In this piece, we discuss the ammunition and firearms laws relevant to the state of Oregon. To do so, the piece starts off with the firearms laws of the state with the goal of explaining the processes for having ammunition shipped to a residential address in the state. From there, the piece dives into the firearms laws first in terms of the process for purchasing firearms, and then for the legal guidelines for carrying a firearm in the state. We wrap up the piece with some information that we think will be useful for folks who are interested in legally buying, owning, and carrying guns and ammo in Oregon.
This piece is not intended as legal advice. Instead, we hope that you use the information here as a background for your own research so that you can make your own, informed, decisions.
Like many states, Oregon has preemption. This means that the state government has declared that no localities such as counties, cities, or towns can make or enforce firearms and ammunition laws that are stricter than those at the state level. Preemption makes things easier for law-abiding gun owners, in that it means that once you understand the laws at the state level, that understanding applies to the state as a whole.
Oregon is moderately permissive in terms of its firearms and ammunition laws. While there are no major bans at the moment, a magazine ban is currently being litigated, and the more urban parts of the state seem to have not only the political appetite for more restrictive gun laws but also, sometimes, the votes in the state legislature to put those laws in front of the governor.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Oregon
First, we will cover the ammo laws of the state.
Oregon is permissive in terms of its ammunition laws. The state does not currently have a blanket ban on any specific types of ammunition. The process for buying ammunition in Oregon follows the federal guidelines set forth by the ATF.
The ATF has two sets of requirements that ammunition buyers must meet. The first is an age requirement: people who wish to buy ammo for long guns (rifles and shotguns) have to be at least eighteen years of age or older, and handgun ammo buyers have to be at least twenty-one. Secondly, ammo buyers cannot be prohibited persons, which the ATF defines as those convicted of felonies or domestic violence, people who have been found mentally deficient in a court of law, or people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility for inpatient treatment.
Assuming that the buyer meets both sets of requirements, the state of Oregon does not have a problem with ammunition being shipped to homes in the state. Some carriers might ask for someone with an ID to be present to sign for packages containing ammo.
Since Oregon has no major ammo bans at the state level, it can be considered to be a permissive state in terms of its ammo laws.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Oregon
Next, we will do the same exercise for the state’s gun laws.
Oregon is something of a mixed bag in terms of the permissiveness of its firearms laws. In some regards, the state is highly permissive. For example, there is not currently an assault weapons ban in the state, and the state allows its residents to own NFA items such as suppressors, machine guns, and short-barreled rifles and shotguns.
There are, on the other hand, strict elements to the state’s gun laws: a magazine ban has already been signed into law in the state, and is currently being litigated at the state level. For Oregonians reading this: check the status of that case and seriously consider ordering magazines if the law is still being held up in state court. This same law would also, if upheld, institute a permit to purchase firearms in the state.
As of the writing of this piece, the process for buying a firearm at a gun store in Oregon follows federal guidelines. The buyer should bring a valid form of identification and a form of payment to the store. There, the FFL will have the buyer fill out ATF’s Form 4473 to complete a background check and record the purchase. As soon as both the background check is cleared and the payment has been accepted, the buyer can leave with the firearm the same day.
Oregon requires people to conduct background checks for private party sales as well: this can be done at any FFL in the state and has exceptions for some folks, including immediate family members.
The carriage of firearms is somewhat permissive in the state: open carry is largely legal and does not require a permit, though this is one aspect of the law that localities have been allowed to regulate. Some cities in the state require that people have a concealed carry permit to openly carry a firearm within city limits.
Concealed carry is moderately permissive as well: the state has shall-issue licenses for residents and allows residents of bordering states to get a concealed carry permit on a may-issue basis, even if the practice is uncommon. Oregon’s permitting process is relatively straightforward, and the permit is fairly widely recognized by other states.
Like most states, Oregon has a list of places where firearms are generally prohibited. In Oregon, this list includes:
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Hospitals
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State Capitol Buildings
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K-12 Schools
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City Halls
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Inside Airport Terminals
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Court Facilities
While this list is not in and of itself permissive, Oregon does allow people with concealed carry permits to carry in many of the places listed above. Some can make their own rules, though, such as schools. When in doubt, it is often best to simply call or email a given location to ask about its firearm policies in the state of Oregon.
Overall, Oregon is a mixed bag: its carry and purchase laws as they currently sit are permissive, probably owing much to the state’s largely rural geography. On the other hand, there is a very real potential for the state to become much more strict in the coming years, depending on both political currents at the state and federal level, as well as the outcome of lawsuits in the state. Oregon is a state to keep an eye on in terms of changing firearms laws.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Oregon
Oregon has no state sales taxes: this makes it a good place to buy firearms and also explains why there are outlet malls and car dealerships at every highway exit near the border with other states.
Oregon does not impose additional taxes on firearms and ammunition in the state: this is a relatively affordable state in which to be a gun owner.
More Resources:
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The ATF maintains a list of all FFLs in the country, including in Oregon. This list is kept up to date and can be used to find gun stores in the state. Generally, gun stores are Type One or Type Two FFLs.
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Wheretoshoot.org is a great resource: if you mess with the mile and city/zip code features, it can be used to find any available ranges in your area. Users add more ranges often, and the information is frequently fact-checked for accuracy.
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Oregon has a number of well-rated gun stores as well.
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The Oregon Firearms subreddit is fairly active, especially given the ongoing magazine ban case in the state.