Mississippi allows concealed carry without a permit under House Bill 786 (effective April 15, 2016), known as "constitutional carry" (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1(2)). Anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed in most public places without a permit, in a holster or sheath. A Firearm Permit (enhanced or standard) is optional for reciprocity or unrestricted carry (Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101). Permit applicants need an 8-hour training course (enhanced) or background check (standard). Carry is banned in schools, courthouses, and bars unless permitted (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-7). Private property owners can prohibit firearms. Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months) or felony (up to 5 years) in restricted areas.
Costs: Standard permit costs $112, enhanced $132; plus $50-$75 for fingerprints and $75-$150 for training (enhanced). Total: $162-$357.
Processing Time: Permits take up to 45 days.
Renewal: Permits last 5 years, cost $72 (standard) or $92 (enhanced), no retraining required.
Reciprocity: MS honors permits from all states; an enhanced permit is recognized by 37 states, like AL and TN.
Sources: [1]
Mississippi permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1(1)). Open carry is banned in schools, courthouses, and private property with signs (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-7). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months).
Sources: [1]
Mississippi has minimal firearm restrictions. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are allowed if ATF-registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Ghost guns are legal with no serialization. Felons can’t possess firearms (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-5). Federal violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200 each.
Mississippi has no state permits or waiting periods for buying firearms (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1). Buyers must be 21 for handguns or 18 for long guns and pass a federal background check for dealer sales (18 U.S.C. § 922). Private sales require no checks unless the buyer is prohibited (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-5). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months).
Costs: Background checks are free; dealers may add $10-$25.
Mississippi does not require firearm registration (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1). Ghost guns need no serialization, and lost/stolen reporting isn’t mandatory. Federal NFA items must be registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200.
Mississippi has no state-mandated storage laws. No child access prevention law exists, but reckless endangerment applies if a minor causes harm (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-47). No lost/stolen reporting is required. Penalties can be a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 7 years).
Sources: [1]
Mississippi has a strong Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground law (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-15). Deadly force is allowed in your home, vehicle, or anywhere you’re legally present if you believe it’s necessary to prevent harm, with no duty to retreat. Excessive force can lead to manslaughter (up to 20 years).
Sources: [1]