Few topics divide the country quite like gun control. Both sides can agree, however, that safety is the most important issue. The Bluegrass State’s gun control laws are designed with that in mind, trying to balance the interests of gun owners and those worried about the level of gun violence. Here's an introduction to gun control laws in Kentucky.
Gun Control Laws in Kentucky
States regulate and restrict the purchase and use of firearms under specific gun control laws. While the Second Amendment allows for the possession of certain weapons and accessories, others, like armor piercing bullets, are illegal under Kentucky law. The state has no waiting period for prospective gun buyers, so long as they are the minimum age and are not convicted felons.
Kentucky Gun Statutes
The table below highlights the specifics of Kentucky’s gun control statutes.
| Code Section | Kentucky Revised Statutes 237.060, et seq.: Firearms and Destructive Devices Kentucky Revised Statutes 527.010, et seq.: Offenses Related to Firearms and Weapons |
| Illegal Arms | Armor-piercing or "black talon" ammunition; defaced firearm |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Who May Not Own | Convicted felon not granted full pardon/relief (including youthful offender convicted of felony offense); minor under 18 yrs. old (except when hunting or with permission of parent) |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | Felony. 527.070 |
Along with Kentucky’s particular gun laws, federal authorities also regulate gun ownership by limiting the types of firearms a person may legally own. And in cases where federal and state laws intersect, federal law supersedes state law. Thus, all gun owners in the state of Kentucky must also adhere to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act. As noted above, the Second Amendment may guarantee some gun ownership, but the government is still allowed put restrictions on the kinds of guns people can own and how they may purchase them.
Kentucky Gun Control Laws: Related Resources
Firearms statutes can vary based on where you live, and can be confusing. You can contact a Kentucky attorney if you would like legal assistance with a gun matter, or would just like to know your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner. You can also visit FindLaw’s Gun Law section for additional articles and information on this topic. Finally, if you or someone you know has been injured by a gun in the state of Kentucky, there may be recourse against the manufacturer, distributor, or owner of the gun.
