Arizona Gun Laws in Plain English
In Arizona, you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit if you are at least 21 years old and legally allowed to own a gun. You can buy firearms from private sellers without a background check, and there are no waiting periods or limits on how many guns or what type of magazines you can own. However, you must be careful about carrying in places that serve alcohol or near schools, as specific rules still apply even with Constitutional Carry. Always remember that tribal lands (like the Navajo Nation) have their own laws that may differ from state law.
Critical: Arizona Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1Constitutional Carry (permitless carry) does NOT exempt you from the Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)). You commit a federal felony if you carry within 1,000 feet of a school without a physical AZ CCW permit.
- #2You cannot carry a firearm into a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol unless you have a CCW permit AND the establishment is not posted 'No Firearms' (A.R.S. § 4-229). Constitutional carry does not grant this exception.
- #3If you are carrying in an establishment that serves alcohol (with a permit), you cannot consume ANY alcohol. One sip is a violation (A.R.S. § 4-244(31)).
- #4Tribal lands (e.g., Navajo, Tohono O'odham) are sovereign nations. Arizona state 'Constitutional Carry' laws do NOT apply there. You must check tribal laws before carrying on reservations.
- #5If you are 18-20 years old, you cannot carry concealed (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(2)). You must open carry or keep the firearm visible in your vehicle.
- #6While marijuana is legal in Arizona (Prop 207), being a user makes you a prohibited possessor under Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)). You cannot legally own a gun if you use marijuana.
- #7You must answer truthfully if a law enforcement officer asks if you are carrying a weapon (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(1)(b)).
- #8You cannot carry on the grounds of a nuclear or hydroelectric generating station (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(3)).
- #9You cannot carry in a polling place on election day (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(11)).
- #10State preemption (A.R.S. § 13-3108) prevents cities like Tucson or Phoenix from banning guns in parks, but they can ban them in municipal buildings with security screening.
- #11Defensive display of a firearm is justified under A.R.S. § 13-421 if physical force is justified, but improper display can be charged as disorderly conduct or assault.
- #12You cannot carry in a public establishment or event if the operator asks you to remove the weapon and you refuse (Trespassing, A.R.S. § 13-1502/1503).
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.