The national gun control debate is one of the most heated in our country. Both sides can agree, however, that safety comes first. And that’s the goal for the Sooner State. Here is a quick introduction to gun control laws in Oklahoma.
Gun Control Laws in Oklahoma
Each state restricts the purchase and use of firearms under their own gun control laws. Although the Second Amendment permits citizens to keep and bear arms, certain weapons and accessories, like sawed-off shotguns, are illegal under Oklahoma law. The state imposes no waiting period for prospective gun buyers, but they must be of the legal age to purchase, and can’t have a felony conviction on their record.
Oklahoma Gun Statutes
States can, and do, treat firearm laws differently. The following table lists the specifics of Oklahoma’s gun control statutes.
| Code Section | Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 §§1272, et seq.: Firearm Regulations |
| Illegal Arms | Sawed-off shotgun or rifle; slung shot |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Who May Not Own | 1. Minors (except for hunting, etc. and under adult supervision); 2. Convicted felon, unless pardoned (includes those adjudicated as delinquent child-within 10 yrs.); 3. Mentally incompetent or insane |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | Misdemeanor: Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, §1277; Felony: Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 §1280.1 |
The state of Oklahoma isn’t the only entity that has gun laws to which its citizens are subject. Federal firearms statutes also regulate gun ownership, generally by restricting the kinds of guns a person may legally own. The Second Amendment does allow citizens to own certain firearms, but as noted above, the government, both state and federal, can still place some restrictions on the kinds of guns people can own and how they can be purchased. And it's important to know that, where federal and state laws intersect, federal law will always trump. So Oklahoma gun owners should also be familiar and comply with the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act.
Oklahoma Gun Control Laws: Related Resources
State firearms regulations can be confusing. If you would like legal advice regarding a gun matter, or if you would just like to know your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner, you can contact an Oklahoma attorney. You can also find more information and resources in FindLaw’s section on Gun Law. Finally, if you or someone you know has been injured by a gun in the state of Oklahoma, you may have recourse against the manufacturer, distributor, or owner of the gun.
