Arizona Gun Control Laws: A Look at the Least Restrictive in the US

In the vast landscape of American gun control laws, Arizona stands out as one of the states with the most lenient regulations. Known for its commitment to upholding the Second Amendment, Arizona allows individuals significant freedom when it comes to firearms. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Arizona’s gun control laws, delving into what makes them some of the least restrictive in the United States.

The Right to Bear Arms

At the heart of Arizona’s gun laws lies a strong commitment to the individual’s right to bear arms. The state’s constitution explicitly states, “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the State shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain, or employ an armed body of men.” This clear statement underscores the importance of an individual’s right to self-defense and protection of the state.

Understanding the Statutes

To comprehend Arizona’s approach to gun control, it’s essential to examine the relevant statutes that shape these laws.

1. Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-3101: Definitions

This section provides the crucial definitions necessary to understand the state’s gun laws. It lays the foundation for how terms like “firearm” and “prohibited possessor” are legally defined in Arizona.

2. Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-3102: Misconduct involving weapons; defenses; classification

Here, we delve into the different types of misconduct involving weapons, including the defenses and classifications associated with such offenses.

3. Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-3112: Concealed weapons; qualification; application; permit to carry

This statute addresses the rules and regulations regarding concealed carry in Arizona, including qualifications and the application process.

Illegal Arms

While Arizona’s gun laws may be lenient, there are still restrictions in place to ensure public safety. The following firearms are illegal to own in the state:

• Automatic weapons
• Rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches or shotguns with a barrel length less than 18 inches
• Any firearm made from a rifle or shotgun that has been modified to have an overall length of less than 26 inches
• Devices designed to muffle the report of a firearm
• Firearms capable of shooting automatically without manual reloading, with a single trigger pull

No Waiting Period

One notable feature of Arizona’s gun laws is the absence of a waiting period to purchase a firearm. This sets the state apart from many others, where waiting periods are often required to conduct background checks and ensure the purchaser’s eligibility.

Who May Not Own

To maintain public safety, Arizona restricts firearm ownership for certain individuals:

• Anyone with a felony conviction or an adjudication of delinquency for a felony, unless their civil rights have been restored
• Individuals found to constitute a danger to themselves or others under a court order, whose court-ordered treatment has not been terminated
• Those found incompetent
• Individuals imprisoned or in a correctional/detention facility
• People in the country illegally or those with a nonimmigrant visa

No License Required

Arizona’s gun laws further stand out by not requiring a license to own or purchase a firearm. This freedom is in stark contrast to many other states that demand licensing and permits for firearm ownership.

Concealed Carry License

In Arizona, you don’t need a license to carry a concealed firearm. Open carry is also allowed, contributing to the state’s reputation for gun-friendly policies.

Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License

The Arizona Department of Public Safety issues concealed carry permits to those who meet the following criteria:

• At least 21 years old
• A United States citizen or an Arizona resident
• Lawfully present in the United States
• No felony charges or convictions
• Absence of mental illness or adjudication of mental incompetence
• Demonstration of firearm competence

Additionally, Arizona recognizes concealed firearm permits issued by other states, provided the license holder is legally present in the state and not otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm.

Machine Gun Laws

Arizona strictly regulates machine guns, making it illegal to possess, transfer, or sell them unless compliant with federal law.

Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession

Possessing a firearm with a felony conviction is a class 4 felony in Arizona, punishable by up to 3 years in prison. Possession of a prohibited firearm carries the same penalties.

For those under the age of 21, possession of a weapon is considered a class 3 misdemeanor.

Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds

Possessing a firearm on or near school grounds can lead to a class 1 misdemeanor (up to six months in jail) or a class 6 felony (up to 1 year in prison).

Conclusion

Arizona’s gun control laws set it apart as a state with a strong commitment to individual gun rights. While it allows for considerable freedom in firearm ownership and carry, there are still important restrictions in place to ensure public safety. It’s crucial to note that state laws can change, so staying informed about the latest regulations is essential for responsible gun owners.

FAQs;

1. Can anyone in Arizona carry a concealed firearm?

Yes, anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can carry a concealed firearm without a license in Arizona.

2. Are there waiting periods for purchasing firearms in Arizona?

No, there is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Arizona.

3. What are the penalties for possessing a prohibited firearm in Arizona?

Possession of a prohibited firearm is a class 4 felony in Arizona, punishable by up to 3 years in prison.

4. Can I possess a machine gun in Arizona?

Possessing a machine gun in Arizona is illegal unless it complies with federal law.

5. How does Arizona handle firearm possession near school grounds?

Possessing a firearm on or near school grounds can result in either a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 6 felony, depending on the circumstances.

6. What states have the strictest gun laws?

The states generally considered to have the strictest gun laws include California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut, Maryland, and Illinois. These states regulate firearms the most with things like assault weapons bans, magazine capacity restrictions, purchase limits, strict permitting and licenses, waiting periods, and more.

7. What are the gun control laws in Arizona?

Arizona has relatively lenient gun laws compared to many other states. It is an “open carry” state, has state preemption of local firearms laws, no permits required for purchase, no registration of guns, and permitless concealed carry. Arizona does prohibit certain high-capacity magazines and has background check requirements.

8. Can foreigners own guns in Arizona?

Foreigners cannot purchase or possess guns in Arizona generally. Permanent resident aliens can legally own guns if they have a valid permanent resident card issued by USCIS. Non-immigrant aliens living in Arizona temporarily cannot purchase or possess firearms based on federal laws.