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Oregon Constitutional Carry Laws |
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
While some firearms regulations originate from federal mandates, the responsibility for enacting and enforcing gun control laws primarily falls on individual states. These laws often vary significantly from state to state, reflecting local customs and attitudes toward firearms. Requirements for purchasing and carrying guns can range widely, with some states imposing strict permitting processes and waiting periods, while others maintain fewer restrictions.
Gun Control Laws in Oregon: Overview Oregon’s approach to gun regulation is relatively permissive, permitting both open carry and concealed carry with the appropriate licenses. Individuals with open carry licenses are exempt from local firearms ordinances under state law, which supersedes any local regulations. Background checks in Oregon are conducted electronically at the point of sale, eliminating the need for a waiting period when purchasing firearms.
Key details of Oregon’s gun control laws are outlined below.
Relevant Statutes (Laws)
Oregon Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 166, Sections 166.180 through 166.370 Unlawful possession of firearms — Section 166.250 Unlawful possession of firearm or ammunition — Section 166.255 Possession of weapons by felons — Section 166.270 Possession of machine guns, short-barreled firearms, and firearm silencers — Section 166.272 Concealed handgun license — Section 166.291 Possession of firearm or dangerous weapon in public building or court facility; exceptions — Section 166.370 Prohibited Firearms
Oregon law prohibits the possession of: Machine guns Short-barreled rifles Short-barreled shotguns Firearm silencers Waiting Period
There is no waiting period for purchasing a gun in Oregon. Prohibited Ownership
In Oregon, it is illegal to possess a firearm if an individual: Is under 18 years of age Has been adjudicated within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for an offense that would constitute a felony or violent misdemeanor if committed by an adult, within the last four years Has a felony conviction Has been committed to the Oregon Health Authority for mental illness Has been determined to have a mental illness that results in a prohibition order against firearm possession Is currently subject to a prohibition order against firearm possession Has been found guilty except for insanity of a felony Is subject to a protective order related to domestic violence Has a domestic violence conviction Has a stalking conviction Has a felony conviction License Requirement?
No license is required to own a gun in Oregon. Concealed Carry License Requirement?
Oregon mandates a concealed handgun license for carrying a concealed firearm. Open Carry Permitted?
Open carrying of firearms is permitted in Oregon. Eligibility for Concealed Carry License
To qualify for a concealed handgun license in Oregon, an applicant must: Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien with continuous county residency of at least six months and a declared intent to obtain citizenship Be at least 21 years old Be a resident of the county where applying for the license Demonstrate handgun competence through an approved safety or training course Have no outstanding warrants for arrest Not be on any form of pretrial release Never have been convicted of a felony or found guilty except for insanity Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or found guilty, except for insanity, of a misdemeanor within the past four years Not have been committed to the Oregon Health Authority for mental illness Not have a mental illness that results in a prohibition order against firearm possession Have been discharged from juvenile court jurisdiction for more than four years if found within juvenile court jurisdiction for a felony or violent misdemeanor while a minor Not have been convicted of a controlled substance offense or participated in a court-supervised drug diversion program Not be subject to a stalking citation or specific protective orders Not have received a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces Not be required to register as a sex offender in any state Not currently be subject to a prohibition order against firearm possession Machine Gun Regulations
Except for compliance with federal law, owning or possessing a machine gun in Oregon is illegal. Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession
Oregon imposes varying penalties for illegal firearm possession: Possessing a firearm unlawfully constitutes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $6,250. Possessing a firearm with a previous felony conviction constitutes a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000. Possessing a machine gun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or firearm silencer unlawfully constitutes a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds
Possessing a loaded or unloaded firearm on school property in Oregon constitutes a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000. Please note that state laws are subject to change due to new legislation, court rulings (including federal decisions), ballot measures, and other factors. For the most up-to-date information, consider consulting a lawyer or conducting independent legal research on Oregon’s firearm laws.
Related Resources on Oregon Gun Control Laws Oregon Laws Official State Codes — Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C. Oregon Criminal Laws Oregon Criminal Statute of Limitations Domestic Violence: Firearms Gun Laws Seek Legal Advice in Oregon for Further Assistance If you have specific questions or face unique circumstances regarding Oregon’s gun laws, seek guidance from a qualified attorney licensed to practice in Oregon.
