Missouri Gun Control Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
Missouri Gun Control Laws at a Glance
While the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms (which has been interpreted very broadly by the Supreme Court), states have some freedom to regulate the sale and ownership of guns. Missouri gun control laws are fairly limited, compared to other states, lacking waiting periods or the requirement of background checks when guns are purchased from unlicensed dealers.
What Guns are Considered Illegal in Missouri?
Missouri prohibits the sale or possession of certain firearms that also are banned under federal law, including:
- Explosive weapons
- Gas guns
- Exploding bullets/projectiles
- Machine guns
- Short-barreled rifle or shotgun ("sawed-off")
Additionally, state law prohibits the use or sale of silencers. Exceptions include the use or possession of an otherwise banned weapon displayed in a museum or used in an official capacity (such as law enforcement or military use).
Who May Not Own Weapons in Missouri?
Those who are convicted of dangerous felonies; fugitives from justice; habitually intoxicated; mentally incompetent; under 21; dishonorably discharged from the military; Missouri residents for less than six months; or not U.S. citizens may not own firearms in the state.
The basics of Missouri's gun control laws are summarized below. See FindLaw's Gun Laws article for a concise overview of the topic.
| Code Section | 571.020, et seq. |
| Illegal Arms | Machine gun; short-barreled rifle/shotgun; silencer; gas gun; explosive weapon; bullet which explodes upon impact; defaced firearm |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Who May Not Own | 1. Convicted of dangerous felony; 2. Fugitive from justice, habitually intoxicated or drugged condition, or mentally incompetent; 3. Under 21 yrs. old; 4. Dishonorably discharged from armed services; 5. MO resident for less than 6 mos.; 6. Not citizen of U.S. |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | Misdemeanor. 571.030.1 |
| Firearm Ownership Records | Records of firearm ownership or application for gun licenses are considered private. Disclosure of such records is charged as a class A misdemeanor. |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a Missouri criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
- Missouri Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Missouri Gun Control Laws: Related Resources
- Criminal Law Center
- Missouri Criminal Laws
- Missouri Criminal Statute of Limitations
- Domestic Violence: Firearms
- Find a Criminal Law Attorney
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.