Missouri Gun Control Laws

Missouri is a state that grants a great deal of freedom for its citizens to own and carry firearms in a variety of sizes and for a variety of reasons.  State laws permit the open carry of firearms by those 21 years of age and older, but local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions, so it is important to check local statutes before doing so.  In addition, Missouri has a “peaceable journey” law by which it is legal to carry a concealed weapon in the passenger compartment of your vehicle when traveling through the state if you are in legal possession of a firearm, are 21 years of age or older, are in a “dwelling vehicle” such as an RV, or you are moving continuously in a peaceable manner through the state.

Missouri does require a permit or an endorsement on the owners’ license to carry a concealed firearm in the state.  However, there are restrictions.  The concealed carry permit also requires a background check and a three-day waiting period.  There are also limits on where a concealed firearm can be carried, even with a permit, particularly in law enforcement facilities, schools, hospitals, legislative chambers, airports, and more.  Federal licenses are required for possession and carry of machine guns; however, silencers, switchblades, or explosive bullets are unlawful.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

Missouri restricts firearm carry permits  from convicted felons, as well as those convicted of violent misdemeanors or more than one DUI, fugitives, those with a dishonorable discharge from the armed services, habitually intoxicated or drugged persons, the mentally incompetent, or those adjudged to be a danger to themselves or others.

• Unlawful possession of a firearm is a class C felony
• Carry laws require possession of the carry permit, or the CCW endorsement on your driver’s license, or face a $35 fine.
• Persons found guilty of committing a crime while in possession of a firearm must serve sentences of no less than three (3) years of  incarceration
• Criminal possession of a concealed weapon without a permit is punishable as a Class B felony in some instances, while other require charges of Class D felony for loaded weapons and a misdemeanor for unloaded weapons

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

Missouri Gun Purchasing Laws

Missouri is in compliance with federal laws on all purchases of firearms, and state laws take precedence of all local ordinances concerning the purchase of firearms, as well.  It is a felony to sell, lease, loan or give a firearm or ammunition to anyone who is prohibited under federal or state laws form owning them, anyone who is intoxicated, or anyone less than 18 years of age.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

Missouri has enacted many laws regarding the lawful sale and purchase of weapons in their state.  For example:

• Transfer of a firearm to a person not legally allowed to posses one is a criminal offense punishable as a Class D felony.  Persons that are intoxicated or are under the age of eighteen are also not allowed to be transferred weapons, and if done, the transferor faces Class A misdemeanor charges
• Defacing a firearm is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Missouri

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Missouri

Missouri prohibits discharging a firearm from a vehicle, on a roadway, or across a public area.  Discharge of handguns at humans is always prohibited, as is doing so within 100 yards of any occupied building.  The use of firearms to stop the commission of crimes of violence is permitted in the state of Missouri, whether this crime occurs on public property or private property.  However, lethal force is only permitted if the crime of violence is one that lethally endangers one or another’s life.

Legal Help

Missouri allows adults to purchase and carry firearms under a wide variety of situations.  However, law enforcement officials have the discretion to detain or arrest those who are a danger to themselves or others.  That discretion may be misplaced, and if you have been charged with illegal possession, a criminal lawyer may be able to provide a defense that will help you avoid a lifetime of consequences.