Is Missouri a Constitutional Carry State?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, Missouri is a Constitutional Carry state. Since 2017, residents and non-residents can legally carry concealed firearms without a permit if they meet basic eligibility requirements and are legally allowed to possess firearms.
What This Means for You
This means you can carry your builds concealed without jumping through permit hoops, but you still need to understand the underlying legal framework. The permitless carry applies to standard handguns and typical concealed carry scenarios. Federal laws and restrictions on certain firearm types still apply regardless of Missouri's permissive carry laws.
The Detail
Missouri enacted Constitutional Carry legislation in 2017, making it legal for anyone who can legally possess a firearm to carry it concealed without obtaining a permit first. The law covers both Missouri residents and visitors from other states, provided they meet the same basic eligibility requirements that would normally apply for firearm ownership. You must be at least 19 years old, or 18 if you're military or honorably discharged.
The Constitutional Carry law doesn't eliminate Missouri's concealed carry permit system entirely. The state still issues concealed carry permits for those who want them, primarily for reciprocity purposes when traveling to other states. Many Missouri carriers still choose to get permits because it expands where they can legally carry when traveling.
Important limitations still exist even under Constitutional Carry. Federal prohibited persons laws still apply, so anyone who would be legally prohibited from owning firearms cannot carry under this law. Certain locations remain off-limits for concealed carry, and local municipalities may have their own restrictions within their authority.
While Missouri's laws are permissive for standard firearms, remember that NFA items like short-barreled rifles, suppressors, and other regulated items still fall under federal jurisdiction. Constitutional Carry doesn't change federal requirements for these items, and carrying NFA items still requires proper federal compliance regardless of state carry laws.
Build Impact
If you're building standard pistols or rifles in Missouri, you have significant flexibility in how you carry your completed builds. However, verify current state and local laws before carrying, especially if your build incorporates any NFA-regulated components or modifications.