Arizona, like most states, has its own provisions and rules when it comes to purchasing and carrying firearms. While state-level laws do not trump certain federal gun regulations, they do govern all counties collectively.
It’s fair to say that, in many ways, Arizona is still the wild west when it comes to gun ownership. In fact, our state has some of the most lax state gun laws in the country.
Below, we discuss Arizona’s specific gun statutes, answer common questions about state firearm laws, and explain why having a knowledgeable gun-charge defense attorney is key to reducing sentencing and penalties.
2025 Arizona Gun Laws
Here are the Arizona firearm-related laws as of 2025:
§ 13-3102 – Misconduct Involving Weapons
- Carrying without a permit – Requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm.
- Prohibited possession – Bans firearm possession by individuals, such as convicted felons, people indicted for a felony, mentally incompetent persons, domestic violence offenders, people with restraining orders, illegal drug users, and undocumented immigrants.
- Use in a crime – Criminalizes using a firearm during the act of committing a crime.
§ 13-3102.01 – Storage of Deadly Weapons
- Unauthorized access – Designed to protect children by prohibiting easy accessibility.
- Security requirements – Certain situations require secure storage of firearms.
§ 13-3109 – Sale or Gift of Firearm to Minor
- Selling to a minor – It’s illegal to sell a firearm to a person under 18.
- Gifting to a minor – Individuals are not allowed to give a firearm to someone under 18, unless it’s specifically for hunting or sport shooting.
§ 13-3111 – Minors Prohibited from Carrying or Possessing Firearms
- Possession by minors – People under 18 are not permitted to carry a firearm–except in lawful circumstances.
- Parental consent – Minors are allowed to use firearms with parental consent for activities like hunting or sport shooting.
§ 13-3113 – Adjudicated Delinquents and Firearm Possession
- Firearm possession ban – Prohibits minors adjudicated as delinquent from possessing firearms.
- Legal consequences – Establishes criminal penalties for violations.
§ 13-3106 – Firearm Purchase in Other States
- Out-of-state purchases – Allows Arizona residents to buy firearms in other states.
- Legal requirements – Purchase must comply with both Arizona and the other state’s firearm laws.
§ 13-3107 – Unlawful Discharge of Firearms
- Within city limits – It’s against the law to fire a weapon within city limits.
- Reckless endangerment – Prohibits discharging a firearm in a reckless or dangerous manner, such as shooting up in the air.
§ 13-3108 – Firearms Regulated by State
- State preemption – Prevents local governments from regulating firearms.
- Penalties for violation – Establishes penalties for local governments that attempt to enforce unauthorized firearm regulations.
§ 13-3112 – Concealed Weapons Permit
- Permit requirements – Describes the process for getting a concealed carry permit.
- Renewal and revocation – Rules for permit renewal and circumstances under which a permit can be revoked.
§ 13-3114 – Arizona Manufactured Firearms
- In-state manufacturing – Regulates firearms manufactured in Arizona.
- Exemptions – Provides exemptions from federal regulation for certain Arizona-manufactured firearms.
§ 13-3118 – Possession, Transfer or Storage of Firearms
- No local restrictions – Prevents local governments from imposing additional firearm regulations.
- Storage requirements – Limits regulations on how firearms can be stored.
§ 13-3121 – Firearm Transfers and Chief Law Enforcement Officer Certification
- Background checks – Requires background checks for certain firearm transfers.
- Officer certification – Requires the chief law enforcement officer to certify lawful firearm transfers.
§ 13-3122 – Unlawful Use of Electronic Firearm Tracking Technology
- Consent requirement – Prohibits using electronic tracking devices on firearms without consent.
- Law enforcement exception – Allows tracking with a valid court order.
6 Arizona Gun Law FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions related to gun laws in Arizona. If you don’t see your question answered, please reach out to our Flagstaff law firm today for a free consultation.
1. Does Arizona Have Strict Gun Laws?
Not particularly. In fact, Arizona is considered to be one of the least restrictive gun law states in the country. A few things Arizona has that most other states don’t:
- Permitless concealed carry for people over 21;
- No background check requirements for private sales;
- No waiting period to buy a gun;
- No restrictions on assault weapons or high-capacity magazines; and
- State preemption laws prevent local governments from imposing stricter gun regulations.
2. Are There Any New Gun Laws in Arizona?
Since the enactment of permitless concealed carry in 2010, which allows individuals aged 21 and up to carry a concealed firearm, there hasn’t been any major change in Arizona’s gun laws.
There have been efforts to modify the state’s gun regulations. For example, there was an effort to extend state preemption laws to restrict local governments from prohibiting gun shows.
There have also been discussions to implement an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), known more commonly as “red flag law.” However, such legislation has failed to be adopted.
3. Do Arizona Gun Laws Nullify Federal Regulations?
No. Arizona gun laws do not nullify federal regulations. Arizona enforces state firearm laws; however, federal laws, like background checks for licensed dealers, bans on certain firearms for felons, and the National Firearms Act (NFA), still apply and take precedence over state laws.
4. Who Cannot Carry a Firearm in Arizona?
In Arizona, the following individuals cannot carry a firearm:
- Convicted felons – Unless their civil rights have been restored.
- Pending felony charges – Individuals under indictment for a felony.
- Illegal drug users – Including those addicted to controlled substances.
- Mentally incompetent persons – Those adjudicated as mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution.
- Undocumented immigrants – Individuals unlawfully present in the United States.
- Domestic violence offenders – Those convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
- Restraining order subjects – Individuals under a restraining or protective order related to domestic violence or harassment.
5. What Are the Consequences of Carrying a Firearm Unlawfully in Arizona?
Unlawful firearm possession or use in Arizona can result in criminal charges and penalties depending on the offense:
- Carrying without a permit (if required) – Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
- Prohibited possession – Class 4 felony, punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison (longer for repeat offenders).
- Carrying in a prohibited area – Class 1 misdemeanor, with up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm – Class 6 felony, punishable by up to two years in prison.
- Carrying while committing a crime – Can lead to enhanced charges and additional prison time.
6. What Are the Consequences of Carrying an Illegal Firearm in Arizona?
Carrying an illegal firearm in Arizona can result in felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the circumstances:
- Prohibited possession – Class 4 felony, punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison (longer for repeat offenders).
- Possession of a prohibited weapon (e.g., sawed-off shotgun, silencer without federal approval) – Class 4 felony, with up to 2.5 years in prison.
- Carrying a firearm without a permit in restricted areas – Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
- Possession by a prohibited person – Class 4 felony, punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison.
How Antol & Hance Assists with Arizona Gun-Related Charges
Any time someone is facing serious criminal charges, it’s in their best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney with experience representing defendants in similar cases.
An experienced criminal law lawyer is able to develop a strong defense strategy based on Arizona and federal gun laws.
Additionally, Antol & Hance attorneys challenge prosecutorial evidence, negotiate penalties with prosecutors, and represent clients in court.
Facing Gun Crimes in Arizona? Get Expert Representation Today!
When you retain the legal services of Antol & Hance to fight your firearm-related charges in Arizona, you can rest assured knowing we won’t rest until we’ve exhausted every avenue to have your case dismissed or penalties reduced.
Discover for yourself how our law firm represents clients by requesting a free case evaluation.