Alabama Gun Laws in Plain English
In Alabama, you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit if you are legally allowed to own a gun. You don't need to register your firearms, and there are no limits on magazine capacity or the type of rifle you can buy. However, you must be careful about where you carry, as places like police stations and athletic events are off-limits. While you don't need a permit to carry in the state, getting one is still recommended for travel reciprocity and to avoid federal school zone felonies.
Critical: Alabama Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1The federal 1,000-foot Gun-Free School Zone (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) applies - constitutional carry does NOT exempt you; you need a specific Alabama permit to be exempt within the zone.
- #2If stopped by law enforcement while carrying, you MUST inform the officer you are armed if they ask you (Ala. Code § 13A-11-52).
- #3It is a crime to touch your firearm during a traffic stop unless directed by the officer (Ala. Code § 13A-11-9).
- #4Alabama defines a 'pistol' as a firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches (Ala. Code § 13A-11-70).
- #5Short-barreled rifles and shotguns are illegal under state law UNLESS they are possessed in compliance with the NFA (Ala. Code § 13A-11-63).
- #6Possession of a firearm at a demonstration or protest is prohibited (Ala. Code § 13A-11-59).
- #7You cannot carry at professional or school athletic events (Ala. Code § 13A-11-61.2).
- #8Brass knuckles are illegal to carry concealed and are often cited alongside firearms charges (Ala. Code § 13A-11-50).
- #9Walking cane guns are specifically prohibited (Ala. Code § 13A-11-63).
- #10Teflon-coated handgun ammunition is illegal to possess (Ala. Code § 13A-11-60).
- #11While you can carry in a vehicle without a permit, you cannot carry on the premises of a prison or jail (Ala. Code § 13A-11-61.2).
- #12Alabama permits issued after 2019 do NOT exempt you from NICS background checks at dealers (ATF Public Safety Advisory).
- #13A 'habitual drunkard' is prohibited from possessing firearms under state law (Ala. Code § 13A-11-72).
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.