Oregon Concealed
Handgun License Course
This course fulfills the Oregon educational requirement to apply for your CHL. Completing this material means accepting the serious responsibility of carrying a firearm - safely and legally.
Disclaimer: This training material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws, including Measure 114 and SB 554, are subject to change and ongoing judicial review. Always consult a qualified Oregon attorney for specific legal questions.
The Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety
The foundation of everything. These four rules apply at all times, everywhere.
Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
Personal VerificationNever assume a gun is empty until you have personally verified it - every single time you handle it.
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
Muzzle ControlMuzzle Control: Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction to prevent injury from accidental discharge.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and have decided to fire.
Trigger DisciplineRest your finger along the frame or slide, outside the trigger guard, until you have consciously decided to shoot.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
Target ID & BackstopBullets can travel long distances and penetrate walls. You are legally and morally responsible for every round you fire.
Additional Safety Protocols
Oregon Legal Framework
ORS 166.291 · SB 554 · Measure 114 · Portland/Multnomah Local Ordinances
Possession & Carry
Open Carry
Generally legal in Oregon statewide. However, Portland and Multnomah County prohibit open carry of loaded firearms in public without a CHL.
Concealed Carry
Requires a valid Oregon CHL. 'Concealed' includes covering with a jacket or placing a firearm in a bag or purse - even partially out of sight.
Vehicle (No CHL)
Must be locked in trunk or locked container, key removed, firearm unloaded. Must not be 'readily accessible' at any time.
Prohibited Places - Even With a Valid CHL
Federal Facilities
Post offices, federal courthouses, secure areas of airports (past TSA).
Court Facilities
State courthouses and any building occupied by court personnel (unless authorized by the presiding judge). Violation is a Class C Felony.
School Grounds (SB 554)
School districts, colleges, and universities may prohibit CHL carry if they post clear signage and website notices. Always check specific school policy.
Private Property
Business owners have the right to ban firearms on their premises. Posted signs must be respected.
Indian Reservations
Generally prohibited without explicit tribal permission.
Secure Storage & Strict Liability (SB 554)
Storage Requirement
When not under your immediate control, firearms must be secured with a trigger lock, cable lock, or in a locked container (safe/lockbox).
Vehicle Storage
A handgun left unattended in a vehicle must be in a locked container (glove box or trunk) and not visible from outside the vehicle.
Strict Liability
If you fail to secure your firearm and it is used to injure someone, you can be held strictly liable - you are responsible even if you acted reasonably.
Theft Reporting
Report lost/stolen firearms to law enforcement within 72 hours statewide, or 48 hours in Multnomah County per local ordinance.
Measure 114 - Current Status
Court Ruling (March 12, 2025)
The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled Measure 114 constitutional, reversing a prior Harney County Circuit Court decision. The three-judge panel found the measure does not violate the Oregon Constitution's right to bear arms. Challengers have indicated plans to appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court.
Implementation - Delayed Until January 1, 2028
HB 4145 has delayed implementation of the permit-to-purchase requirements and large-capacity magazine provisions until January 1, 2028. This means neither requirement is currently in force.
Permit to Purchase (Not Yet in Effect)
Will require a permit before buying any firearm, including a background check and live-fire safety training.
Magazine Capacity (Not Yet in Effect)
Will limit magazines to 10 rounds. Pre-owned large-capacity magazines may only be used on private property or at a shooting range - not carried concealed in public.
Use of Force
ORS 161.209 - When physical and deadly force is legally justified in Oregon
PPhysical Force (Non-Deadly)
You may use physical force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to defend yourself or another from the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force.
DDeadly Physical Force
Deadly force is justified only when you reasonably believe another person is:
- 1.Committing or attempting a felony involving physical force (e.g., violent robbery)
- 2.Committing or attempting a burglary in a dwelling
- 3.Using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against you or another
The I.M.O. Triangle - Evaluating a Threat
Intent
Does the person intend to cause serious harm? (Verbal threats, aggressive movement toward you)
Means
Do they have the ability to cause serious bodily harm? (Weapon, size/strength advantage)
Opportunity
Are they physically capable of carrying out the threat? (Close enough, no barriers)
All three elements must be present to legally justify deadly force.
Practical Scenarios
The Fleeing Intruder
Situation: You discover an intruder in your home. They turn and run out the front door.
Why: Once the person flees, the threat is no longer imminent. You generally cannot use deadly force solely to retrieve property or stop a fleeing suspect.
The Imminent Threat
Situation: An intruder drops your TV, pulls a knife, and walks toward you with a fixed stare after you commanded them to leave.
Why: The intruder demonstrated Intent (ignoring commands), Means (knife), and Opportunity (closing distance). The IMO triangle is complete.
Road Rage - The Aggressor
Situation: You exit your vehicle to argue, get into a fistfight, lose, and draw your gun.
Why: You were a willing participant and the initial aggressor. You generally cannot claim self-defense when you provoked the confrontation.
