Most Gun Friendly States in 2025

How does your state rank in terms of encouraging legal gun ownership? Our results are surprising! We took into account the current gun laws, current legislators’ past voting history, 2A-centric taxes, and more to bring you this comprehensive list for 2024.

Report Highlights:

• New Hampshire is #1 thanks to its incredibly relaxed gun laws, low crime rates, and lack of state sales tax.
• West Virginia is #2 due to recent legislative actions to remove firearm restrictions and reduce sales tax on firearms and ammunition.
• Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are #3, #4, and #5, thanks to their pro-2A governors, stand-your-ground laws, and relaxed carry and conceal requirements.
• Utah, Arizona, and Kansas ranked to #25, #24, and #23 due to their current governors’ Second Amendment stance.

Our ranking factors and how we weighed each of those factors are detailed here: “Ranking Factors: What Did We Measure?”. Our sources are listed here. Without further ado, please scroll down to see how we ranked America’s best states for gun owners in 2024.

Best States for Gun Owners

#25 Utah

Utah residents may conceal or openly carry a firearm, but some restrictions apply. For example, residents may not carry in courthouses, jails, or other prohibited places. Those over 18 may carry an unloaded firearm without a permit, while those over 21 may carry a loaded firearm without a permit.

While there aren’t any additional taxes, firearm purchasers will pay an additional $7.50 for background checks. However, those with an in-state CCW are exempt from this fee. There are also tax exemptions for firearms and ammunition purchases.

Utah does not require background checks for private sales and transfers, but it does impose penalties for selling firearms to prohibited persons. Utah has stand-your-ground laws with no duty to retreat to protect those acting in self-defense from prosecution.

Recently, Governor Spencer Cox made remarks that he is open to discussing gun regulation measures. However, actions speak louder than words and the governor did sign legislation in 2022 to keep local municipalities from enacting gun control restrictions.

#24 Arizona

Arizona is a Constitutional Carry state, allowing citizens to carry a firearm (open or concealed) without a permit. It’s also a shall-issue permit state, meaning the state must issue a permit to all eligible residents. Those over 18 can open carry a firearm without a permit, but only those over 21 can purchase handguns and conceal firearms with no permit.

The state’s CWP (Concealed Weapon Permit) is valid in a whopping 36 states, and those traveling to AZ can open carry in most places. If you ever find yourself in a threatening situation, AZ does have the Castle Doctrine, and there’s no duty to retreat.

Firearms are subject to the state sales tax but are exempt from the TPT (transaction privilege tax) as of January 1, 2023. Arizona sits comfortably near the top of our list at the moment, but with new Governor Katie Hobbs, we can’t be sure the state will remain on this list. Her voting record does not comfortably align with other pro-2A governors.

#23 Kansas

Kansas is a Constitutional Carry state where citizens can open or conceal carry a firearm without a permit.

Those 18 and over can apply for the state’s CCHL (Concealed Carry Handgun Licenses). You don’t have to get a CCHL in Kansas, register your firearms, or pass background checks outside of the standard federal checks.

Kansas tax rates are the same for firearms as they are for any other goods, and there are no tax breaks for components or safe storage accessories. Kansas also has a Castle Doctrine with no duty to retreat. Citizens with a CCHL can visit 39 other states with their firearms.

Kansas’s Governor, Laura Kelly, vetoed a bill to teach firearm-appropriate training and also advocates for harsher background checks and even some equipment bans.

#22 Iowa

As another Constitutional Carry state, Iowa allows law-abiding citizens to open or concealed carry firearms under permitless carry laws but still offers a PCW (Permit to Carry Weapons) for those over 21 years of age (those under 18 are eligible if the permit is required for work). The state honors 49 others’ CCWs, while Iowa’s citizens can carry in 33 states with a PCW.

The state’s standard sales tax also applies to all firearms and ammunition purchases, but some state legislators have supported firearms tax holidays in the past.

