Tennessee Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Tennessee Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Tennessee gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Tennessee can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Tennessee State Constitution

That the citizens of this State have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.

Tennessee Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 26

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

That the citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble together for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances, or other purposes, by address or remonstrance.

Tennessee Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 23

That the sure and certain defense of a free people, is a well regulated militia; and, as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to freedom, they ought to be avoided as far as the circumstances and safety of the community will admit; and that in all cases the military shall be kept in strict subordination to the civil authority.

Tennessee Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 24

Tennessee Gun Laws

Tennessee Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Tennessee Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)

Tennessee Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting in Tennessee (Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)
Go Outdoors Tennessee Purchase Licenses & Permits Online (Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)
Tennessee Hunter Education Information (Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)

Tennessee Shooting Ranges

State of Tennessee Firing Ranges (Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Tennessee Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

Tennessee NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

Tennessee NRA-Affiliated Training Courses (Source: NRA.org)
Tennessee "Friends of NRA" Events & News (Source: FriendsofNRA.org)

Tennessee State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Tennessee Shooting Sports Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Tennessee Firearms Association (GOA-Affiliated)
Music City Safari Club International Chapter (SCI-Affiliated)
Tennessee Valley Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Tennessee Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Tennessee Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Tennessee NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Tennessee Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Tennessee Gun Shows and FFLs

Tennessee Gun & Knife Shows (Source: GunShows-USA.com)
Tennessee FFL Holders (Source: FFLGunDealers.net)
NICS Firearm Checks by State (Source: FBI.gov)

Tennessee's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Tennessee Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of Utah Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Tennessee Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

Tennessee State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
Tennessee State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
Tennessee Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
Tennessee Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

Tennessee State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Tennessee State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Tennessee (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo