Firearm Laws in Oregon

Oregon is a shall-issue state for concealed handgun licenses (CHL) under ORS 166.291. You must be 21, complete a safety course, and pass a background check. Concealed carry without a CHL is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) per ORS 166.250. Prohibited places include courthouses and schools (ORS 166.370). Local ordinances may restrict loaded firearms in public (ORS 166.173).

Costs: CHL fee is $50-$100 (varies by county) for 4 years. Training is $75-$150. Total: $125-$250.

Processing Time: Up to 45 days.

Renewal: $50 every 4 years.

Reciprocity: Oregon recognizes permits from some states; about 20 states honor Oregon’s CHL.

Sources: [1]

Oregon allows open carry without a permit for those 21+ who can legally possess a firearm (ORS 166.250). Restrictions apply in public buildings (ORS 166.370) and some cities regulate loaded firearms (ORS 166.173). Violations are typically misdemeanors (up to 1 year).

Sources: [1]

Oregon permits most firearms, but Ballot Measure 114 (amending ORS 166.412) bans magazines over 10 rounds. Machine guns, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and silencers require federal ATF compliance (ORS 166.272). Violations are felonies (up to 10 years).

Costs: ATF tax stamp is $200 per item.

Processing Time: 6-12 months for ATF approval.

Sources: [1] [2]

Oregon complies with FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a case or trunk for transport. No state-specific restrictions beyond federal law apply. Violations of possession laws (ORS 166.250) are misdemeanors (up to 1 year).

Sources: [1] [2]

Oregon requires a permit-to-purchase for all firearms under Ballot Measure 114 (amending ORS 166.412), including training, fingerprints, and a background check. Age minimum is 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns (ORS 166.470). Violations are misdemeanors (up to 1 year).

Costs: Permit fee is $65; training $75-$150. Total: $140-$215.

Processing Time: Up to 30 days.

Sources: [1] [2]

Oregon does not require firearm registration (ORS 166.250). No reporting of lost/stolen guns is mandated. Federal rules apply to NFA items (ORS 166.272). Violations of federal law are felonies (up to 10 years).

Costs: Federal tax stamp is $200.

Sources: [1] [2]

Oregon requires firearms to be secured with a lock or in a container when not in use (ORS 166.395). Violations are Class C violations ($135 fine), or Class A ($440) if a minor accesses the gun. Negligence applies if an unsecured gun causes injury within 2 years. Transfer to minors is restricted (ORS 166.470).

Sources: [1]

Oregon has a strong Castle Doctrine (ORS 161.209). Deadly force is justified in your home or vehicle if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent a felony or imminent harm. No duty to retreat applies in these cases or in public (ORS 161.219). Excessive force risks manslaughter (up to 20 years).

Sources: [1]