Practical Carry & Gear
Holsters, ammunition selection, and how to handle law enforcement contact
Holster Selection
Your carry method must balance four competing needs:
On-Body vs. Off-Body: Avoid loose carry in a purse or backpack. Use a bag with a dedicated holster compartment if carrying off-body - loose carry is dangerous and slow.
Kydex: Check that retention screws remain tight. A loose screw can allow the trigger to be accessed.
Leather: Inspect regularly for wear that could fold into the trigger guard - especially with OWB holsters.
Ammunition Selection
🎯 Practice Ammo
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) - also called "ball" ammo. Cost-effective for range training. Not recommended for carry.
🛡️ Self-Defense Carry Ammo
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) - expands upon impact ("mushrooms"), maximizing stopping power while reducing risk of overpenetration and hitting bystanders. Always carry JHP.
Interacting with Law Enforcement While Carrying
If you are pulled over while carrying, follow these steps in order. Your goal is safety for everyone involved.
Hands on the Wheel
Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel from the moment you pull over until the officer gives further instructions.
Inform the Officer
Calmly state: "Officer, I have a Concealed Handgun License and I am currently carrying a firearm. How would you like to proceed?"
Do Not Reach
Never reach for your wallet, registration, or the firearm until you are explicitly instructed to do so. Unexpected movement is dangerous.
Disclosure Note
Oregon law does not strictly require you to immediately announce your CHL, but proactive disclosure is strongly recommended to avoid misunderstandings if the officer spots the weapon.
Applying for Your CHL
The Oregon CHL is issued by the Sheriff of your county of residence
Eligibility Requirements
Automatic Disqualifiers (ORS 166.291)
Application Steps - Multnomah County
Apply Online or In Person
Complete the application at mcso.us or visit the kiosk at 3083 NE 170th Place, Portland.
Schedule Appointment
Book an appointment for fingerprinting and your photograph.
Pay the Fee
Approximately $115. Credit card accepted online. Cash or check only in person.
Bring Documentation
- Valid Oregon Driver's License or State ID
- Proof of Residency if address on ID is not current (tax return, lease, or voter registration)
- Course Completion Certificate (this course)
- Proof of Citizenship (Passport or Birth Certificate) if not born in the U.S.
All 36 Oregon County Sheriffs
Apply for your CHL at the Sheriff's Office of your county of residence.
Baker County
Sheriff Travis Ash
541-523-6415
Benton County
Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall
541-766-6858
Clackamas County
Sheriff Angela Brandenburg
503-655-8218
Clatsop County
Sheriff Matt Phillips
503-325-8635
Columbia County
Sheriff Brian Pixley
503-366-4611
Coos County
Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio
541-396-7800
Crook County
Sheriff John Gautney
541-447-6398
Curry County
Sheriff John Ward
541-247-3243
Deschutes County
Sheriff Ty Rupert
541-388-6655
Douglas County
Sheriff John Hanlin
541-440-4450
Gilliam County
Sheriff Gary Bettencourt
541-384-2851
Grant County
Sheriff Todd McKinley
541-575-1131
Harney County
Sheriff Dan Jenkins
541-573-6156
Hood River County
Sheriff Matt English
541-386-2098
Jackson County
Sheriff Nathan Sickler
541-774-6800
Jefferson County
Sheriff Jason Pollock
541-475-6520
Josephine County
Sheriff Dave Daniel
541-474-5123
Klamath County
Sheriff Shane Mitchell
541-883-5130
Lake County
Sheriff Daniel Tague
541-947-6027
Lane County
Sheriff Carl Wilkerson
541-682-4434
Lincoln County
Sheriff Adam Shanks
541-265-4277
Linn County
Sheriff Michelle Duncan
541-967-3950
Malheur County
Sheriff Travis Johnson
541-473-5126
Marion County
Sheriff Nick Hunter
503-588-5094
Morrow County
Sheriff John A. Bowles
541-676-5317
Multnomah County ← Portland
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell
503-988-4300
Polk County
Sheriff Mark Garton
503-623-9251
Sherman County
Sheriff James Burgett
541-565-3622
Tillamook County
Sheriff Joshua R. Brown
503-842-2561
Umatilla County
Sheriff Terry Rowan
541-966-3600
Union County
Sheriff Cody Bowen
541-963-1017
Wallowa County
Sheriff Ryan Moody
541-426-3131
Wasco County
Sheriff Lane Magill
541-506-2580
Washington County
Sheriff Caprice Massey
503-846-2700
Wheeler County
Sheriff Jeremiah Holmes
541-763-4101
Yamhill County
Sheriff Sam Elliott
503-434-7506
References & Official Sources
Ready to Get Your CHL?
Join Anth's live Oregon CHL Zoom course - every Thursday, 6:00-7:30 PM or 7:30-9:00 PM. Just $30. Certificate issued upon completion, valid in all 36 Oregon counties.
Certificate valid in all 36 Oregon counties · Covers Permit to Purchase online training requirement