Arizona gun laws are among the most tolerant in the nation. Any law-abiding citizen can carry a handgun in most places — concealed or open — without a license or permit. Arizona conceal carry permits are mainly used to help Arizona residents who want to carry in other states, or to ease the purchase of a handgun.
However, those who travel short distances outside the state could find much stricter regulations depending on which way they go. Here’s a look at what gun laws look like in neighboring states based on information gathered by the
National Rifle Association:
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California: Head West from Arizona and you’ll find California – where regulations are much tighter than Arizona gun laws. Most notable differences include that California requires many firearms to be registered. New residents of the state are given a 60-day window in which they much register their handguns. All sales of firearms — even private sales at gun shows — have to go through a licensed gun dealer. Open carry, which is legal under Arizona gun laws, has been banned in California. It is legal for gun owners to keep their handguns at home or at their own business. Unlike Arizona, the state does not have a constitutional provision to protect the right to bear arms.
Nevada: Nevada does have a constitutional provision which protects its citizens' rights to bear arms. However, Arizona residents heading north need to be careful to be aware of stricter laws when they cross state lines. Nevada does not have any statewide rules for registration of guns, but it is necessary to have a permit to carry a handgun. This is stricter than Arizona, which requires no permit for open or concealed carry. The state also does not recognize the Arizona concealed carry permit. Nevada also specifies a variety of rules regulating the discharge of firearms including no hunting from an aircraft, helicopter, or snowmobile. It is also illegal to fire a gun across a highway or county road.
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Utah: Utah has a constitutional provision that outlines the right to bear arms for security of self, family, and property, but make sure to leave room for the passage of laws to regulate gun ownership. Utah does recognize a conceal carry permit approved by Arizona gun laws. Like Arizona, bearers of valid conceal carry permits do not have to be submitted to background checks when they purchase a handgun. Guns can be carried unloaded in cars.
Utah, unlike Arizona, restricts the firing of guns across roadways. The state also has a provision that restricts the firing of weapons within 600 feet of a house or barn where a domestic animal is kept or fed.
Colorado: Colorado just touches Arizona on the north east, but their gun regulations don’t even come close to the leniency of Arizona gun laws. The state’s constitutional provision protecting the right to bear arms specifically speaks against protecting the carrying of concealed weapons. The state does issue a permit to carry concealed weapons and recognizes a conceal carry permit from Arizona. However, handgun purchases and transfers are strictly regulated. Dealers must keep records of the sales, and even private sales require a background check and approval of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Colorado also specifically restricts the ownership and sale of magazines that can hold more than 15 rounds. If the serial number on a gun has been removed it is no longer legal.
New Mexico: The state of New Mexico has a constitutional provision that specifically prohibits cities and counties from making stricter laws than statewide laws. The state has other rules that prohibit not only the sale and transfer of weapons, but the firing of weapons. This is different than Arizona gun laws. In New Mexico, a gun cannot be fired within 150 yards of a home without permission of the homeowner. Neglectful handing of a firearm is also illegal.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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