Gun Laws in Mississippi
Gun laws in Mississippi are relatively permissive, but all gun owners must comply with both federal law and Mississippi state-specific regulations. Private sales do not require a background check or FFL dealer. There is no waiting period. This complete guide covers every Mississippi gun law you need to know in 2026.
Mississippi Gun Laws — Quick Overview
Mississippi Gun Laws — Quick Reference
Most law-abiding adults 18+ not prohibited under federal law. Constitutional carry since 2016.
Private Sales: Legal — no dealer required
Background Check: Not required for private sales
Waiting Period: None
Permit to Purchase: Not required
Registration: Not required
Magazine Limit: None
Assault Weapons Ban: No state ban
Min Age (Private): 18+
Min Age (Dealer): 21+ handguns / 18+ long guns
Carry Laws: Constitutional carry since 2016
Table of Contents
Mississippi Gun Laws — Complete Reference Table
The table below covers every major category of gun law in Mississippi — from private sales and background checks to carry rights, prohibited persons, and penalties. Each row includes Mississippi's specific rule, key details, and direct links to the governing law.
| LAW CATEGORY | MISSISSIPPI STATUS | KEY DETAILS | LAW RESOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIVATE SALES & TRANSFERS | |||
| Private Gun SalesPerson-to-person transfers | ✅ Legal | Private firearm sales between eligible Mississippi adults are legal without FFL dealer involvement. Both parties must be eligible under federal and Mississippi law. Sellers cannot knowingly transfer to a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d). GunTransfer performs a full background check and generates a bill of sale for every private sale. | Miss. Code § 97-37-1 et seq. ATF — Private Transfer Rules |
| FFL Dealer RequiredLicensed dealer involvement | ✅ Not Required | For in-state private sales between two Mississippi residents, no FFL dealer is required. An FFL is required for: purchases from licensed retailers, out-of-state purchases, and online firearm purchases. | ATF — FFL Dealers ATF — Interstate Rules |
| Bill of SaleTransfer documentation | ✅ Recommended | Not legally required in Mississippi but strongly recommended — it documents the transfer date, buyer eligibility, and firearm serial number, protecting sellers from future liability. | GunTransfer Bill of Sale → |
| Interstate TransfersOut-of-state sales | 🔵 FFL Required | Federal law prohibits direct private handgun transfers between residents of different states. Any out-of-state firearm purchase must ship to a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 ATF Interstate Guidance |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS | |||
| Background Check — DealerLicensed dealer purchases | 🔵 Required | Background checks are required for ALL purchases from licensed FFL dealers under federal law. The dealer submits a NICS check through the FBI before releasing any firearm. | FBI NICS System ATF — Brady Law |
| Background Check — Private SalesPerson-to-person | ✅ Not Required | Mississippi does not require background checks for private firearm sales between individuals. However, sellers remain legally responsible under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) for not knowingly transferring to a prohibited person. GunTransfer provides a full background check for every private sale. | ATF — Prohibited Persons 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) |
| WAITING PERIODS | |||
| Waiting PeriodDealer & private sales | ✅ None | Mississippi has no mandatory waiting period for any firearm purchase or private transfer. Eligible buyers may take immediate possession after a legal transfer is completed. | Mississippi Firearms Laws Giffords — Waiting Periods |
| PERMITS & LICENSES | |||
| Permit to PurchaseBefore buying a firearm | ✅ Not Required | Mississippi does not require any permit, license, or state ID card to purchase a firearm. Federal eligibility requirements apply. | Mississippi Firearms Laws |
| Concealed CarryCarrying a hidden firearm | ✅ Permitless | Constitutional carry since 2016. Optional Enhanced Carry Permit for reciprocity. | Mississippi Carry Laws Mississippi Carry Reciprocity |
| REGISTRATION | |||
| Firearm RegistrationState registry | ✅ Not Required | Mississippi has no state firearm registry. Gun owners are not required to register firearms with any state or local government. | Mississippi Firearms Laws |
