State Laws · OR
Oregon Gun Laws
Effective as of Various; Measure 114 (2022) subject to ongoing litigation (ORS Chapter 166; Ballot Measure 114 (2022, pending litigation)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Oregon requires a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) for concealed carry, issued by the county sheriff. Oregon is a shall-issue state. Applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun through an approved course, be at least 21, and pass a background check. The license is valid for four years.
Key statute: ORS 166.291 through 166.295 — concealed handgun licensing.
Open Carry
Open carry is generally legal in Oregon without a permit, though some cities (including Portland) have local ordinances restricting open carry of loaded firearms in public places.
Ballot Measure 114 (2022)
Oregon voters approved Measure 114 in November 2022, which would require a permit to purchase any firearm (including training and background check), ban magazines holding more than 10 rounds, and impose additional requirements. As of early 2025, the measure's implementation has been blocked by state court litigation. The Oregon Supreme Court heard arguments in 2024. Check current status before relying on these provisions.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons found to be mentally ill and subject to commitment, persons convicted of a misdemeanor involving violence within the past four years, persons subject to a restraining order, minors, and persons prohibited under federal law.
Prohibited Locations
Oregon prohibits firearms in: the state capitol, court facilities, schools (K-12), and federal buildings. Oregon state law preempts most local firearms regulations under ORS 166.170, with limited exceptions allowing cities to regulate loaded carry in public places.
Purchase Requirements
All firearms sales require a background check (Oregon enacted universal background checks in 2015 under SB 941). There is no waiting period under current law (Measure 114's permit-to-purchase system remains enjoined). There is no state firearms registry. Measure 114's magazine ban and permit-to-purchase are pending litigation.
Citations
ORS Chapter 166 (offenses against public order — weapons); SB 941 (2015, universal background checks); Ballot Measure 114 (2022, pending litigation).
Look up statutes at Oregon 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 →Oregon statutes
Oregon Legislature →This link goes to Oregon's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.