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

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

Louisiana State Constitution

The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged, but this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to prohibit the carrying of weapons concealed on the person.

Louisiana Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 11: Right to keep and bear arms.

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

All government, of right, originates with the people, is founded on their will alone, and is instituted to protect the rights of the individual and for the good of the whole. Its only legitimate ends are to secure justice for all, preserve peace, protect the rights, and promote the happiness and general welfare of the people. The rights enumerated in this Article are inalienable by the state and shall be preserved inviolate by the state.

Louisiana Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 1: Origin and purpose of government.

No law shall impair the right of any person to assemble peaceably or to petition government for a redress of grievances.

Louisiana Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 9: Right of assembly and petition.

The people of this state have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a free and sovereign state; and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right, pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter be, by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in congress assembled.

Louisiana Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 26: State sovereignty.

Louisiana Gun Laws

Louisiana Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Louisiana Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit Unit (Source: Louisiana State Police Public Safety Services)
Louisiana Concealed Handguns Frequently Asked Questions (Source: Louisiana State Police Public Safety Services)

Louisiana Hunting Rules & Regulations

Louisiana Hunting (Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries)
Louisiana Hunting Regulations (Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries)
Louisiana Hunting Licenses & Permits (Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries)
Indiana Fish & Wildlife Online License System (Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries)
Louisiana Hunter Education (Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries)

Louisiana Shooting Ranges

Louisiana State Shooting Ranges (Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Louisiana 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)

Louisiana NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

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

Louisiana State Firearm & Hunting Associations

The Louisiana Shooting Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Louisiana Open Carry Awareness League
Louisiana Acadania Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Louisiana Ducks Unlimited Chapter
Louisiana Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Louisiana Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Louisiana NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Louisiana Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Louisiana Gun Shows and FFLs

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

Louisiana's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

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

Louisiana Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

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

Louisiana State Business Tax Climate Rankings

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