Can I Carry a Concealed Weapon in New Hampshire?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, New Hampshire allows concealed carry of firearms without a permit as of 2017. The state operates under constitutional carry laws, meaning legal gun owners can carry concealed weapons without special licensing.
What This Means for You
New Hampshire's constitutional carry law significantly impacts builders because you can legally carry your completed firearms concealed without additional paperwork. This applies whether you're carrying a factory gun or something you built yourself, as long as the firearm itself is legal and you're legally allowed to possess firearms.
The Detail
New Hampshire adopted constitutional carry in 2017, joining the growing list of states that recognize your right to carry concealed without requiring a permit. If you're legally allowed to own a firearm, you can carry it concealed in New Hampshire. The state still issues concealed carry permits for reciprocity purposes with other states, but they're not required for carry within New Hampshire itself.
Your home-built firearms fall under the same carry laws as factory guns. Whether you've assembled an AR pistol, built a 1911 from an 80% frame, or completed any other legal build, you can carry it concealed under the same constitutional carry provisions. The key requirement is that the firearm itself must be legal under both federal and state law.
There are still restricted areas where concealed carry is prohibited, including federal buildings, courthouses, and schools. Private property owners can also prohibit carry on their premises. Additionally, federal law still applies, so prohibited persons cannot legally possess or carry firearms regardless of state law.
While New Hampshire doesn't require a permit, other states you might travel to certainly do. Many builders still obtain their New Hampshire permit specifically for reciprocity when traveling. The permit process remains available and can be valuable if you plan to carry outside the state.
Build Impact
Constitutional carry means you can legally carry your completed builds immediately without waiting for permits or additional licensing. However, you should still verify that your specific build configuration complies with both federal and New Hampshire state laws before carrying.