Gun control is a hotly debated topic in the United States, pitting impassioned defenses of the Second Amendment against public safety concerns. Most gun control laws originate at the state level, but there are some federal laws that regulate gun purchases and ownership (see the ATF's explanation of the National Firearms Act). Some states require gun buyers to wait a certain period of time before taking ownership of a gun, during which a background check is conducted, other states have as few restrictions as possible.
Alaska Gun Control Laws at a Glance
Alaska's gun laws are generally less restrictive than those of many other states. For example, the state of Alaska does not require a waiting period for gun buyers, but instant background checks are required for most purchases. In addition, Alaska does allow those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors to own firearms.
Additional details of Alaska's gun control laws are listed below. See Gun Laws for related information.
| Code Section | 11.61.200 |
| Illegal Arms | Device made or adapted to muffle the report of firearm; firearm capable of shooting more than one shot automatically without manual reloading, by a single function of trigger; rifle with barrel less than 16 inches; shotgun with barrel less than 18 inches or firearm made from a rifle or shotgun which, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 inches; possession, sale, transfer, or manufacture of above firearms is illegal |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Who May Not Own | Convicted felon or adjudicated a delinquent minor for conduct constituting a felony if committed by an adult |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | Felony: 11.61.195(a)(2)(A) Misdemeanor: 11.61.220(a)(4)(A); 11.61.210(a)(7)-(8) |
Note: State laws are always changing, usually when newly signed legislation is enacted or through the decisions of higher courts. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you also may want to contact an Alaska criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Alaska Gun Control Laws: Related Resources
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