FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Reciprocity is an agreement between states to recognize each other's concealed carry permits. If State A has reciprocity with State B, your permit from State A is valid while you are traveling through State B.

Under federal law, you can purchase a long gun in a state other than your own, provided the sale is through an FFL and complies with the laws of both states. However, you cannot take direct possession of a handgun purchased in another state; it must be shipped to an FFL in your home state to complete the transfer.

The gold standard for safety is to store firearms unloaded in a locked safe, with ammunition stored in a separate locked location. If you need quick access for home defense, consider a biometric or "quick-access" handgun safe that prevents unauthorized use by children or intruders while remaining accessible to you.

Treat every gun as if it is loaded.

Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.

Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready to shoot.

Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is the federal database used by licensed dealers to determine if a buyer is eligible to purchase a firearm. When you buy from a store, you fill out ATF Form 4473, and the dealer runs this check.

From a Licensed Dealer (FFL): You must be 21 to purchase handguns and 18 for long guns (rifles and shotguns).

Private Sales: In some states, individuals as young as 18 can purchase handguns from private sellers, though many states have passed stricter laws requiring all purchasers to be 21.

Under federal law (the Gun Control Act), certain individuals are "prohibited persons" and cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. This includes:

• Convicted felons or those under indictment for a felony.

• Individuals adjudicated as "mentally defective" or committed to a mental institution.

• Unlawful users of controlled substances (including marijuana, even in states where it is legal).

• Those subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Fugitives from justice and those dishonorably discharged from the military.

No. You cannot carry a firearm on your person or in carry-on luggage. However, you can transport firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and declared to the airline during check-in.

Most states require a basic safety course that covers local laws, firearm mechanics, and live-fire qualification. Even in "Constitutional Carry" states, taking a course is highly recommended for legal and tactical proficiency.

Yes, a concealed carry permit generally applies to a functional, loaded firearm. Carrying an unloaded weapon for self-defense is usually considered impractical and is not a legal requirement of the permit.

This depends on your state’s "Duty to Inform" laws.

Mandatory states: You must immediately disclose that you are armed during any official encounter.

Permissive states: You only need to disclose if the officer asks.

Constitutional Carry (or permitless carry) allows individuals who can legally possess a firearm to carry it concealed without needing a specific permit or license from the state. As of 2026, many U.S. states have adopted this model.