What Are the Gun Laws in Missouri?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Missouri is a constitutional carry state with no permit required for concealed carry by adults 19+. The state preempts most local gun laws and has relatively permissive firearms regulations compared to many states.
What This Means for You
Missouri's firearm laws are generally favorable to gun owners and builders. The state's constitutional carry provision and preemption of local ordinances create a consistent legal framework across the state. However, federal laws still apply, and certain locations like federal buildings remain restricted regardless of state law.
The Detail
Missouri operates under constitutional carry, meaning adults 19 and older who can legally possess firearms can carry them concealed without a permit. The state still issues concealed carry permits for reciprocity purposes with other states. You must be legally eligible to possess firearms under both state and federal law to carry.
The state has broad preemption laws that prevent most local governments from enacting their own firearms restrictions beyond what state law allows. This creates consistency across Missouri rather than a patchwork of different rules in different cities or counties. Some limited exceptions exist for certain municipal regulations, but these are narrow in scope.
Missouri does not require registration of firearms, permits to purchase, or waiting periods for most firearms transactions. Private sales between Missouri residents do not require background checks, though federal law still prohibits certain prohibited persons from possessing firearms. Licensed dealers must still conduct background checks as required by federal law.
Certain locations remain off-limits for carrying firearms even with constitutional carry, including federal facilities, courthouses, jails, and properties where carrying is specifically prohibited by state law. Schools generally prohibit firearms except for authorized personnel, though specific rules can vary. Private property owners can also prohibit firearms on their premises.
For NFA items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns, federal law applies and you must follow ATF procedures regardless of Missouri's permissive state laws. Missouri law generally does not add additional restrictions beyond federal requirements for NFA items.
Build Impact
Missouri's permissive laws mean you can build most firearms without additional state-level restrictions beyond federal requirements. However, you still need to comply with federal laws including NFA requirements for short-barreled rifles or suppressors, and any build must result in a configuration legal under federal law.