Gun laws in Wyoming
Gun laws in Wyoming regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the state of Wyoming in the United States.[1][2] Gun laws in Wyoming rank as some of the most permissive in the country.
Summary table
| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | ||
| Firearm registration? | No | No | ||
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| Magazine Capacity Restriction? | No | No | ||
| Owner license required? | No | No | ||
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | Residents may carry open or concealed without a permit however, permits are issued on a shall-issue basis to those who wish to have them. Non-residents are required to have a CCW permit from a state Wyoming recognizes if they wish to carry concealed. | |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | No permit required for both residents and non-residents. | |
| State Preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | ||
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, passed in 2010, prohibits any government servant from enforcing the NFA if a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition is owned or manufactured commercially or privately in Wyoming and remains within the borders of Wyoming. A firearm manufactured in Wyoming must have the words "made in Wyoming" clearly stamped on a central metallic part, such as the receiver or frame. While federal enforcement is still possible, the law penalizes federal agents from enforcing such laws.[3] | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No |
According to the Office of the Attorney General of Wyoming, Wyoming state law (W.S. § 6-8-104) provides for the issuance of concealed firearm permits. As a "shall issue" state, the local sheriff's office is required to issue a permit upon request, unless there is a valid reason to deny (such as violent felony conviction). A Wyoming permit is valid for 5 years.
Wyoming also recognizes concealed firearms permits from states with similar licensing requirements (subject to frequent review and revision), which, as of March 2016, includes: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.[4] Many of these states reciprocate and accept a Wyoming permit as valid, however this is a frequently changing and often unspecified distinction. Independent confirmation by directly contacting the attorney general of the state in question is recommended.
Effective July 2011, Wyoming became an unrestricted concealed carry state (for residents only), following the example of Vermont, Alaska and Arizona.[5] Concealed carry permits will still be issued to be used as reciprocal permits in certain states.
Some counties in Wyoming have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions.[6]
References
- "State Gun Laws: Wyoming", National Rifle Association – Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). Retrieved January 4, 2013.
- "Wyoming State Law Summary", Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
- "HB0095 - Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act-2". www.wyoleg.gov. Retrieved 2019-06-05.
- Concealed Firearm Permits, Wyoming Attorney General. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
- Barron, Joan (July 1, 2011). "Concealed-Carry Gun Law Goes into Effect Today in Wyoming", Billings Gazette. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
- Davis, Noah (2020-04-08). "Sweetwater County Wyoming declared a Second Amendment Sanctuary County". Sanctuary Counties. Retrieved 2020-04-25.