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

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Arkansas 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 Arkansas can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Akansas State Constitution

The citizens of this State shall have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense.

Arkansas Constitutional Provision Article II, Section 5: Right to bear arms

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

All political power is inherent in the people and government is instituted for their protection, security and benefit; and they have the right to alter, reform or abolish the same, in such manner as they may think proper.

Arkansas Constitutional Provision Article II, Section 1: Source of power

The right of the people peaceably to assemble, to consult for the common good; and to petition, by address or remonstrance, the government, or any department thereof, shall never be abridged.

Arkansas Constitutional Provision Article II, Section 4: Right of assembly and of petition

Arkansas Gun Laws

Arkansas Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Arkansas Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry Licensing (Source: Arkansas State Police)
Concealed Handgun Carry Online Licensing System (Source: Arkansas State Police)

Arkansas Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting Overview (Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)
Hunting License Description & Fees (Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)
AGFC Online Licensing System (Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)
Hunter Education (Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)

Arkansas Shooting Ranges

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Shooting Ranges (Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Arkansas 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)

Arkansas NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

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

Arkansas State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Arkansas Gun Collectors Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Arkansas Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Arkansas Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Arkansas Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Arkansas NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Arkansas Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Arkansas Gun Shows and FFLs

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

Arkansas's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Arkansas 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 Arkansas Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Arkansas Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

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

Arkansas State Business Tax Climate Rankings

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