Oregon Gun Law
Have questions about gun ownership in Oregon? Chapter 166 of the 2017 Oregon Revised Statutes outlines the state policy for the regulation, sale, possession, and discharging of weapons. Here is a quick synopsis of the variety of regulations surrounding firearm purchasing.
Background Checks: In 2015, Oregon passed a law requiring private or unlicensed firearm sellers to conduct background checks on private or unlicensed purchasers. Oregon law also requires a prospective purchaser to undergo a background check before buying a gun at a gun show. Federal law requires a background check for purchases from federally licensed firearms dealers.
Waiting period: After the background check is conducted by the licensed dealer, and passed, the purchase can be made immediately.
License to carry a concealed handgun: County sheriffs may issue a concealed handgun license (CHL) to anyone who is a legal resident of the United States over 21, while also meeting additional requirements in ORS 166.291, unless “the sheriff has reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant has been or is reasonably likely to be a danger to self or others, or to the community at large.” Additional requirements include ‘demonstrating competency’ through a safety class or other course of action, as well as having not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. According to ORS 166.370, Concealed handgun license holders are permitted to bring loaded, hidden guns into K-12 public schools as well as the Oregon State Capitol Building.
Concealed carry reciprocity: Oregon does not allow people with concealed handgun licenses from other states to carry concealed in Oregon. Gun owners from states bordering Oregon may request a CHL from border county sheriffs.
Minimum age to purchase or possess a gun: Oregon law prohibits anyone under age 18 from possessing a gun unless possession would otherwise be lawful and (1) the gun is not a handgun and was transferred with the minor’s parent’s consent, or (2) the minor possesses the gun temporarily for a lawful purpose. ORS 166.250. Oregon law prohibits the sale or transfer of a firearm to anyone under age 18, with the same exceptions. ORS 166.470. Federal law prohibits federally licensed firearms dealers from selling a handgun to anyone under age 21. 18 USC subsection 922(b)(1).
Assault weapons: Oregon does not limit the sale or possession of military-style semiautomatic assault rifles like an AR 15. Oregonians may not own a machine gun, a short-barreled rifle, a short-barreled shotgun or firearms silencer.