Citizens do have some protections with Iowa’s self-defense laws, and there’s no duty to retreat. On another note, the state is considering passing legislation to allow gun owners to keep firearms in their vehicles on school campuses.

We are seeing some progress in Iowa for gun owners in the state under Governor Kim Reynolds. She was instrumental in passing legislation that stopped requiring permits for purchases, and supports lowering the age to buy or carry a handgun to 18 years.

#21 Georgia

Georgia is a Constitutional Carry state that allows those over 21 who are lawfully permitted to possess firearms to conceal a firearm in some places. The state honors carry permits from 32 other states, and 33 states accept Georgia’s WCL. Among the standard licensure requirements, those with previous mental illness cannot legally possess firearms, as is the case in many states due to Federal background checks.

Georgia does not require residents to register their firearms, and you won’t need a purchase permit to acquire one from an FFL. Georgians also won’t receive any tax credits on firearms or ammunition purchases.

The state has stand-your-ground lawswith no duty to retreat. This means that if a person acts, according to a reasonable individual in self-defense, they may not be prosecuted – even if the situation occurs outside of the individual’s residence.

Brian Kemp signed legislation that made it possible for Georgians to openly carry firearms in the state without a permit.

#20 Indiana

Any resident over 18 years old can open or concealed carry a firearm in Indiana without a permit unless prohibited from possessing a firearm. Indiana accepts CCW permits from 48 other states, and residents can travel to 32 other states with their Indiana permits.

Indiana does have Red Flag Laws where police officers have the authority to remove firearms from dangerous individuals. However, courts also have the duty to rule on whether those firearms were removed lawfully within 14 days. The state doesn’t require registration for firearms.

Residents are protected from prosecution in self-defense situations by the state’s stand-your-ground and castle doctrines with no duty to retreat.

While those purchasing firearms and ammunition will pay standard sales tax, a bill is currently sitting with the State’s Means & Ways Committee to exempt firearms and ammunition.

Governor Eric Holcomb signed the bill to make Indiana a Constitutional Carry state, but also enacted legislation to stop the purchase of equipment known to convert firearms to fully automatic. Depending on your 2A stance, this could be a positive or negative for gun owners in the state.

#19 Louisiana

Louisiana is also a Constitutional Carry state, where anyone over the age of 18 can lawfully carry a firearm as long as they aren’t restricted from doing so (open carry is not covered in the statute). However, the state also has mandates restricting open or concealed carry at parades and bars. The state does issue Concealed Handgun permits (CHPs), residents can carry to 37 other states, and Louisiana accepts weapons permits from 37 states.

You won’t have to go through a permit process, additional background checks outside of federal ones, or registrations to obtain a firearm in Louisiana. At the time of writing, Louisiana sales tax applies to all guns, ammunition, and accessories. However, the state does occasionally implement tax holidays for accessories and safety devices.

Those who find themselves in a threatening situation are protected from prosecution under the state’s Stand Your Ground laws and Castle Doctrine, and there is no duty to retreat. Yet, in Louisiana, a person must be met with force to apply force.

Governor Jeff Landry signed Constitutional Carry into law, despite past governors vetoing the bill. So far, this Louisiana governor seems to be on track to secure Louisiana’s ranking on our Best States for Gun Ownership list.

#18 Florida

Known as “The Gunshine State,” Florida is a Concealed Constitutional Carry state, meaning it is legal for lawful citizens to conceal a firearm without a permit (you can only open carry when you’re fishing, camping, traveling, or hunting). Those who like to travel will enjoy reciprocity in 37 other states. Florida also honors CCWs from 35 states.

Florida has its own standards, aside from federal background checks, for firearm purchases – this further limits gun ownership in the Panhandle state. Florida does not issue tax exemptions for firearms, but you also don’t have to register your firearms in the state.

The state has protections for those who act in self-defense, and there’s no duty to retreat as long as a reasonable person believes the individual acted appropriately for the situation.

