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

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

Ohio State Constitution

All men are, by nature, free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and seeking and obtaining happiness and safety.

Ohio Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 1: Inalienable rights.

The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be kept up; and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.

Ohio Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 4: Bearing arms; standing armies; military powers.

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

All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter, reform, or abolish the same, whenever they may deem it necessary; and no special privileges or immunities shall ever be granted, that may not be altered, revoked, or repealed by the general assembly.

Ohio Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 2: Right to alter, reform, or abolish government, and repeal special privileges.

The people have the right to assemble together, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good; to instruct their representatives; and to petition the general assembly for the redress of grievances.

Ohio Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 3: Right to assemble.

Ohio Gun Laws

Ohio Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Ohio Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Ohio Concealed Carry (Source: Ohio Attorney General)
Ohio Concealed Carry Laws and License Application (Source: Ohio Attorney General)

Ohio Hunting Rules & Regulations

Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations (Source: ODNR Division of Wildlife)
Ohio Hunting Licenses and Permits (Source: ODNR Division of Wildlife)
Ohio's Online Wildlife Licensing System (Source: ODNR Division of Wildlife)
Ohio Hunter & Trapper Education (Source: ODNR Division of Wildlife)

Ohio Shooting Ranges

Ohio Public Shooting Ranges (Source: ODNR Division of Wildlife)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Ohio 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)

Ohio NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

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

Ohio State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Buckeye Firearms Association
Ohioans For Concealed Carry
Central Ohio Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Safari Club International Southwest Ohio Chapter (SCI-Affiliated)
Safari Club International Northern Ohio Chapter (SCI-Affiliated)
Ohio Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Ohio Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Ohio NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Ohio Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)
Ohio Gun Owners Association (Source: OhioGunOwners.org)

Ohio Gun Shows and FFLs

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

Ohio's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

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

Ohio Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

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

Ohio State Business Tax Climate Rankings

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