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

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

Rhode Island State Constitution

The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Rhode Island Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 22: Right to bear arms.

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

In the words of the Father of his Country, we declare that "the basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and alter their constitutions of government; but that the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.

Rhode Island Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 1: Right to make and alter Constitution; Constitution obligatory upon all.

The citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assembly for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government, for redress of grievances, or for other purposes, by petition, address, or remonstrance. No law abridging the freedom of speech shall be enacted.

Rhode Island Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 21: Right to assembly; Redress of grievances; Freedom of speech.

Rhode Island Gun Laws

Rhode Island Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Rhode Island Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Rhode Island Instructions For License To Carry A Concealable Weapon (Source: Rhode Island Attorney General)
Rhode Island Section 11-47-11. License or permit to carry concealed pistol or revolver. (Source: Rhode Island General Assembly)

Rhode Island Hunting Rules & Regulations

Rhode Island Hunting Frequently Asked Questions (Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)
Rhode Island Hunting Regulations (Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)
Rhode Island Hunting License, Stamp, & Permit Fees (Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)
RI DEM Hunting & Fishing Licensing System (Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)
Rhode Island Hunter Education Program (Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)

Rhode Island Shooting Ranges

Rhode Island DEM Great Swamp Shooting Range (Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Rhode Island 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)

Rhode Island NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

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

Rhode Island State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Rhode Island 2nd Amendment Coalition (NRA-Affiliated)
Rhode Island Firearm Owner's League
Rhode Island Citizens Rights Action League
Rhode Island Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Rhode Island Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Rhode Island NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Rhode Island Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Rhode Island Gun Shows and FFLs

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

Rhode Island's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Rhode Island 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)

Rhode Island Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

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

Rhode Island State Business Tax Climate Rankings

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

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