| AGE REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Handguns — DealerMinimum purchase age | ⚠️ 21+ | Federal law requires buyers to be at least 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed FFL dealer. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) |
| Long Guns — DealerRifles & shotguns | ⚠️ 18+ | Federal law allows licensed FFL dealers to sell rifles and shotguns to buyers 18+. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) |
| Private Sales — All FirearmsMinimum private sale age | ⚠️ 18+ | Federal law sets 18 as the minimum age for all private firearm transfers in Mississippi — handguns and long guns alike. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(x) |
| 🔫 CARRY LAWS | |||
| Open CarryCarrying a visible firearm | ✅ Legal | Open carry is legal in Mississippi for eligible adults. Restricted locations (schools, courthouses, federal buildings) still apply. | Mississippi Carry Laws |
| ⛔ FIREARM RESTRICTIONS | |||
| Assault Weapons BanRestrictions on certain firearms | ✅ No Ban | Mississippi has no state assault weapons ban. Semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns are legal to purchase, own, and transfer in Mississippi. | Mississippi Firearms Laws Giffords — Mississippi AWB |
| Magazine Capacity LimitsRound restrictions | ✅ No Limit | Mississippi has no magazine capacity restrictions. Magazines of any capacity are legal to purchase, own, and transfer in Mississippi. | Giffords — Magazine Laws |
| Red Flag / ERPO LawsEmergency removal orders | ✅ No Law | Mississippi does not have a Red Flag law (ERPO). Firearms cannot be removed without a criminal charge. | Giffords — Red Flag Laws |
| 🚫 PROHIBITED PERSONS | |||
| Federal Prohibited PersonsWho cannot own firearms | 🚫 See List | Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), prohibited from possessing firearms in Mississippi and all states:
| ATF — Prohibited Persons 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) |
| SELLER & BUYER OBLIGATIONS | |||
| Seller ResponsibilityLegal obligations when selling | 🔵 Federal Law | Even in gun-friendly states like Mississippi, sellers carry federal legal obligations. You cannot:
| 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) ATF — Seller Obligations |
| Gift TransfersTransferring without payment | ✅ Legal | Firearms may be gifted in Mississippi when the recipient is legally eligible and at least 18 years old. The same prohibited person restrictions apply. Gifting to a prohibited person is a federal felony. Document with GunTransfer. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 |
| Gun InheritanceInheriting firearms from estate | ✅ Legal | Mississippi allows the inheritance of legally-owned firearms. Key rules:
| ATF — Firearm Inheritance ATF — NFA Inheritance |
| KEY MISSISSIPPI STATUTES | |||
| Primary Firearms StatuteMain state law | State Law | Miss. Code § 97-37-1 et seq. — Mississippi's primary firearms laws covering possession, transfer, carry, and prohibited persons. | Mississippi Firearms Code (Full Text) Giffords — Mississippi Gun Laws NRA-ILA — Mississippi |
| Federal Baseline LawApplies in all 50 states | Federal | 18 U.S.C. § 922 — The primary federal firearms statute governing who can own guns, dealer background checks, interstate transfer rules, and federal firearms crimes. Applies in Mississippi and every state. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Full Text) ATF State Laws Guide |
Quick Facts
How Gun Laws Are Categorized
To understand firearm regulations across the United States — and in Mississippi specifically — gun laws fall into three broad categories: gun-friendly states, moderate states, and strict states. Mississippi falls into the gun friendly category: ✅ Gun-Friendly.
- No background checks for private sales
- No waiting periods
- No permit required to purchase
- No firearm registration
- Permitless (constitutional) carry
- No magazine capacity limits
- Minimal transfer restrictions
- Some background check requirements
- Private sale rules vary
- Concealed carry permits required
- Limited waiting periods
- Some firearm restrictions
- State-level transfer rules
- Universal background checks required
- Mandatory waiting periods
- Firearm registration required
- Permit required to purchase
- Magazine capacity limits
- Assault weapon restrictions
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Quick Answers about Mississippi Gun Laws
A gun transfer occurs whenever legal ownership of a firearm changes from one individual to another in Mississippi. This can happen through a private sale or a licensed dealer.
