Arkansas has some of the more permissive gun laws in the United States, emphasizing the rights of individuals to carry firearms with fewer restrictions. Known as a “constitutional carry” state, Arkansas allows both open and concealed carry without a permit, but certain limitations and restrictions still apply. This guide will help you understand Arkansas’s gun laws, including the requirements for carrying firearms, prohibited locations, self-defense laws, and more.

Arkansas Gun Laws Overview

Constitutional Carry in Arkansas

In Arkansas, individuals who are 18 and older can openly carry firearms without a permit, often referred to as “constitutional carry”. Although no permit is required for open or concealed carry, there are some restrictions, and certain individuals may still choose to obtain a concealed carry license for reciprocity in other states.

Purchasing Firearms in Arkansas

In Arkansas, firearm purchases are regulated at the federal level, with no state-specific purchasing requirements beyond federal law. Arkansas residents can buy guns from federally licensed dealers and undergo federal background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Key Requirements:

Background Check: Federal law requires background checks for all purchases through licensed dealers, but private sales do not require a background check.
Age Requirement: You must be 18 to purchase a long gun and 21 to purchase a handgun.
No Permit Required: No state permit is necessary to purchase firearms in Arkansas.

Open Carry in Arkansas

Arkansas allows open carry of firearms for individuals who are at least 18 years old, and no permit is required. Open carry was legalized in Arkansas in 2013 through Act 746, affirming that openly carrying a firearm is legal as long as it is not done with an intent to unlawfully employ it against another.

Key Points on Open Carry:

Minimum Age: Open carry is allowed for individuals 18 and older.
Intent Requirement: Carrying must not be done with any intent to commit an unlawful act.
Restricted Locations: Even with open carry rights, firearms are still restricted in certain locations, including schools and government buildings.

Concealed Carry in Arkansas

Arkansas allows concealed carry without a permit, but some individuals may still choose to obtain a concealed carry license for benefits such as reciprocity with other states. The state offers two levels of concealed carry licenses: a standard concealed carry license and an enhanced concealed carry license, which allows carry in more restricted areas.

How to Obtain a Concealed Carry License:

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years old and meet federal firearm ownership requirements.
Training Requirement: Complete a firearms training course approved by the Arkansas State Police.
Background Check: Submit to a background check and fingerprinting as part of the application process.
Enhanced License: Additional training is required for an enhanced concealed carry license, which grants carry rights in certain restricted locations.

Restricted Locations for Carrying Firearms in Arkansas

Although Arkansas is a constitutional carry state, firearms are still prohibited in specific locations, regardless of whether individuals have a concealed carry license or are carrying openly.

Schools: Firearms are prohibited on K-12 school grounds, except for security personnel or those with explicit permission.
Government Buildings: Firearms are not permitted in most government buildings, such as courthouses and police stations.
Private Property: Private businesses and property owners can post signs prohibiting firearms on their premises, and gun owners must respect these restrictions.
State Parks: While generally allowed, certain state parks may have restrictions; check with local authorities if unsure.

Self-Defense Laws in Arkansas: Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine

Arkansas has robust self-defense laws that allow individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves under certain circumstances. The state follows both the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground principles.

Stand Your Ground

Arkansas passed a Stand Your Ground law in 2021, allowing individuals to use force without the duty to retreat when they face an immediate threat. Under this law, individuals may defend themselves if they believe they are in imminent danger, as long as they are not the aggressor.

Castle Doctrine

Arkansas also follows the Castle Doctrine, which allows residents to use force to defend themselves in their own home, vehicle, or workplace without any duty to retreat. This law assumes a person has a reasonable fear of imminent harm if an intruder is unlawfully entering their property.

Magazine Capacity and Firearm Restrictions in Arkansas

Arkansas does not have state-specific restrictions on magazine capacity or bans on specific types of firearms. Residents can own and purchase a variety of firearms and accessories as allowed by federal law.

Prohibited Persons in Arkansas

Individuals who fall under certain categories are prohibited from owning or purchasing firearms under both federal and state law. Prohibited persons include:

Convicted Felons: Those with felony convictions are barred from firearm ownership unless their rights are restored.
Domestic Violence Offenders: Individuals convicted of certain domestic violence offenses are prohibited from possessing firearms.
Mental Health Restrictions: Those deemed mentally incompetent by a court may not own firearms.
Substance Abuse Restrictions: Individuals with certain drug and alcohol abuse convictions may be barred from possessing firearms.

Reciprocity with Other States

Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with most states, recognizing concealed carry permits issued by other states. Residents with an Arkansas concealed carry permit can carry in states that honor Arkansas permits. The Arkansas State Police maintains an updated list of states with reciprocity agreements.

Penalties for Violating Gun Laws in Arkansas

Violating Arkansas’s gun laws can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Common violations include:

Carrying in Prohibited Areas: Entering a school, government building, or posted private property with a firearm can lead to fines and possible imprisonment.
Unlawful Intent: Openly carrying a firearm with intent to use it unlawfully against someone is punishable by law.
Possession by Prohibited Persons: Individuals prohibited from owning firearms can face severe penalties if found in possession of a firearm.

Conclusion: Navigating Arkansas Gun Laws

Arkansas’s constitutional carry status and permissive approach to gun laws make it one of the more gun-friendly states in the U.S. By understanding the specific restrictions that apply to carrying and using firearms, gun owners can responsibly exercise their rights in Arkansas. Whether you’re carrying openly, applying for a concealed carry permit, or defending yourself under the Castle Doctrine, knowledge of Arkansas’s regulations is essential for safe and lawful firearm ownership.

FAQs About Gun Laws in Arkansas

1. Is a permit required to carry a gun in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas is a constitutional carry state, so no permit is required for open or concealed carry.

2. What are the restricted locations for carrying firearms?
Firearms are not allowed in certain places like schools, government buildings, and private properties that have no-gun signs.

3. Does Arkansas have magazine capacity limits?
No, Arkansas does not have magazine capacity restrictions for firearms.

4. Does Arkansas recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
Yes, Arkansas honors concealed carry permits from most states. Residents can also obtain an Arkansas permit for reciprocity in other states.

5. What are the self-defense laws in Arkansas?
Arkansas has Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws, allowing individuals to use force to defend themselves in their home, workplace, or public areas if they are threatened.