If You Own Guns, Don't Move Here | The Worst States For Gun Owners Ranked

Published on May 8, 2026
Duration: 15:29

This video ranks the top five worst states for gun owners, considering not only restrictive laws but also the presence of a thriving shooting community, range access, and industry culture. It highlights Illinois, California, Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey as states with significant legal hurdles and limited opportunities for firearm enthusiasts, while also emphasizing the importance of community and fighting for rights.

Quick Summary

The top five worst states for gun owners are Illinois, California, Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey. These rankings consider not only restrictive gun laws but also the availability of shooting ranges, public lands, the strength of the local firearms community, and the presence of industry businesses.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: America the Free?
  2. 00:17Top 5 Worst States for Gun Owners Ranked
  3. 00:45Sponsor: ISOtunes Sport Hearing Protection
  4. 01:30Number 5: Illinois Gun Laws & Culture
  5. 02:03Illinois's Legal Trends and Industry Exodus
  6. 03:36Illinois Restrictions: Carry & Waiting Periods
  7. 04:25Number 4: California Gun Laws & Community
  8. 04:54California's Public Lands and Shooting Scene
  9. 05:35California Companies: SureFire & Juggernaut Tactical
  10. 06:10Number 3: Hawaii Gun Laws & Accessibility
  11. 06:41Hawaii's Travel Challenges for Shooters
  12. 07:11Hawaii's Difficulty for Training and Community
  13. 08:31Number 2: New York Gun Laws & Restrictions
  14. 09:01New York's Lack of Public Land for Shooting
  15. 09:54New York's Strict Laws: License to Possess
  16. 10:21Industry Exodus from New York
  17. 11:12Number 1: New Jersey Gun Laws & Restrictions
  18. 11:35New Jersey's Restrictive Firearm Regulations
  19. 12:13New Jersey's Limited Shooting Community & Industry
  20. 13:13Summary: Factors for Gun Owners in State Choice
  21. 13:31Building Gun Culture: Laws, Community, Industry
  22. 14:09Fighting for Rights and Maintaining Optimism
  23. 14:42The Power of Positive Attitude
  24. 15:01Conclusion & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 worst states for gun owners?

The top five worst states for gun owners, ranked from least to most restrictive in terms of laws, community, and industry presence, are Illinois, California, Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey. These states present significant challenges for firearm enthusiasts.

What factors determine if a state is bad for gun owners?

A state's suitability for gun owners is determined by a combination of factors: the strictness of its firearm laws (like assault weapon bans and magazine capacity limits), the availability and accessibility of shooting ranges and public lands, the vibrancy of its shooting community and events, and the presence of firearm industry businesses.

Why is Illinois considered a bad state for gun owners?

Illinois ranks poorly due to increasingly strict gun laws, including a 72-hour waiting period for purchases, restrictions on certain firearms and magazines, and limitations on carrying firearms. The state is also seeing a dwindling industry presence, with companies relocating to more gun-friendly states.

How do New York and New Jersey compare for gun owners?

Both New York and New Jersey have highly restrictive gun laws. New York requires a license to possess a handgun and has limited public shooting access. New Jersey imposes strict limits on magazine capacity, bans assault weapons, and requires permits for handgun purchases, making it arguably the most challenging state.

What are the upsides of living in California for gun owners?

Despite its strict gun laws, California offers advantages such as extensive public lands (BLM land) where shooting is permitted and a large, active shooting community with numerous events and competitions. Several firearm accessory companies also maintain headquarters there.

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