Arkansas Gun Laws

Constitutional carry. No magazine limit. Castle doctrine and stand your ground.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Arkansas allows constitutional carry for adults 18+. The state recognizes both castle doctrine and, since a 2021 law change, stand your ground with no duty to retreat in public. No magazine limits or assault weapon bans exist.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Constitutional carry — no permit required for adults 18+ (Ark. Code § 5-73-120)
• Open Carry: Permitted without a permit (Ark. Code § 5-73-120)
• Permit to Purchase: Not required
• Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
• Magazine Limit: No limit
• Waiting Period: None
• Universal Background Check: Not required for private sales
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): No state ERPO law
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (Ark. Code § 5-2-620)
• Stand Your Ground: Yes — no duty to retreat since 2021 (Ark. Code § 5-2-607(b))
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Honors permits from all other states; visitors 18+ can carry concealed here without one anyway (Arkansas State Police — CHCL)

Frequently asked questions

Can I carry a concealed handgun without a permit in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas is a constitutional carry state. Adults 18 and older may carry concealed without a permit.

Does Arkansas require background checks for private sales?

No. Private firearm sales in Arkansas do not require a background check.

Does Arkansas have a red flag law?

No. Arkansas has not enacted an extreme risk protection order law.

Does Arkansas have stand your ground?

Yes. Arkansas enacted a stand your ground law in 2021 (Act 250), removing the prior duty to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense in public.

Does Arkansas honor out-of-state concealed carry permits?

Yes. Arkansas recognizes valid concealed carry permits issued by any other state. Because Arkansas is a constitutional carry state, an adult 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm doesn't need a permit — from Arkansas or elsewhere — to carry concealed here.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.