Possession of rifles and shotguns in Oregon is simple. No registrations, permits, or licenses are required. To carry and conceal a firearm in Oregon, one must gain a permit. After application, the individual may be granted their permit within 45 days. These are only granted to law-abiding citizens who are 21 years or older. They must be renewed every four years. However, there is no statewide law on openly carrying firearms. Because of this, there are some cities and counties where it is legal, and somewhere it is illegal.
Penalties for Illegal Gun Possession
- Carrying concealed handgun without the correct permit is a Class A misdemeanor
- Possession of a firearm in a while attending a public gathering is a Class C felony
- Any unlawful use of a firearm is a Class C felony
Requirements:
|
| Age | Registration | License | Permit |
| Handguns | 21 years of age | None required | None required | To Carry/Conceal |
| Rifles | None | None required | None required | No |
| Shotguns | None | None required | None required | No |
Oregon Gun Purchasing Laws
To buy any firearm in Oregon, one must be 18 years or older. Exceptions can be made to this with parental permission for the use of hunting and other lawful gun uses. For those qualified to purchase a gun, they may be purchased within the state or in any contiguous states, including California Nevada Idaho or Washington. Specific records of all firearm sales are required to be kept by law.
Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases
- Sale of firearms to a felon or convict is considered a Class C felony
- Sale of a firearm without making a background check of the individual is a Class A misdemeanor
- Using false information to buy a firearm is a Class A misdemeanor
Requirements:
|
| Age | Registration | License | Permit |
| Handguns | 18 years of age | None required | None required | None required |
| Rifles | 18 years of age | None required | None required | None required |
| Shotguns | 18 years of age | None required | None required | None required |
Firing Handguns and Self Defense
In Oregon, use of deadly force for self-defense is legal. This means that legal possessors of a firearm may use their weapon to defend themselves legally in many situations. It may be used to defend their home, property, life, or a 3rd party whose life is threatened. There is no requirement in Oregon for an individual to retreat to avoid an attack. The system is similar to ‘standing one’s ground,’ used in other states. It is unacceptable to use deadly force when:
- The action can be avoided by other means aside from retreat or deadly force
- The defender misinterprets an attack
Legal Help
Though gun laws are simple in Oregon, a myriad of infractions may occur. In the situation of an individual being charged with breaking a gun law, an attorney should always be utilized. Gun laws are serious, and carry heavy punishments. Commonly broken gun laws are:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm (with or without permit)
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Improper storage of firearm while traveling on a roadway
