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

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

Maine State Constitution

Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned.

Maine Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 16: To keep and bear arms.

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

Power inherent in people. All power is inherent in the people; all free governments are founded in their authority and instituted for their benefit; they have therefore an unalienable and indefeasible right to institute government, and to alter, reform, or totally change the same, when their safety and happiness require it.

Maine Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 2: Power inherent in people.

The people have a right at all times in an orderly and peaceable manner to assemble to consult upon the common good, to give instructions to their representatives, and to request, of either department of the government by petition or remonstrance, redress of their wrongs and grievances.

Maine Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 15: Right of petition.

Maine Gun Laws

Maine Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Maine Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Concealed Carry in Maine (Source: Maine State Police Department of Public Safety)
Frequently Asked Questions State of Maine Concealed Handgun Permits (Source: Maine State Police Department of Public Safety)

Maine Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting & Trapping in Maine (Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife)
Maine Hunting Laws & Rules (Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife)
Maine Hunting Licenses & Permits (Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife)
MOSES Hunting & Fishing Licenses - Online Licensing System (Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife)
Maine Firearms Hunter Safety (Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife)

Maine Shooting Ranges

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

Maine 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)

Maine NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

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

Maine State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Maine Rifle and Pistol Association - Pine Tree State Rifle & Pistol Assoc. (NRA-Affiliated)
Gun Owners of Maine
Maine Gun Owners Association, Inc.
Maine Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Maine Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Maine Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Maine NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Maine Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Maine Gun Shows and FFLs

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

Maine's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

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

Maine Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

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

Maine State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Maine State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Maine (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 7.62x39mm 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