable.