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Oregon Gun Control Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Reviewed by Jeff Burtka, Esq. | Last updated June 04, 2021

Some firearms regulations come from the federal government, but passing and enforcing gun control laws is primarily the job of the states. Laws that regulate the purchase and use of guns vary quite a bit from state to state, often reflecting regional traditions and attitudes toward guns. Some states require a permit for buying a gun, including a waiting period for a background check, while others have very few restrictions.

Gun Control Laws in Oregon: Overview

Oregon has relatively loose regulations on guns, allowing the open carry of guns and issuing permits for concealed carry. Also, people with open carry licenses are exempt from any local ordinances or restrictions on guns (the state law preempts any local ordinances). Background checks are conducted electronically at the point of sale, so there is no waiting period for purchasing a firearm in Oregon.

Additional details of Oregon's gun control laws are listed below.

Relevant Statutes (Laws)

 Oregon Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 166, Sections 166.180 through 166.370

Illegal Arms

 The following are prohibited by Oregon law:
  • Machine guns
  • Short-barreled rifles
  • Short-barreled shotguns
  • Firearms silencers

Waiting Period

 Oregon does not have a waiting period for purchasing a gun.

Who May Not Own

 It is illegal to possess a firearm in Oregon if a person:
  • Is under 18 years of age
  • Was found to be within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence
  • Was discharged from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court within four years
  • Has a felony conviction
  • Was committed to the Oregon Health Authority for mental illness
  • Was found to be a person with mental illness and subject to an order prohibiting purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness
  • Is presently subject to an order prohibiting purchasing or possessing a firearm
  • Has been found guilty except for insanity of a felony
  • Is the subject of a protective order related to domestic violence
  • Has been convicted of domestic violence
  • Has been convicted of stalking
  • Has been convicted of a felony

License Required?

 A license is not required to own a gun in Oregon.

Concealed Carry License Required?

 Oregon requires a concealed handgun license for a person to carry a concealed firearm.

Open Carried Allowed?

 Open carrying of firearms is not prohibited in Oregon.

Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License

 To be eligible for a concealed handgun license, a person must:
  • Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien who has had continuous residency in the county for at least six months and has declared in writing to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services the intent to acquire citizenship
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be a resident of the county where the person is applying for a license
  • Demonstrate competence with a handgun by an approved safety or training course
  • Have no outstanding warrants for arrest
  • Not be free on any form of pretrial release
  • Never have been convicted of a felony or found guilty except for insanity
  • Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or found guilty, except for insanity, of a misdemeanor within the four years prior to the application
  • Not have been committed to the Oregon Health Authority for mental illness
  • Not have been found to be a person with mental illness and not subject to an order that the person be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness
  • Have been discharged from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for more than four years if, while a minor, the person was found to be within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence
  • Not have been convicted of an offense involving controlled substances or participated in a court-supervised drug diversion program
  • Not be subject to a citation issued for stalking or certain protective orders
  • Not have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States
  • Not be required to register as a sex offender in any state
  • Not be presently subject to an order prohibiting the person from purchasing or possessing a firearm

Machine Gun Laws

 It is illegal to own or possess a machine gun in Oregon, unless the machine gun is registered under federal law.

Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession

 Oregon's penalties for illegal firearm possession depends on the offense:
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and up to a $6,250 fine.
  • Having a previous felony conviction and possessing a firearm is a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and up to a $125,000 fine
  • Unlawful possession of a machine gun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun or firearms silencer is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine

Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds

 Possessing a loaded or unloaded firearm on school property is a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and up to a $125,000 fine.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Oregon Gun Control Laws: Related Resources

Talk to an Oregon Attorney for More Information

Oregon gun laws can change, and you might have unique questions or circumstances. If you need further information or advice, contact an experienced attorney licensed in Oregon.

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