Kansas Gun Control Laws

Kansas holds some of the least restrictive firearms laws in the country. Until 2006, the state had no provision on holding concealed weapons. It was granted through the "Personal and Family Protection Act." No permit is required to possess any firearm while in one's home or on one's private property. The one situation in which a person will need a permit is to carry a handgun. Openly carrying a handgun is not an accepted practice in Kansas. The permit allows for concealed carry. These permits are issued by the Attorney General of Kansas.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

• Possession of a handgun by a person below the age of 18 is a Class A misdemeanor. A second offense is Level 8 severity, non-person felony
• Possession on or near any school, or at a school sponsored event is a Class B misdemeanor
• Defacing the manufacturer information on a firearm is a severity Level 10 felony

Requirements:

Kansas Purchasing Guns Laws

Purchasing any form of firearms in Kansas, including handguns, is completely unrestricted for the common citizen. No permits, licenses, or registrations of any kind are required. Of course, one still must undergo a background check to keep.

Penalties & Regulations for Unlawful Purchases

• There is a fine of $10,000 for the sale or distribution of imitation firearms
• Distributing a firearm to a person under the age of 18 is a Class A misdemeanor
• Distributing a firearm to any person who does not qualify for possession regulations in the state of Kansas is a Class A misdemeanor

Requirements:

Firing Handguns and Self Defense

In the state of Kansas, use of deadly force against attackers has recently been legalized. Firearms may be used to protect one's life against not only home invaders, but also carjackers. Deadly force may also be used to protect one's life in other public locations, but only if the defender holds a permit to carry a concealed firearm.  Use of firearm in public without permit for concealed carry, even if deemed a justified shooting, will carry penalties of illegal firearm possession. Factors that make using deadly force illegal include:

• Initiating the attack from the alleged attacker
• Discharging one's firearm across a roadway, intersection, or with reckless intent in public
• Using deadly force when other means could be substituted, such as retreating

Legal Help

Laws are very loose in the state of Kansas concerning firearms, however if an individual is charged with a firearms infraction, an attorney should be hired for legal aid. Some commonly broken laws regarding their purchase, use, possession and concealment are:

• Firearm possession by a felon of the past 10 years
• Concealment of a handgun without proper permissions
• Improper storage of a firearm while traveling