Mississippi Gun Laws

Mississippi Gun Laws

Mississippi is renowned for its liberal gun laws and is considered a constitutional carry state, meaning no permit is required to carry a firearm within the state. However, for reciprocity reasons, two types of permits are available at the state level: the standard firearms permit and an enhanced version that allows carry in more locations. It’s important to note that the enhanced permit is only available to residents. Additionally, Mississippi has no requirement for firearm registration or background checks on private firearm sales, making it an attractive destination for gun owners.

Mississippi Gun Laws Quick Facts

Constitutional Carry?

  • ✅ Yes – Mississippi is considered a constitutional carry state. They allow for permit-less carry within their state for individuals who are legally allowed to own a firearm.

Open Carry Permitted?

  • ✅ Yes – Mississippi allows for open carry for individuals without a permit necessary. You must be 18 years or older and legally allowed to possess a firearm.

Carry In Vehicle?

  • ✅ Yes – Mississippi allows for concealed carry on your person (without a permit) in a vehicle so long as you’re 18 and legally allowed to possess a handgun. You must carry the handgun in either a holster, bag, or briefcase.

Carry In State Park?

  • ✅ Yes – Individuals can concealed and open carry in a state park as long as they’re legally allowed to possess a firearm.

Carry In Restaurants?

  • ✅ Yes – You are allowed to concealed carry in restaurants that make the majority of their revenue from food. However, you’re not allowed to concealed carry into a bar or the bar section of a restaurant.

No Weapon Sign Enforced?

  • ✅ Yes – Mississippi allows property owners to place no weapons signs on their property, and these signs have the force of law behind them.
See also  Mississippi Constitutional Carry

Must Notify Officer?

  • ❌ No – There is no duty to inform law for Mississippi.

Mississippi CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) Permits

  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska*
  3. Arizona*
  4. Arkansas
  5. Colorado*
  6. Florida*
  7. Georgia
  8. Idaho
  9. Indiana*
  10. Iowa*
  11. Kansas*
  12. Kentucky*
  13. Louisiana
  14. Maine*
  15. Michigan*
  16. Missouri*
  17. Montana
  18. Nevada*
  19. New Hampshire
  20. New Mexico*
  21. North Carolina
  22. North Dakota
  23. Ohio*
  24. Oklahoma*
  25. Pennsylvania*
  26. South Carolina*
  27. South Dakota
  28. Tennessee*
  29. Texas*
  30. Utah*
  31. Vermont
  32. Virginia*
  33. West Virginia*
  34. Wisconsin*
  35. Wyoming*

(* Restricted Reciprocity with Mississippi)

States NOT Honoring CCW Permits

  1. California
  2. Connecticut
  3. Delaware
  4. Hawaii
  5. Illinois
  6. Maryland
  7. Massachusetts
  8. Minnesota
  9. Nebraska
  10. New Jersey
  11. New York
  12. Oregon
  13. Rhode Island
  14. Washington
  15. Washington D.C

Honors These States CCW Permits

  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. California
  6. Colorado
  7. Connecticut
  8. Delaware
  9. Florida
  10. Georgia
  11. Hawaii
  12. Idaho
  13. Illinois
  14. Indiana
  15. Iowa
  16. Kansas
  17. Kentucky
  18. Louisiana
  19. Maine
  20. Maryland
  21. Massachusetts
  22. Michigan
  23. Minnesota
  24. Missouri
  25. Montana
  26. Nebraska
  27. Nevada
  28. New Hampshire
  29. New Jersey
  30. New Mexico
  31. New York
  32. North Carolina
  33. North Dakota
  34. Ohio
  35. Oklahoma
  36. Oregon
  37. Pennsylvania
  38. Rhode Island
  39. South Carolina
  40. South Dakota
  41. Tennessee
  42. Texas
  43. Utah
  44. Vermont
  45. Virginia
  46. Washington
  47. Washington D.C
  48. West Virginia
  49. Wisconsin
  50. Wyoming

How Reciprocity Works In Mississippi

Any individual who possesses a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Mississippi. During their time in Mississippi, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.

Reciprocity Agreements In Mississippi

Mississippi allows concealed carry in various places, but there are specific areas where carrying a firearm is prohibited. Here is a breakdown:

Places Allowed

  • State parks
  • State and national forests
  • Roadside rest areas
  • Vehicle
  • All areas of the state – except those listed as off-limits
See also  Mississippi Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW)

Places Not Allowed

  • Any courthouse
  • Police, sheriff, or highway patrol station
  • Any detention facility, prison, or jail
  • Polling place
  • Meeting of a government or legislative body
  • Any elementary or secondary school facility; any junior college, community college, college, or university facility
  • School, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms
  • Church or place of worship
  • Premises posted “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited”
  • Establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
  • The passenger terminal of any airport, except if the firearm is encased for shipment
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Mississippi: Concealed Carry Laws

Open Carry Yes, you can openly carry in Mississippi without any type of permit. However, places listed as “Off Limits” still apply to those who open carry.

Carry In Vehicle Yes, a permit is not required for a loaded or unloaded handgun to be carried within a vehicle if it is in a sheath, belt holster, or shoulder holster, or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase, or fully enclosed case.

Carry In State Parks Yes, you are permitted to carry in the following areas:

  • State Parks: YES – 45.9.101
  • State/National Forests: YES
  • State Wildlife Management Areas: YES — WMA regulations
  • Roadside Rest Areas: YES

Carry In Restaurants Yes, you can carry in restaurants. However, it’s essential to check if the restaurant serves alcohol, as some may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. If indicated as “Yes,” it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.

Constitutional Carry Yes, no permits are required to carry a firearm in Mississippi, making it a constitutional carry state.

See also  Mississippi Open Carry

No Weapon Signs Enforced Yes, the business or property owner has the authority to prohibit carrying a stun gun, concealed handgun, or revolver by displaying a sign that reads “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.”

Must Notify Officer No, there is no requirement in Mississippi gun law that states you must inform a law enforcement officer if you have a firearm when approached on official business.

Conclusion

Mississippi is a constitutional carry state that offers various allowances for firearm carry within its borders. With its reciprocity agreements, individuals who possess valid permits from other states can also carry concealed firearms in Mississippi. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the areas where carrying firearms is prohibited to avoid any legal issues. Always stay informed about the specific laws and regulations of each state you plan to carry a concealed weapon.

FAQs

1. Can non-residents obtain an enhanced permit in Mississippi?

No, only residents are eligible to obtain the enhanced permit.

2. Are there any restrictions on carrying in national forests?

No, Mississippi allows carrying in state and national forests.

3. Can you carry a firearm in a state park without a permit?

Yes, you can carry a firearm in a state park without a permit if you’re legally allowed to possess a firearm.

4. Does Mississippi recognize permits from all other states?

No, there are some states with restricted reciprocity agreements with Mississippi.

5. Is there a minimum age requirement for carrying a concealed firearm?

Yes, individuals must be at least 18 years old to carry a concealed handgun in Mississippi.

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