- Yes — legal in Mississippi between eligible adults. No background check, FFL dealer, or permit required for in-state private sales. GunTransfer documents every sale.
- No — not required by Mississippi law for private sales. However, GunTransfer performs a full background check on every buyer.
- No — not directly. Federal law requires handgun sales to buyers in other states to go through a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. Online purchases must ship to a local FFL.
- Yes — always recommended in Mississippi. Even though not legally required for private sales, a GunTransfer bill of sale documents the transfer date, buyer eligibility, and firearm serial number.
Understanding when a firearm transfer is required and how to complete one legally in Mississippi is essential for responsible gun ownership. GunTransfer makes every private transfer documented and legally protected.
Responsible Firearm Transfers
Responsible firearm transfers in Mississippi help ensure that firearms remain in the hands of law-abiding citizens. Even in gun-friendly Mississippi, responsible sellers always verify buyer eligibility and document the transfer.
- Confirming the buyer is legally eligible to possess firearms under Mississippi and federal law
- Verifying the buyer is at least 18 years old and a legal U.S. resident
- Using GunTransfer to run a full background check on the buyer
- Generating a complete GunTransfer bill of sale documenting both parties and the firearm
- Meeting in a safe, public location to complete the transfer
- Keeping a permanent copy of the GunTransfer bill of sale
Responsible firearm transfers help protect Mississippi gun owners from future liability, prevent firearms from reaching prohibited individuals, and demonstrate the law-abiding character of Mississippi’s gun owner community.
Mississippi Gun Law Resources
Complete Mississippi firearms guides and 50-state resources from GunTransfer.com
50 State Guides
Gun Laws by State → How to Buy a Gun by State → How to Sell a Gun by State → Private Gun Sale Laws by State → Gun Transfer Laws by State → Background Check Laws → Waiting Period Laws →Mississippi Law Guides
How to Buy a Gun in Mississippi → How to Sell a Gun in Mississippi → Private Gun Sale Laws in Mississippi → Gun Transfer Laws in Mississippi → Background Check Laws in Mississippi → Waiting Period Laws in Mississippi →Support
Frequently Asked
Questions
What are the gun laws in Mississippi?
Mississippi allows private firearm sales. Private sales do not require a background check or FFL dealer in Mississippi.There is no waiting period. No firearm registration is required. See Miss. Code § 97-37-1 et seq..
Do I need a background check to buy a gun in Mississippi?
For dealer purchases, yes — a background check is always required under federal law. For private sales in Mississippi, no background check is required by state law. However, GunTransfer performs a full background check on every buyer.
Is there a waiting period for gun purchases in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi does not require a waiting period for firearm purchases. Eligible buyers may take possession immediately after a legal transfer is completed.
What is a gun transfer and when is it required?
A gun transfer occurs whenever legal ownership of a firearm moves from one person to another. In Mississippi, private transfers between residents do not require FFL dealer involvement. Interstate transfers always require a licensed FFL in the buyer’s state under federal law.
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Mississippi Gun Law Resources: Miss. Code § 97-37-1 et seq. | ATF — Prohibited Persons | 18 U.S.C. § 922 | FBI NICS | Giffords — Mississippi Gun Laws
A handshake isn’t a transfer.
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- Official bill of sale, signed by both partiesElectronic. Documented to hold up in court.
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- Done from your phone in ~10 minutesNo gun-shop visit required in Mississippi.
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About this guide
- Published by
- Gun Transfer, which has handled private firearm transfers since 2016. Written and maintained in-house.
- Sources
- Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 921–931), the ATF’s published rules and guidance, and the statutes of the state this page covers. Primary sources are linked throughout the text above so you can check any of it yourself.
- Last reviewed
- . Firearm law changes often, and a page that was right in April can be wrong by August.
- Found something wrong?
- Tell us and we will check it: info@guntransfer.com or 855-750-5500.
This is general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm and no attorney has reviewed this page. Firearm law varies by state and by situation, and the consequences of getting it wrong fall on you — so verify anything you are relying on against your state’s current statute, or ask a lawyer licensed there.