Lastly, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the concealed carry legislation, so we don’t expect Florida to fall off this list.

#17 Tennessee

Tennessee is a Constitutional Carry state where anyone over 21 who can lawfully possess a firearm can carry and conceal their weapon without a license. Those wanting to apply for a CCW must meet criteria similar to federal background checks (no felonies, orders of protection, domestic violence charges including misdemeanors, and no mental health adjudication).

Tennessee reciprocity agreements allow resident CCW holders to travel to 37 other states while also accepting CCWs from 48 other states. Tennessee has a history of tax exemptions for gun safety equipment. However, firearms purchases and all other related equipment are currently taxed at the standard rate.

The state also has stand-your-ground and castle doctrine protections that include no duty to retreat. Of course, these protections do not cover criminal activity or situations where a reasonable person wouldn’t have acted similarly.

Tennessee also performs background checks with the state’s TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) and the federal NICS. Tennessee’s governor, Bill Lee, is a staunch supporter of the people’s Second Amendment rights and even blocked Extreme Risk Protection Orders in 2024.

#16 Kentucky

Kentuckians over the age of 21 can conceal or open carry (as lawfully permitted to do so) without a CCW. The state accepts CCWs from all 50 states, while residents can travel to 37 other states with their Kentucky permits (CCDW).

Kentuckians must pass the federal NICS background check before purchasing firearms from an FFD, but there are no firearm registration requirements. Citizens may be protected from prosecution when using deadly force to protect life and property. Firearms purchases are subject to standard sales tax, but the state is considering tax exemptions.

Governor Andy Beshear claims to be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. He supports the right to keep and bear arms despite cannabis use, and didn’t contest the state’s Second Amendment Sanctuary legislation.

#15 Alabama

Alabama, another Constitutional Carry state, allows concealed and open carry for residents over 19. Residents can still apply for the state’s CCW at their local sheriff’s department. With a minimal fee and state background check, anyone who has not committed prior offenses and has no history of mental illness may obtain the permit. Of course, the state also gives power to the issuing department to deny permits.

Alabama honors 48 states’ permits, while residents can lawfully conceal and carry firearms in 32 other states with an Alabama CCW. Firearm purchases in Alabama are subject to the state’s standard sales tax, but firearm registration isn’t required. The state also protects those lawfully protecting life or property from prosecution with stand-your-ground, castle doctrine, and no duty to retreat.

With Memaw Ivey at the helm, an endearing term for the state’s current governor, Alabama gun rights are safe for the time being. She signed a bill to solidify the right to carry, making Alabama one of the best states for gun ownership.

#14 South Carolina

South Carolina is a Constitutional Carry state, meaning that any individual over 18 who can legally possess a firearm can do so without a permit (open or concealed). The state also doesn’t require background checks for private sales and residents may use their carry permits in lieu of background checks.

Residents don’t have to register their firearms or pass redundant background checks (considering federal law mandates stringent background checks already). Another redeeming quality for the state is that it occasionally offers tax holidays for firearms and ammunition purchases.

South Carolina does afford protection to those acting in self-defense. The state now has Stand Your Ground laws, and there is no duty to retreat.

The state’s Governor, Henry McMaster, has voiced his support for the 2nd Amendment over the years. In addition to those statements, he’s also pushing for harsher punishments for those who possess firearms illegally.

#13 Alaska

Alaskan residents also enjoy Constitutional Carry legislation, and anyone over the age of 21 can open or conceal carry handguns without a CCW (Concealed Weapons Permit). There’s no sales tax in the state, so you won’t have to pay an additional tax on handgun purchases. Gun owners can travel to 26 other states, and visitors from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C. can also carry in Alaska with their state’s CCW.

There are no firearm registration, CCW requirements, or additional background checks (aside from form 4473 to comply with federal laws) to purchase a firearm in Alaska. However, those who’ve been convicted of a crime carrying a penalty of at least one year in prison, and those with pending domestic violence litigation (including orders of protection), and unable to carry or purchase a firearm in the Last Frontier.

