What state is most gun-friendly?
Asked by: Ms. Stacy Conn | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (12 votes)
There isn't one single "most" gun-friendly state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota consistently appear at the top due to permitless carry (constitutional carry), lack of sales tax on firearms, and "stand-your-ground" laws, while California, Massachusetts, and Illinois are considered the least friendly due to strict safety laws, like waiting periods and assault weapon bans, according to sources like Ammo.com and Giffords.org.
Which is the most gun-friendly state?
There isn't one single "most" gun-friendly state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, Arkansas, and South Dakota consistently appear at the top for lenient laws, permitless carry (constitutional carry), and lack of sales tax on firearms, with strong protections like "stand-your-ground" laws. These states offer broad rights for lawful gun owners, with New Hampshire often cited as #1 due to its combination of permitless carry for ages 18+, no sales tax, and self-defense protections.
Which state has the loosest gun laws?
There isn't one single state with the absolute loosest gun laws, as different states excel in lax regulations across various areas, but Mississippi and Wyoming consistently rank as having the weakest overall gun laws, with Mississippi having minimal policies and Wyoming lacking many common safety regulations like universal background checks. Other states like New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, and Arizona also feature very lenient laws, with permitless carry and strong self-defense protections being common themes.
What state allows the most guns?
There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
What is the most gun-friendly country?
There isn't one single "most gun friendly" country, but the United States has the highest civilian gun ownership and very permissive laws in many states, while Switzerland is known for its strong gun culture tied to militia service and relatively liberal ownership rules for certain firearms after background checks, and countries like Yemen also have extremely non-restrictive laws, though often with different cultural contexts. Other nations with high ownership or liberal access include Canada, Finland, and Serbia, often linked to hunting or defense traditions.
RANKING 50 States for GUN LAWS! Texas Florida California Wisconsin Pennsylvania Michigan Arizona +
What state has the most gun violence?
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)
Is Canada a gun-friendly country?
Concealed carry is prohibited outside of a lawful profession (e.g. security and trapping). Open carry of non-restricted rifles is federally permitted when adhering to transport regulations. Hunting with a restricted firearm (which includes handguns) is prohibited.
What is the hardest state to own a gun in?
Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry. Massachusetts is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.
Do all 50 states allow guns?
All states allow some form of concealed carry, the carrying of a concealed firearm in public. Many states allow some form of open carry, the carrying of an unconcealed firearm in public on one's person or in a vehicle.
Which US state has the most strict laws?
Top Five Most Regulated States by Number of Restrictions (2022)
- California – 403,774.
- New York – 298,804.
- New Jersey – 286,933.
- Illinois – 279,147.
- Texas – 273,106.
What states are stand your ground in 2025?
Thirty-eight states are stand-your-ground states, all but eight by statutes providing "that there is no duty to retreat from an attacker in any place in which one is lawfully present": Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, ...
What is the least armed state in the US?
Wyoming has the highest rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 66 firearms per 100 residents. Massachusetts and New Jersey share the lowest rate at 14.7 firearms for every 100 residents. The state-level ownership may be lower due to data restraints.
What states allow non-violent felons to own guns?
All states except Vermont generally restrict firearm access after a person has been convicted of a felony, mirroring federal law in this area, which generally prohibits firearm access after an individual has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
Which US state is the most heavily armed?
Texas consistently has the most guns by total number, often exceeding a million registered firearms, followed by Florida, Virginia, and California, largely due to their large populations; however, states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska lead in gun ownership rates (percentage of households owning guns). Data varies slightly by year and source (e.g., registered firearms vs. sales vs. household ownership), but Texas remains the top state for total gun numbers.
Where in the US are guns not allowed?
Federally designated areas where weapons are banned, even with a permit: Federal Courthouses* Federal Buildings* Any Building Owned, Leased or Rented by the Federal Government — This includes buildings in national forests which are property of the federal government.
What state has the lowest gun restrictions?
#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.
Can you walk around with a gun in America?
In the United States, it is legal to carry a concealed handgun in public in all 50 states. Many states require a person to have a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public.
Can I buy a gun in any state?
Under federal law, individuals can lawfully obtain a long gun from a seller or transferor in another state, provided that: Both parties meet in person to conduct the sale or transfer. The sale or transfer is conducted by, or through, a licensed dealer, pursuant to a background check and other requirements.
Can you carry a gun for self-defense in the USA?
In 2022 the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that individuals have a right to carry a firearm for self-defense outside of the home.
What is the freest gun state?
There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
What country has the loosest gun laws?
Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.
What state is easy to get a gun in?
Montana, West Virginia, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky are the easiest states in which to buy a gun. Montana, New Hampshire, and West Virginia do not apply sales tax to firearms.
Can you own a gun in Europe?
A pistol will generally require you to be a member of a shooting club . Now some countries ban pistols entirely (I live in Ireland, they're basically a no-go here), and others are even more lax (Switzerland, Czech Republic, etc).
Can you own an AK-47 in Canada?
Based on Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code , receiver blanks can be classified as non-restricted, restricted or prohibited. The most common in Canada are for: Colt M1911, SIG 226 and Glock 17 pattern handguns (all restricted firearms) AK-47 and AR-15/M16 pattern rifles (both prohibited firearms)
Are guns legal in Italy?
To legally acquire firearms in Italy, individuals must obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto). This authorization permits the holder to purchase and possess a firearm, but not to carry or use it.