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FBI Gun Laws And NICs Information Center
Information and updates on U.S. Gun Laws, Ownership, and the FBI NICs Instant Criminal Background Check System.

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  • President Obama Calling for Better Gun Sale Background Checks

      The Second Amendment and court precedent guarantee an individual’s right to bear arms, but improved and expanded background checks are needed to prevent gun violence like the shocking attack in Tucson in January, President Obama wrote in an op-ed Sunday. Writing in the Arizona Daily Star more than two months after the shooting of…

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  • American Love of Firearms Continues as Gun Sales Continue to Climb

      NEWTOWN, Conn –(Ammoland.com)- The January 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 784,856 is an increase of 9.7 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 715,309 in January 2010.       For comparison, the unadjusted January 2011 NICS figure of 1,312,544 is an increase of 18 percent over the…

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  • Gun Background Check Denial Appeal Process

      Filing an Gun Background Check Denial Appeal:   If you believe you have been erroneously denied a firearm transfer based on a match to a record returned by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), you may request an appeal of your deny decision. The provisions for appeals are outlined in the NICS…

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  • United States Background Check and Gun Laws by State

    US Gun Laws by State Background Check and Gun Laws by State Laws on possessing, carrying, buying, selling, and transferring firearms vary from state to state — some broader than federal law, some more limited. A firearm owner is subject to the laws of the state they’re physically in, not the state that issued their…

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  • Wyoming Background Check and Gun Laws

      According to the Office of the Attorney General of Wyoming, Wyoming state law (W.S. § 6-8-104) provides for the issuance of concealed firearm permits. Wyoming also recognizes concealed firearms permits from the following list of other U.S. states (subject to frequent review and revision): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana,…

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  • Wisconsin Background Check and Gun Laws

      Wisconsin is one of two states that completely prohibit concealed carry by private citizens. Open carry is legal except where prohibited by law (vehicles, government buildings, schools, establishments that sell liquor for consumption on the premises, state parks, and 1000' from the edge of school property unless on private property)." Some jurisdictions have tried…

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  • West Virginia Background Check and Gun Laws

    Subject/Law Long guns Handguns Relevant Statutes Notes State permit to purchase? No No None   Firearm registration? No No None   "Assault weapon" law? No No None   Owner license required? No No None   Carry permits issued? No Yes §§ 61-7-3, 4, 5, 6 Concealed carry of pistols and revolvers allowed with permit; no…

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  • Washington Background Check and Gun Laws

      Washington is one of the original "shall issue" states. The county sheriff or city police chief shall issue a concealed pistol license to any applicant, age 21 or older, who meets certain requirements, including no felony convictions, no misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, and no outstanding warrants. Open carrying of firearms is not prohibited by…

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  • Virginia Background Check and Gun Laws

    The right to keep and bear arms is protected by the Constitution of Virginia. State Preemption There is State preemption of local firearm laws. Localities may regulate: The discharge of firearms. The transportation of a loaded rifle or shotgun. Fingerprinting for concealed handgun permits, though fingerprints may not be kept and must be destroyed or…

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  • Vermont Background Check and Gun Laws

    Vermont has very few gun control laws. Gun dealers are required to keep a record of all handgun sales. It is illegal to carry a gun on school property or in a courthouse. State law preempts local governments from regulating the possession, ownership, transfer, carrying, registration or licensing of firearms.   The term "Vermont Carry"…

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