State Laws · MS
Mississippi Gun Laws
Effective as of July 1, 2016 (HB 786 (constitutional carry)). 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
Mississippi adopted constitutional carry under HB 786, effective July 1, 2016. Persons aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Open carry is legal. Mississippi issues an Enhanced Carry Permit for access to additional locations and reciprocity.
Key statute: Mississippi Code § 97-37-1 — deadly weapons, carrying concealed. Exemptions for eligible persons. § 45-9-101 — statewide firearms permit system.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons adjudicated as mentally incompetent, minors under 18, and persons prohibited under federal law.
Prohibited Locations
Mississippi prohibits carry in: courthouses, police and sheriff stations, detention facilities, schools and school events, bars and establishments primarily devoted to dispensing alcoholic beverages, churches and places of worship (unless authorized), government meetings, and any posted private property. Enhanced Carry Permit holders may carry in churches and some other restricted locations.
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
Mississippi Code Title 97, Chapter 37 (weapons and explosives); Title 45, Chapter 9 (firearms permit law); HB 786 (2016).
Look up statutes at Mississippi 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 →Mississippi statutes
Mississippi Legislature →This link goes to Mississippi's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.