Oregonians are guaranteed the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Oregon Constitution (Art. I, § 27). However, that right is not unlimited. Like all other states, Oregon has laws that limit who can carry a gun or other dangerous weapon—and where. Read on for details.
Oregon is an “open carry” state, meaning that most people are allowed to carry firearms openly without a permit. However, carrying a concealed firearm, either on your body or in a vehicle where it’s readily accessible, is a Class A misdemeanor unless you:
(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.250, 166.260, 166.291 (2019).)
Penalties for Misdemeanors and Felonies in Oregon
To learn about the legal penalties for the different classes of crimes discussed here, see Oregon misdemeanor crimes and Oregon felony crimes.
Several groups of people aren’t allowed to have firearms in Oregon, including anyone who:
The state also prohibits possession of both firearms and ammunition if you’ve been convicted of stalking or a domestic violence misdemeanor, or if you’re subject to a domestic violence restraining order. In general, violation of these prohibitions is a Class A misdemeanor, but felons may be charged with a Class C felony for having a firearm. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.250, 166.255, 166.270(5), 166.300 (2019).)
It’s a Class B felony in Oregon to possess a machine gun, short-barreled rifle, or firearms silencer. However, it’s a defense to the crime if the gun or silencer was properly registered under federal law. (Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.272 (2019).)
Oregon’s Red Flag Law
Under Oregon’s “red flag law,” courts may issue “extreme risk protection orders” (ERPOs) prohibiting possession of guns or any deadly weapons by individuals (known as “respondents”) who present a risk of suicide or injuring someone else in the near future. Relatives or members of the respondent’s household, as well as law enforcement officers, may file petitions for an ERPO. The order will remain in effect for a year, unless the respondent requests a hearing or a petition to end the order—and is successful at the hearing. Violation of an ERPO is a Class A misdemeanor if the order was issued after the respondent appeared at a hearing (or didn’t request a hearing). If found guilty, violators will be prohibited from having firearms for five years, in addition to the misdemeanor penalty. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.525—166.543 (2019).)
Possession of a firearm—or anything that’s used as a dangerous weapon—in a public building in Oregon (including a school) is a Class C felony, unless you have a concealed handgun license, are a law enforcement officer, or are otherwise authorized to have the weapon at that building.
It’s a Class A misdemeanor in Oregon for most felons to have dangerous weapons other than firearms, like Tasers or certain stun guns, switchblades, slungshots, daggers, and metal knuckles. Possession of bombs or similar destructive devices is a Class C felony for anyone except on-duty military, police, firefighters, or those with legal authorization for explosives. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.270, 166.370, 166.382 (2019).)
Oregon also has several criminal laws addressing the use of weapons, including:
(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.180, 166.190, 166.220, 166.370 (2019).)
A conviction for a weapons violation can have serious consequences, including time in prison and hefty fines. You should talk to an Oregon criminal defense lawyer if you've been charged with a crime as a result of your use or possession of a weapon—or if you’re simply wondering whether you may have a gun legally. An attorney can tell you how Oregon law applies to your situation, what to expect in court, and how to protect your rights and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Look Out for Changes in the Law
States can change their laws at any time, so it’s a good idea check the current Oregon statutes using this search tool. Court decisions may also affect how laws are interpreted and applied—another good reason to consult an attorney if you're concerned about actual or potential weapons charges.