Oregon Firearm Laws
Understanding the legal framework for responsible firearm ownership in Oregon.
Important Disclaimer
This page provides general information only and is NOT legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with official sources or consult a qualified attorney. Last updated: July 2026.
Purchasing & Transfers
Background Checks
Oregon requires background checks for ALL firearm transfers, including private sales between individuals.
- • Transfers must go through a licensed dealer (FFL)
- • Dealer may charge a fee for the transfer
- • Exemptions exist for immediate family members
- • Temporary transfers for hunting/target shooting allowed
Permit to Purchase (Not in Effect)
Oregon's Measure 114 would require a permit to purchase firearms, but it has never taken effect. It is under Oregon Supreme Court review (argued November 2025) and a 2026 law (HB 4145) delayed its earliest start to January 1, 2028. No permit is required today. If it ever takes effect it would involve:
- • Completion of an approved safety course
- • In-person application with local law enforcement
- • and fingerprinting
- • A permit valid for five years
Age Requirements
- 21+: Handguns from licensed dealers
- 21+: Most long guns from licensed dealers (SB 243, 2025)
- 18+: and pump rifles or shotguns from licensed dealers
- Private sales: 18+ for all firearms
Rapid-Fire Devices (SB 243)
Bump stocks, binary triggers, and similar rapid-fire activators are banned under the 2025 Oregon Suicide Prevention and Community Safety Firearms Act.
- • Possession is a Class A misdemeanor
- • Manufacture or transport is a Class B felony
Waiting Period
Oregon does not have a mandatory waiting period. A 72-hour wait was originally proposed in SB 243 (2025) but was removed before the bill passed. You may take possession as soon as your background check clears, though a check can be delayed beyond the instant response.
Concealed Handgun License (CHL)
Requirements for Oregon CHL
Eligibility
- • At least 21 years old
- • US citizen or legal resident
- • Oregon resident (county of residence)
- • No felony convictions
- • No recent misdemeanor convictions
- • No outstanding warrants
- • Not subject to protective orders
Application Process
- • Complete approved firearms safety course
- • Apply at county sheriff's office
- • Provide proof of training
- • Pay application fee
- • Pass background check
- • License valid for 4 years
Our training courses can fulfill the safety course requirement for your CHL application!
Contact us for details on which courses meet Oregon's requirements.
Prohibited Locations
Even with a CHL, firearms are prohibited in certain locations:
Always Prohibited
- • Federal buildings & courthouses
- • Schools (K-12) and school grounds
- • Airports (beyond security)
- • Indian reservations (tribal law applies)
- • Posted private property
Posted With Signage
- • Public buildings (SB 243, 2025): the state, cities, counties, and other public bodies may bar CHL carry in public buildings and adjacent grounds when signage is posted at each entrance
- • Schools, colleges & universities (SB 554): may prohibit CHL carry with posted signage and website notice
- • Places of worship
- • Bars & establishments serving alcohol
Safe Storage
Oregon's secure storage law (SB 554) imposes strict liability: when a firearm is not under your control, it must be secured with a trigger lock, cable lock, or in a locked container. If you fail to secure it and it is used to injure someone, you can be held liable even if you acted reasonably.
Best Practices:
- • Use a gun safe or lock box
- • Use locks or cable locks when not in use
- • Store separately from firearms
- • Keep keys/combinations secure from unauthorized persons
- • Educate family members on firearm safety
- • Report a lost or stolen firearm within 72 hours (48 hours in Multnomah County)
Have Questions About Oregon Gun Laws?
Our training courses cover legal considerations for Oregon gun owners. Let's make sure you're informed and prepared.