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Subject/Law
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Long guns
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Handguns
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Relevant Statutes
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Notes
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| State Permit to Purchase? | No | No | None | No |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | None | No |
| "Assault weapon" law? | No | No | None | No |
| Owner license required? | No | No | None | No |
| Carry permits issued? | No | Yes | 5-73-301 – 5-73-320 | Concealed carry requires a permit. Open carry is not permitted. |
| State Preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | 5-73-120 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | N/A | N/A | 5-73-120 | |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | ? | Yes | 5-73-120 (c)(4) | A person has a defense to the crime of carrying a weapon when they are on a journey, unless the journey is through a commercial airport at the security checkpoint or is in checked baggage and is not a lawfully declared weapon |
In Arkansas, possession or ownership of a firearm is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony, adjudicated to be mentally defective, or committed involuntarily to a mental institution.
Arkansas is a "shall issue" state for the concealed carry of firearms. Applicants must pass a background check and complete a training course to receive a new or renewal concealed carry license. An existing license is suspended or revoked if the license holder is arrested for a felony or for any violent act, becomes ineligible due to mental health treatment, or for a number of other reasons. Concealed firearms may not be carried at a courthouse, meeting place of any government entity, athletic event, tavern, or in a number of other places.
Arkansas has state preemption for most firearms laws. However, localities may enact laws regulating the discharge of firearms, or in emergency situations. Local government units and private individuals may not sue firearms manufacturers or dealers for matters relating to the lawful manufacture or distribution of firearms, except in cases of product liability or breach of contract.
Automatic weapons must be registered with the Arkansas secretary of state, in addition to being registered under federal law.