As a citizen of the United States, you and anyone else in Kansas (or another state) of similar legal status are protected by the Second Amendment with the right to bear arms. You may be a firearms enthusiast who collects vintage weapons from various eras or you may enjoy an off-the-grid lifestyle that includes hunting. You may also be among those who constantly refine their shooting skills as a means of self-defense. All of these things are legal under state law if you meet gun law requirements.
Kansas takes a lot of flak for its lack of stringent gun laws. In fact, the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence issued the lowest score possible to this state, mainly because firearms dealers do not need a license, you can sell a gun to another person with no background checks and no limit on the number of guns you may purchase at one time exists. Even so, you could face weapons charges that can have lasting repercussions, so it’s best to make sure you understand the regulations and know where to seek support if needed.
Some guns are illegal in Kansas
You’re at risk for facing criminal charges if you own a gun that the state prohibits. The following list includes facts regarding illegal weapons and other gun law information that may help you avoid legal trouble:
- If you own a shotgun, you’ll want to make sure its barrel extends 18 inches or more. Anything less may land you behind bars.
- It is also illegal to equip a gun with a silencer in this state.
- Under Kansas law, you may not own any type of automatic weapon.
There are strict regulations regarding plastic-coated bullets and core lead percentages as they impact bullet weight. If you have purchased guns in Kansas in the past, you’re likely aware that there is no waiting period. You may be surprised to learn that minors may own guns throughout the state, provided the barrel does not exceed 12 inches in length.
If you are addicted to a controlled substance, possessing a firearm in Kansas may pose a problem. The same goes for anyone with a felony conviction on his or her record. Owning a gun, carrying a gun in public, shooting a gun, along with buying or selling a gun, does not necessarily mean you are breaking the law. If someone accuses you of doing so and you face criminal charges, the law guarantees you the right to fight the charges in court.