Oregon Gun Laws

Oregon Gun Law Details

The rural landscape of Oregon provides for an ideal hunting ground. The hunting traditions and firearms have been passed down through the generations. The result is that Oregon residents respect the safe and proper selling and owning of handguns, shotguns and rifles.

Like every other state which is considered “gun friendly,” Oregon gun laws have a specific set of restrictions as to who exactly is allowed to possess a firearm and how it can be carried. These laws are considered “shall issue” laws which means that no local county or city can create a law to supersede the Oregon state gun laws with respect to owning and concealed carry. However, open carry ordinances can be enacted in specific county or city zones.

Oregon is located in the Northwest and is bordered to the north by Washington State, with California and Nevada to the south, Idaho to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Oregon is home to dense forests and deserts alike. Open carry is generally legal in Oregon with a valid license to carry, although some localities prohibit it.

Oregon Gun Purchase Laws

According to Oregon gun laws, you can not sell, deliver or transfer a firearm to a convicted felon or anyone who is listed with the Health Division Registry. All dealers are required to keep a record of any gun they sell that includes the who, what, where and when of the gun purchase. The gun buyer is also required to submit their fingerprints to that purchase record.

The gun dealer is also required to call the Department of State Police for an instant criminal history background check. There is a ten dollar charge for this check. And the same background check is required at gun shows as well.

Oregon Gun Possession Laws

You do not need a permit to possess a handgun, shotgun or rifle in Oregon. However, if you are a convicted felon it is against the law to own a firearm. The exceptions to the convicted felon rule are if you had your record expunged, or if it was for a single felony offense that didn’t involve homicide or a firearm and occurred fifteen years prior.

Oregon Conceal Carry Gun Laws

If you have been a resident of Oregon for at least six months, you can apply for a concealed carry license. You will need to be at least 21 years old without any outstanding arrest warrants and of course not have any felony convictions. You also can’t have been deemed mentally ill or committed to a mental health facility in Oregon. And if you were ever cited for stalking or has a protective order against you, you will be denied the conceal carry license.

To have your concealed carry license approved you will also need to complete a certified gun safety and training course. It is against the law to have a loaded or unloaded firearm in any building that is considered to be open to the public unless you have a conceal carry license.

Reciprocal Carry

Oregon does not recognize another state’s license to carry a concealed weapon.

Carrying Firearms in Vehicles

Oregon permits anyone who may legally possess a firearm to carry it openly in a motor vehicle without a permit, provided it is visible from outside the vehicle. People without carry permits may not carry a loaded handgun that is concealed and readily accessible. People without carry permits may carry concealed handguns if they are not readily accessible, such as being locked in the trunk.

Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol

Yes, if you possess a valid concealed handgun license. Places like Fridays or Chili’s unless they have a “No Gun Sign,” then it is suggested that You not carry into the establishment. This does not include a bar or the bar area of a restaurant – You are prohibited from carrying into these areas. You can carry Your firearm into a restaurant that serves alcohol, but you are prohibited from carrying while you consume alcohol or are under the influence of alcohol.

Self-defense Laws

Oregon has a Castle Doctrine, and while they do not explicitly have a SYG law, the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that there is no duty to retreat from any place You have a legal right to be, which is essentially the same thing as a SYG law. You may use force, including deadly force, in defense of yourself or others if You reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, SBI, or the commission of a forcible felony.

Universal Background Checks

Background checks are mandatory for all firearm sales, and transfers between private parties must go through a licensed dealer.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open carry is legal, but the State has given local governments the right to adopt laws/ordinances on carrying loaded firearms by those without a permit/license to carry. Some cities and towns have adopted such laws/ordinances. Places as listed in the “Criminal Provisions” above apply to those who open carry. All public buildings are off limits to those who open carry without a permit/license. The minimum age to open carry is 18.

Criminal Provisions

Cities may have ordinances that are more restrictive or broad than the State laws. Under Oregon law:

“When a sheriff issues a concealed handgun license under this section, the sheriff shall provide the licensee with a list of those places where carrying concealed handguns is prohibited or restricted by state or federal law.”

Ultimately, a person carrying a handgun must comply with § 166.370(2)(B)(3)(d). Under Oregon law, it is unlawful, specifically, to:

• Possess a firearm on school property unless it is possessed by someone who is allowed to possess it and the firearm is unloaded and locked in a motor vehicle
• Possess a firearm in a public building or court facility
• Hunt in a cemetery
• Discharge a weapon on or across highway, ocean shore recreation area or public utility facilities
• Discharge a weapon or throw objects at trains
• Discharge a weapon across airport operational services

Additional Oregon Gun Laws

Oregon gun laws state that it is illegal to set any spring action gun except for the sole purpose of killing “gophers, moles or other burrowing rodents.” You also can not alter any firearm by removing identification marks. Additionally is it against the law to point any loaded weapon at another person unless it is for your own self defense. If you come into possession of a gun with its identification marks removed, you are breaking the law.