Compendium of State Firearms Laws

There are two chanlleges facing every gun owner.
1) To get familiar with the federal laws on gun ownership. By knowing so, you know what not to break.
2) State legisulatures and city councils make the decision if your capable of carrying a gun.

There are concealed codes for firearms:

R: Right-to-Carry "Shall issue" or less restrictive discretionary permit system (Ala., Conn.) (See also note #19.)
M: Reasonable May Issue; the state has a permissive may issue law, but the authorities recognize the right to keep and bear arms.
L: Right-to-Carry Limited by local authority`s discretion over permit issuance.
D: Right-to-Carry Denied, no permit system exists; concealed carry is prohibited.
Reciprocity and Recognition codes:
OR: Outright Recognition
TR: True Reciprocity
CR: Conditional Reciprocity
N: No recognition

1)"Assault weapons" are prohibited in the following statesConnecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

2) National Instant Check System (NICS) exemption codes:
RTC-Carry Permit Holders Exempt From NICS
P-Holders of state licenses to possess or purchase or firearms ID cards exempt from NICS.

3) There are certain NIC exeption notes, (see website number 3)

4. Maryland subjects purchases of “assault weapons” to a 7-day waiting period.

5. There is a waiting period for certain states.

6. The waiting period does not apply to a person holding a valid permit or license to carry a firearm.

7. In certain cities or counties.
8. May be extended by police to 30 days in some circumstances. An individual not holding a driver’s license must wait 60 days.

9. There are no private sales. All handgun purchases must go through a licensed dealer or the county sheriff.

10. A permit is required to acquire another handgun before 30 days have elapsed following the acquisition of a handgun. In Virginia, those with a permit to carry a concealed weapon are exempt from this prohibition.

11. Requires proof of safety training for purchase. .

12. Registration/Licensing requirements.

13. “Assault weapon” registration.

14. Chicago only. No handgun not already registered may be possessed. Must get FOID card after receiving drivers` license.

16. Vermont, Alaska and Arizona law respect your right to carry without a permit. Alaska and Arizona also have permit to carry systems to establish reciprocity with other states.

17. A person with a concealed handgun license may transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle if it is in a holster.

18. Carrying a handgun openly in a motor vehicle requires a license.

19. Arkansas prohibits carrying a firearm “with a purpose to employ it as a weapon against a person.” Tennessee prohibits carrying “with the intent to go armed.” Vermont prohibits carrying a firearm “with the intent or purpose of injuring another.”

20. Loaded.

21. Municipalities may prohibit open carry in government buildings if such prohibition is clearly posted.

22. Local jurisdictions may opt of the prohibition.


Source: http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/Federal/Read.aspx?id=74