So, what happens if you ever need to use your firearm in Alaska? Well, the state has both Stand Your Ground laws and there’s no duty to leave the area (unless you’re the aggressor, then it’s a good idea to politely excuse yourself from a threatening situation).

With Governor Mike Dunleavy at the helm, it looks like Alaska will remain one of the best states for gun ownership. He supports campus carry and has made many statements that he is a 2nd Amendment proponent.

#12 Wyoming

Wyoming also has Constitutional Carry, and allows its law-abiding citizens to open or conceal carry and stand their ground with no duty to retreat. While you can get enhanced carry permits for traveling (accepted by 35 other states), they aren’t required for purchase, and neither is gun registration or additional background checks.

You’ll still pay the state’s 4% sales tax on any firearm and safety equipment, but the state offers protection for those who use their firearms in acts of self-defense with its Stand Your Ground, Castle Doctrine, and No Duty to Retreat policies.

Wyoming’s Governor, Mark Gordon, is a proponent of the Second Amendment and signed the 2A Protection Act to protect citizens’ firearms rights from federal government overreach.

#11 Idaho

Idahoans can open and concealed carry without a permit in this Constitutional Carry state. Those traveling to Idaho will need a CCW, although the state accepts permits from all 50 states. The state’s standard sales tax applies to all firearms and equipment, but you won’t have to register your firearms or take additional courses before purchasing.

If you ever find yourself in a self-defense scenario, you are protected under the state’s Stand Your Ground doctrine. There’s no duty to retreat and no duty to assess the situation further than reasonably necessary.

Governor Brad Little has a history of going up against the federal government to secure 2nd Amendment rights, as seen with his Credit Card Privacy Bill. We feel confident that Idaho will remain on this list for quite some time.

#10 North Dakota

Residents of North Dakota (for more than 30 days) will enjoy enjoy open and concealed Constitutional Carry freedoms as long as they are at least 18 years of age, have no felony convictions (which you can get your 2A rights back after serving your sentence), and have no pending criminal charges or protective orders against you. Of course, even those who have prior convictions may have an opportunity to get their 2A rights back in North Dakota.

If you apply for a CCW in North Dakota, local law enforcement has the authority to deny your permit if they reasonably believe you are a danger to yourself or others. The state honors 38 other states’ CCWs, and ND residents can travel to 39 others with a North Dakota CCW. What’s better is that you don’t have to register your firearms, and the state doesn’t have additional background checks outside of federal ones.

If you do apply for a CCW in North Dakota, local law enforcement does have the authority to deny your permit if they reasonably believe you are a danger to yourself or others. The state honors 38 other state’s CCWs, and ND residents can travel to 39 others with a North Dakota CCW. What’s better is that you don’t have to register your firearms, and the state doesn’t have additional background checks outside of federal ones.

North Dakota is a Stand Your Ground state. Not only does one have the right to use deadly force in defense of oneself and others, but the state also provides immunity from civil liability if said use of force is justifiable.

While you won’t get any tax breaks for firearms or equipment, you won’t see additional penalties for fees, either. North Dakota also has Stand Your Ground laws with no duty to retreat from any place where you are legally allowed to be present. Governor Doug Burgum recently declared North Dakota a Second Amendment Sanctuary State, so we don’t anticipate any changes soon.

#9 Texas

If you’re at least 21 years of age and lawfully allowed to possess a firearm, you can conceal or open carry without a permit in Texas. However, Commissioned Officers are unable to enforce carry restrictions on those aged 18-20 due to a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling (although this is subject to change). Residents can travel to 37 other states with an enhanced firearm permit, and Texas honors 44 other states’ CCWs.

Continue reading Most Gun Friendly States in 2025 here

Source: https://freedombunker.com/2025/05/09/most-gun-friendly-states/