Summary of Mississippi Gun Laws
Mississippi is a shall issue, constitutional carry state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety.
There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Open carry is legal in Mississippi for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm with several restrictions, including that the firearm is carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing anywhere where guns are not otherwise prohibited. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and bars.
Concealed carry is legal without a permit for anyone who can legally possess a firearm as long as the handgun is carried in a holster or sheath. Mississippi statutes don’t address the minimum age for permitless concealed carry. For reciprocity reasons, two types of permits are still available at the state level: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP), which allows carry in more locations. A permit applicant must be 21 years old (or at least 18 and a member of the military or a veteran) and either be a resident of Mississippi, a non-resident with a valid permit from another state, an active duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi or be a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state. The E-SFP requires a firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. In terms of reciprocity, since Mississippi has permitless carry, any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.
Mississippi is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person who is not the initial aggressor and is not engaged in the unlawful activity shall have no duty to retreat before using deadly force if the person is in a place where the person has a right to be. The statute provides that a person acting in justifiable self-defense shall have similar presumptions in civil cases and is immune from civil suits if found “not guilty” in criminal proceedings.
Mississippi Gun Laws at a Glance
CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY?
Does Mississippi allow constitutional carry?
Yes. Mississippi allows constitutional carry. A license is not required for a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver to be carried upon the person in a sheath, belt holster, or shoulder holster or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase or fully enclosed case if the person is not engaged in criminal activity other than a misdemeanor traffic offense, is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a pistol or revolver under state or federal law, and is not in a prohibited location.
[Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(24)]
OPEN CARRY PERMITTED?
Is open carry permitted in Mississippi?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
[Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(24)]
[Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1(4)]
GUN PERMIT LICENSURE?
If Mississippi requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Mississippi is a shall-issue state and the permit is issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY?
What is the minimum age in Mississippi to get a concealed carry permit?
The minimum age for permitless concealed carry isn't addressed in Mississippi statutes. However, standard and enhanced firearms permits are issued to applicants that qualify and are a minimum of 21 years old or at least 18 and a member of the military or a military veteran.
ARE WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED?
Can you conceal carry weapons other than handguns in Mississippi with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Yes. You can carry a stun gun or a concealed handgun with a Mississippi concealed carry permit.
TASERS OR STUN GUNS?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Mississippi?
Yes. A concealed carry permit is required to purchase or possess a stun gun or Taser. The same areas that are off-limits for concealed handguns apply to carrying stun guns.
CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Mississippi?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Mississippi.
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?
Does Mississippi issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
Yes. Standard permits are available to non-residents. The applicant must have a valid permit from another state, be an active duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi or be a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state. If the applicant is a member of the military between the ages of 18 and 21, he/she must have a valid Mississippi driver's license or identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?
Does Mississippi allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No. However, the information is available for law enforcement.