Last updated September 2026 · By Nick Hall, firearm enthusiast who has tracked state gun-law rankings across multiple regimes
Gun laws are changing all the time, but we all know that a few States stand supreme on chilled gun control regulations.
So if you’re a libertarian, or plain old Conservative, and you like to own as many guns as you can horde, then you need to live here…
1. Arizona
You really don’t get many rules in Arizona and you don’t need a local permit to buy a handgun or a rifle and concealed carry. Arizona has Shall Sign Laws, that mean law enforcement officers have to sign NFA applications within a set time period.
Arizona is a great place for gun laws and Phoenix is turning into a major tech hub to rival Silicon Valley. So there are jobs there, too. Jobs, great weather and guns, what more do you need?
2. Alaska
The regulations are almost non-existent, but also it’s Alaska. If you go out into the wilds and shoot off a cannon, you’re probably going to get away with it.
Any firearm without a federal restriction is available without a wait period and you can walk into any gun store and buy something capable of taking down a bear. You’ll meet those, so that is the downside of living up North.
3. Vermont
This one is something of a surprise, because Vermont really isn’t a red state. You have to be 16 to buy a gun, you don’t need a permit to carry and you can buy a silencer if that floats your boat.
4. Kansas
You don’t need a concealed carry permit and public workers can even carry them, apart from school employees.
College students can even apply for a permit to take them on campus, while the wider state allows open carry and has a Shall Sign law.
5. Mississippi
Open and concealed carry are just fine and dandy in Mississippi. The only places you can’t carry include bars, schools, police stations and private businesses that expressly forbid it. Gun dealers don’t need a full FFL license and the local councils have firm instructions to stay out of State-level gun control laws.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun. Where we have not shot a specific variant ourselves, we say so in that section.
Buy Guns Online Wherever You Are
It doesn’t matter which State you live in, you can buy guns online at the best stores. A lot of them have California compliant sections now, and Oregon compliant handguns, New York, we got you covered.
But it’s easier if you’re buying guns free from restrictions, we’re not going to lie.
If you can, check out these posts and awesome guns. If you can’t, sorry…
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the best gun laws?
Arizona, Idaho, and Kansas consistently rank among the best for gun owners. All three have constitutional carry, no magazine limits, no AWB, Stand Your Ground, strong preemption, and all NFA items legal.
Which states have constitutional carry?
Over 29 states have constitutional carry as of 2026. Recent additions include Florida (2023), Indiana (2022), and Alabama (2023). The trend continues to expand every legislative session.
Which state has the strictest gun laws?
Hawaii, California, and New Jersey consistently rank as the most restrictive. Hawaii requires permits, registration, and bans suppressors. California has an AWB, handgun roster, and 10-day waiting period.
Do gun laws affect crime rates?
The relationship is complex and debated. States with permissive gun laws do not consistently have higher crime rates than restrictive states. Crime is driven by many factors beyond firearms legislation.
What is constitutional carry?
Constitutional carry means adults who can legally possess a firearm can carry concealed without a government permit. It is based on the Second Amendment as the carry permit. Most states still offer optional permits.
What is state preemption of gun laws?
Preemption prevents cities and counties from passing their own gun laws that are stricter than state law. Strong preemption means the rules are the same statewide. Weak or no preemption creates a patchwork.
Which states ban suppressors?
California, Delaware (for some uses), Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island have various suppressor restrictions or outright bans. Most states allow suppressors.
What is Stand Your Ground?
Stand Your Ground laws remove the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. If you are legally present and face a threat, you can defend yourself without first trying to flee. Most states have this.
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I hope they come to a stand still so we get constitutional carry
then wait for the guys to walk down Michigan with a rifle sling
on back just saying