Missouri allows concealed carry without a permit under RSMo § 571.030. Anyone 19 or older who can legally own a gun can carry concealed. You can't carry in schools or bars without permission (RSMo § 571.107). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 7 years) if armed in a restricted place.
Costs: No permit needed, so $0. Optional permit costs $100 for 5 years. Training is $50-$100 if you get one.
Processing Time: Optional permit takes 45 days.
Renewal: Optional permit lasts 5 years. Renewal is $50.
Reciprocity: Missouri honors permits from all states. Over 30 states accept Missouri's optional permit.
Missouri allows open carry without a permit under RSMo § 571.037. Anyone 19 or older who can own a gun can carry openly. Local rules may apply, but state law is permissive. You can't carry in schools or bars without permission (RSMo § 571.107). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
Missouri has few bans on guns. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (RSMo § 571.020). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are okay if you follow federal rules (RSMo § 571.020). This means you need to register these with the ATF and pay a tax. Ghost guns don't need serial numbers under state law. Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamp for silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, or machine guns is $200 per item.
Processing Time: Applying for federal approval through the ATF for a silencer, short-barreled rifle/shotgun, or machine gun takes 6-12 months.
Missouri has no state permit or waiting period to buy guns (RSMo § 571.087). You must be 19, pass a federal background check for dealer sales, and that's it. Private sales need no check. Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 5 years).
Costs: Background check is free at dealers. Total: $0.
Processing Time: Instant at dealers.
Sources: [1]
Missouri does not require gun registration (RSMo § 571.020). You don't have to report lost or stolen guns. Federal rules apply to machine guns (RSMo § 571.020). Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamp is $200.
Sources: [1]
Missouri has no storage laws. There are no state rules on keeping guns safe or away from kids (RSMo § 571.060). Breaking federal rules on misuse is a felony (up to 5 years).
Sources: [1]
Missouri has a strong Castle Doctrine and stand-your-ground law under RSMo § 563.031. You can use deadly force in your home, car, or anywhere you have a right to be if threatened. No retreat is needed. Too much force can mean manslaughter (up to 10 years).
Sources: [1]