State Laws · AR
Arkansas Gun Laws
Effective as of September 1, 2023 (Act 777 (constitutional carry clarification)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
Arkansas has constitutional carry as clarified by Act 777 (2023), which confirmed that a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed without a license. Open carry is legal. Arkansas issues an Enhanced Concealed Handgun Carry License (E-CHCL) and a standard Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) for reciprocity and access to additional locations.
Key statute: Arkansas Code § 5-73-120 — carrying a weapon. Exemptions effectively permit constitutional carry for eligible persons.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons adjudicated as mentally ill, persons committed involuntarily to a mental institution, persons under 18, persons convicted of domestic violence, and persons under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
Prohibited Locations
Arkansas prohibits carry in: schools and school events, courthouses, state capitol, police stations, any establishment with posted prohibition, bars and restaurants with posted prohibition, churches (unless authorized), any public meeting designated by the governor, and within the passenger terminal of an airport. E-CHCL holders may carry in some locations where standard CHCL holders and unlicensed carriers cannot.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase any firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction.
Citations
Arkansas Code Title 5, Subtitle 6, Chapter 73 (weapons); Act 777 (2023).
Look up statutes at Arkansas Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Arkansas statutes
Arkansas Legislature →This link goes to Arkansas's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.