Guns laws in Arizona are very relaxed in comparison to a stricter state like California. For instance, assault rifles are completely legal in Arizona, as are other commonly prohibited firearms from other states. Many people live in Arizona because they have the freedom to own and use just about any firearm out there. Buying a long gun or handgun in the sate is a fairly simple process that can be taken care of in minutes.
Who can own a firearm?
Laws in Arizona revolving around who can own a firearm are very similar to other states and follow federal law. Therefore, a person must be 18 years-old to buy a long gun or 21 years-old to purchase a handgun. People who have committed a felony are barred from gun ownership. Also, a person who has been deemed mentally unstable or convicted of an alcohol related incident may not be able to purchase or own a firearm.
Buying a Long Gun
There are no permits required to purchase and own a long gun. Of course, most states are the same way with long guns. A person must simply go to a dealer, fill out the ATF form 4473 (used for background checks, get background check approval, pay for their weapon, and leave. Form 4473 only takes a few minutes to fill out, and the licensed dealer will call right there for approval on the background check. Also, a person must have a valid I.D. with their current address to buy the firearm, but other documents like a voter registration card can be used to show an address with the driver’s license (if that address is incorrect). Private transactions involving long guns do not require a form 4473, but the purchaser must be legally able to own a firearm.
Buying a Handgun
Handguns aren’t much different than long guns as far as purchasing and owning them is concerned. Obviously, a person must be of age and able to legally own a firearm. The ATF form 4473 is still required, and the background check must be completed and approved. No permit is required for buying a handgun in Arizona. On top of that, private transactions don’t require a form 4473 either. A person can purchase their handgun and walk out of the store with it – all in the same day.
Other Information on Arizona Gun Laws
Unlike other states, there is no waiting period between purchasing a firearm and being able to walk out of the store with it. You pay for the gun, get approved through the background check, and then the gun is completely yours. Sometimes, you might have to wait a day or two for the background check, but it is usually a quick phone call. Anyone who fails the background check is out of luck though.
Many parts of the state do not require a concealed carry weapons permit, but the state does give these permits to people who apply for them and can legally have a handgun. To obtain a concealed carry permit, a person must complete a safety course. Obviously, firearms are not to be brought onto public school grounds or in secure parts of airports. Weapons can be openly carried in many parts of the state though without any type of permit, as long as a person isn’t waving them around or something.
Minors can shoot firearms with the permission of a parent and they can possess a gun in the presence of a parent or guardian. Also, minors can use firearms on private property or at shooting ranges with the consent of a parent. In more populated areas, a person can be cited for disturbing the peace by shooting off a firearm. The laws vary from county to county somewhat.
Arizona knows what it’s doing.
For quite awhile now, Arizona has been a state of little gun control aside from following federal gun laws. The state has done very well with this policy overall. Buying a firearm in the state is a simple process that any person can go through in minutes as long as they are eligible to own a firearm in Arizona. Without a doubt, Arizona is in the top five or so states that are least restrictive of gun ownership and gun use. That isn’t a bad thing either.
For more information, visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Arizona Gun Requirements.
Disclaimer: All information contained within this article is for educational purposes only. This is not intended to be legal advice in any shape or form.
