Mississippi Gun Control Laws

Mississippi holds fast to the right of every citizen to “keep and bear arms,” as stated in the U.S. Constitution, although they do regulate that freedom for the protection of all citizens, especially minors.  No permits are required for the purchase of any handgun, rifle, or shotgun.  However, it is against Mississippi law to sell, give, or lend any firearm or even a pistol carriage to a minor, anyone under the influence of alcohol, or anyone who has a conviction for a felony without relief or rehabilitation.   Indeed, Mississippi is a “shall issue” state, meaning that they generally cannot withhold a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver to anyone over 21 years of age, although there are restrictions as to where they can carry such concealed weapons.

However, carrying weapons for use in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity is protected, as is carrying for a number of other reasons, including for self-defense when the individual has good and sufficient reason to expect an attack.  Moreover, while machine guns and automatic weapons are permitted as long as they are registered and in compliance with federal laws and regulations, mufflers, silencers, or armor piercing ammunition are not.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

Criminal code in Mississippi delineates a number of weapons and gun related criminal charges relating to carry and possession under Title 97 Chapter 37 of their state code:

• Concealed carry of a weapon, without permit, is punishable by no more than six months incarceration with fines no more than $500
• Felons in possession of a firearm are subject to felony charges, which shall have fines no more than ten thousand dollars, with incarceration periods of no less than one year up to ten years.
• Providing a firearm to a minor under the age of eighteen, or any person under the influence, is punishable by no more than one year in county jail.
  

However, there are a number of situations that are often accepted as a valid defense for carrying a concealed weapon:

• That they have received a threat carrying good and sufficient reason to expect an attack
• That they were legitimately traveling and cannot be considered a tramp or vagrant
• That they are law enforcement officials pursuing their duties
• That they are transporting valuables for a bank or express company
• That they are a member of the armed services or another official guard, or a patrolman pursuing their duties
• That they are lawfully pursing a felon
• That they were participating in a legitimate sporting activity

In addition, it is illegal, even with a permit, to carry a concealed handgun in certain locations, including the following:

• Courtroom, detention or police facility, Polling place, Government legislative meetings, Public park, School or college, Airport, unless the firearm is safely packaged for shipment, Professional sporting event, Place of worship, Parade or demonstration
• Any location primarily devoted to dispensing and consuming alcohol, beer, or wine
• Locations where it is posted that “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited”
• Locations where it is prohibited by federal law

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

Mississippi Gun Purchasing Laws

The state of Mississippi does not require a state permit for purchase of any rifle, shotgun, or handgun.  However, it unlawful for anyone to sell a firearm or pistol cartridge to anyone who is a minor or under the influence of alcohol.  In addition, all merchants, dealers, or pawnbrokers who sell pistols must record all sales.  That record must include a description of the firearm, the caliber, the name of the purchaser and the date the sale too place.  This is an open record, available for public inspection at any time.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

• Any dealer or retailer of weapons and firearms must maintain records of sale, which if not done, result in a misdemeanor charge for every offense
• Sale, loan, or lend of a firearm to individuals under the age of eighteen is illegal in Mississippi and punishable as a misdemeanor offense

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Mississippi

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Mississippi

Under Mississippi law, local governments regulate the discharging of firearms, laws concerning carrying firearms at public parks or public meetings, or the use of firearms in situations where insurrection, riots, or natural disasters arise.   

Legal Help

While the laws in Mississippi allow many of its citizens to own and carry firearms, there are restrictions concerning the age, conditions, and locations in which those firearms can be carried.  If you have been charged with illegal possession or use of a firearm, the penalties can be stiff and life-changing.  Without the help of a criminal attorney skilled in defending such charges, you may suffer unnecessarily from those penalties when a criminal attorney could provide a defense to either lessen those charges or have them dropped altogether.