Is Vermont pro gun?

Asked by: Van Orn  |  Last update: July 8, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (65 votes)

Yes, Vermont is generally considered a gun-friendly state, but it is distinct from many others because it is the only state that has never required a permit for concealed carry. However, in recent years, the state has passed several stricter gun control measures.

What is the most pro-gun state in America?

#1 New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a Constitutional Carry state with incredibly relaxed gun laws and low crime rates. Any citizen over 18 years old who is lawfully permitted to possess a firearm can open and concealed carry. New Hampshire residents can travel to 29 other states with a pistol and revolver license.

Is Vermont gun friendly?

Yes, Vermont is considered gun-friendly, historically maintaining some of the most permissive, or "constitutional carry," laws in the U.S. where no permits are required for residents or non-residents to carry openly or concealed. However, the state has adopted more regulations recently, including universal background checks, a 21+ age limit for most gun purchases, and magazine capacity limits.

Is Vermont trying to ban assault rifles?

Vermont lawmakers have once again introduced legislation to ban possession of “semiautomatic assault weapons,” marking at least the fifth such attempt in roughly a decade.

Is it easy to get a gun in Vermont?

Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms. No permit is required to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. Dealers are required to keep a record of all handgun sales, and used handgun purchases.

Gun rights activists stage dramatic protest after Vermont passes new gun safety laws

17 related questions found

What is the legal age to own a gun in Vermont?

In Vermont, you generally must be 21 years old to purchase firearms. However, individuals aged 18 to 20 may purchase firearms if they have completed an approved hunter safety course or are active/veteran members of the military or law enforcement.

What is the most heavily armed state in America?

Wyoming is frequently ranked as the most heavily armed state in America per capita, with data showing a high concentration of gun ownership relative to its population. Other top states for gun ownership rates include Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and West Virginia.

How many people in Vermont own guns?

Vermont has one of the highest gun ownership rates in the U.S., with approximately 50.5% of households owning firearms as of 2026. While some estimates vary, this rate places Vermont among the top states for household gun ownership, characterized by a high percentage of rural residents.

Why is the crime rate so low in Vermont?

In fact, the Vermont rate of violent crime is only 29% of the national rate, almost the same as it was in 1980 (31%). 5 One of the major reasons for the overall drop since the early 1990s is the aging of the population. As we saw in the Chapter 1, demographics influence many social trends, few more than crime rates.

What state has banned assault rifles?

Code, § 30510.) California law also generally prohibits the sale of large-capacity magazines (i.e., magazines able to accept more than ten rounds). (Pen. Code, § 32310.) Category One: California bans assault weapons by type, series, and model.

What is the best state to buy a gun in?

The best states to buy a gun, often considered the most "gun-friendly," are those with constitutional carry (permitless carry), no registration requirements, and low taxes on firearm sales. Top-ranked states include Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, New Hampshire, and Tennessee. These states have few restrictions on purchasing and carrying firearms.

Are silencers legal in Vermont?

Yes. Since 2022, suppressors (a.k.a. silencers) are legal to use for all lawful hunting in Vermont, as long as the device is properly registered under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Hunters may use suppressors when pursuing: Big game (including white-tailed deer and black bear)

What percent of Vermont is white?

Around 93% of Vermont's population identifies as White, making it one of the least racially diverse states in the United States. Non-Hispanic White residents account for about 91% of the total population.

What is the least gun-friendly state?

These are the 20 states with the highest firearm homicide rates in the country along with their gun-friendliness scores:

  • Louisiana: 11.0 (3)
  • Mississippi: 10.2 (5)
  • Alabama: 9.5 (4)
  • Missouri: 8.5 (5)
  • Maryland: 7.4 (1)
  • South Carolina: 7.4 (3)
  • Tennessee: 6.7 (4)
  • Illinois: 6.5 (2)

What does "Mexican carry" mean?

"Mexican carry" is a slang term for the practice of carrying a handgun tucked directly into your waistband or pocket without a holster.

What race had guns first?

The Chinese were the first to have guns, developing the earliest firearms in the 10th century following their invention of gunpowder.

What celebrity lives in Vermont?

Several celebrities and notable figures live in or have homes in Vermont, seeking a quieter lifestyle, including actor Luis Guzmán (Cabot), actress Ana de Armas (Woodstock), and musician Noah Kahan. Other residents or frequent visitors include entrepreneurs Ben & Jerry, musicians from Phish, and author Archer Mayor.

What is the downfall of living in Vermont?

Living in Vermont offers immense natural beauty but comes with significant challenges, including a high cost of living, harsh winters, and limited job opportunities. Residents often deal with high taxes, low housing availability, and the need to travel for specialized shopping or services.

Is it cheaper to live in NY or VT?

Overall cost of living in New York, NY is 110.7% higher than in Burlington, VT. The average listing price for a home in New York, NY is $3,020,778, which is 359.0% higher than Burlington, VT. The average cost of groceries in New York, NY is 10.7% higher than Burlington, VT.

Is it hard to buy a gun in Vermont?

Handguns will need a valid Vermont issued ID or a Vermont state issued documentation to prove residency along with a valid Government ID. Long guns will need a valid Government ID and must be legal to own in the state you reside, and an FID Card if required.

What is the leading cause of death in Vermont?

Heart disease, cancer, and accidents were the leading causes of death in Vermont in 2022. Of the 3,658 deaths that year, 52% of the total were due to one of these three causes.

What was George Patton's killing gun?

General George S. Patton’s primary "killing gun"—the weapon he famously referred to for potential close-quarters combat—was a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Registered Magnum revolver with ivory grips. While often associated with his iconic ivory-handled Colt Single Action Army .45, it was the .357 Magnum he regarded as his dedicated, modern sidearm during WWII.

Which state owns the least guns?

Based on 2026 data, Massachusetts and New Jersey have the lowest gun ownership rates in the U.S., with only approximately 14.7% of residents reporting firearm ownership. Other states with very low ownership include Rhode Island (14.8%) and Hawaii (14.9%), generally driven by strict state laws and high population density.

What state has the most military?

California has the highest total number of active-duty military personnel, with over 162,000 troops. However, Virginia hosts the most total military personnel when factoring in reserves, and Hawaii has the highest military presence on a per capita basis.

What are the top 5 gun states?

Highlights from 2025 Gun Law Rankings:

The top five ranked states are California, Massachusetts, Illinois, New York and Connecticut. Idaho ranks 50th in the nation due to the weakness of its gun laws. Mississippi and Arkansas follow at 49th and 48th, respectively.