Gun control is a topic of national debate in the United States, as the number of mass shootings and school shootings continues to rise. While some citizens and politicians advocate for stricter gun control laws and even a complete ban on firearms, others believe that the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms for all citizens.

Gun laws are not determined by the federal government, but instead by each individual state. States are responsible for setting the requirements for purchasing firearms and regulations on open and concealed carry. In some states, people can carry concealed firearms without a permit or license, known as constitutional carry.

Although no state has completely banned gun ownership, some states have “may issue” policies that make it difficult for average citizens to obtain and own firearms. This article will focus on the states with less strict laws regarding gun ownership and carrying. These states are considered to be the most favorable for gun owners. If you live in the United States and keep up with the news, you’re likely aware of the ongoing debate surrounding gun control.

Best States for Gun Owners

Alaska

Alaska does not require a permit, purchase permit, or registration. No background checks on private gun sales exist, and open carry is allowed without a permit.

Arizona

Arizona does not require individuals to purchase a permit or register their firearms. There are no background checks performed for private gun sales. Open carry is legal in Arizona. There are also no restrictions on magazine size in this state.

Idaho

In Idaho, residents of the state do not need a permit. However, non-residents are required to have a permit for concealed carry within Idaho’s cities. No purchase permits or registrations are required. Open carry is allowed, and there are no magazine size restrictions. Idaho also does not require a background check for private sales.

Kansas

There is no carry permit, purchase permit, or registration required in Kansas. Open carry is allowed without a permit. No background checks for private gun sales or magazine size restrictions apply in this state.

Maine

Maine does not require people to carry permits, purchase permits, or firearm registration. Open carry is permitted, while running a background check for a private sale is not required. Magazine sizes are also not restricted.

Mississippi

No carry permit is required if a gun is carried in a holster, satchel, purse, handbag, or sheath. Mississippi does not require purchase permits, registration, or background checks on private sales. Open carry is legal, and there are no restrictions on magazine sizes.

Missouri

No carry permit is required, although residents can obtain a permit to be exempted from laws passed by local authorities. Missouri does not require purchase permits or registration; background checks do not have to be performed during a private sale. This state allows open carry and does not restrict magazine size.

New Hampshire

This state doesn’t require a carry permit, registration, or purchase permit. Open carry is allowed, but long guns located in vehicles can’t be loaded. A background check is not required for a private sale. Magazine size is not restricted.

Vermont

This state does not issue or require carry permits. It also does not require purchase permits or registration. However, Vermont does require sales only through licensed dealers unless the sale is to a family member. Open carry is allowed in Vermont. Vermont does put restrictions on magazine size.

West Virginia

This state does not require carrying, purchasing, or registering permits. Open carry is allowed. There are no restrictions on magazine size. There are also no laws that require background checks on private sales.

Wyoming

Residents are not required to get a carry permit. However, non-residents must get a permit to conceal carry guns. The state does not limit the size of magazines, does not require background checks for private sales, and doesn’t require purchase permits or registration. Open carry is allowed in this state.