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Best States For Gun Owners To Live In 2023
Let’s be honest here. Moving to a new state as a gun owner can be challenging.
Every day, some politician tries to ‘make an impact’ by infringing on our Second Amendment rights, leaving us wondering which are the best states for gun owners to live in 2023.
Our options are limited.
Luckily, the internet exists, and I’ve been doing a bunch of research on what the best states for gun owners are. I’ve compiled a list for other shooters looking to relocate.
Here are five of the best states for gun owners to live in 2023.
Best States For Gun Owners
New Hampshire
New Hampshire. How beautiful. Source.
New Hampshire is the best state for gun owners in 2023. The laws on firearms are super lax, and you don’t need a permit to carry a firearm. Private sales do not require an FFL holder, either.
No law against automatic weapons or magazine capacities exists, but federal law still holds the key here. You still have to deal with the ATF to get an automatic firearm.
The age requirement to purchase and carry a firearm in New Hampshire is 18 years old. Yes, this includes pistols. Background checks in New Hampshire are quick, and concealed carry permits (if you want one) take 14 days to get back to you.
Aside from having a rifle or shotgun outside in the open, you can do as you wish as a gun owner in New Hampshire.
Having been to New Hampshire, I was thoroughly surprised that the gun laws here were so relaxed. The state is flooded with left-leaning voters, but the Governor is Republican.
NH is a stand-your-ground state with no duty to retreat.
West Virginia
Fall is beautiful in West Virginia. Source.
West Virginia, mountain momma, take me home. You will love it here if you’re a fan of mountains, rivers, and trees. The story of how West Virginia split from Virginia is as patriotic as it comes – too many taxes.
Regarding guns, West Virginia is one of the most relaxed and proactive in removing firearm restrictions and reducing taxes on firearms and ammunition.
West Virginia allows anyone 21 years and older to carry without a permit, while 18-year-olds must attain one. The permit has reciprocity in 38 other states. There is no duty to retreat in WV; it is a stand-your-ground state.
In 2021, Governor Justice passed legislation allowing carry on college campuses. And most firearms are immune to taxes, but not all of them.
Again, aside from waving a rifle or shotgun, you can do as you wish in WV regarding firearms.
Just be aware of what lies in the Appalachians.
Arkansas
Hard to believe possum pie is a delicacy here. Source.
Arkansas is famous for possum pie and not giving a hoot about gun laws. AR is a permitless carry state, and shooters who want to obtain a firearm license will find reciprocity is shared with 37 other states.
A permit holder must take a few background checks and safety courses, though. You can also get a special permit that allows you to carry in legally restricted areas.
Governor Sanders of AR is also passing legislation to keep constitutional carry in place.
No registration of firearms is required, and Arkansas remains a stand-your-ground state with no duty to retreat.
If you love southern living and your guns, head to Arkansas.
Montana
Vast mountain ranges are suitable for precision shooting. Source.
Unsurprisingly, a state with more livestock than humans is an excellent place for gun owners.
Another permitless carry state, Governor Gianforte of Montana is one of the most pro 2-A politicians we’ve seen.
Governor Gianforte is always on the battleground when the gun grabbers start chatting about enforcing anti 2-A laws. So, I don’t expect to see any anti-gun legislation going on any time soon.
What’s excellent about MT is there is no sales tax, so firearms bought here will be cheaper than if you were to buy a firearm in, say, New York. If they even sell guns there.
Montana is a constitutional carry state with stand-your-ground laws and no duty to retreat.
Mississippi
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart. Source.
Louisiana woman, Mississippi, man, this state has some relaxed gun laws. MS is another state with a pro 2-A Governor looking for ways to eliminate anti-gun legislation.
Gun owners will find joy in the lack of gun laws in MS. Gun owners at least 18 years old can carry openly, while those 21 years or older can conceal carry without a permit.
To acquire a permit, you must take an 8-hour course—no big deal. You can also apply for an enhanced permit to carry in restricted areas.
Not too long ago, Governor Tate signed a bill to block gun registries and firearm tracking. If Mississippi keeps the right people in place, it will remain one of the best states for gun owners.
MS is a constitutional carry state with stand-your-ground laws and no duty to retreat.
Conclusion
While I am a firm believer that free men do not ask permission, it is good to know that the politicians that you pay your taxes to have your rights in mind. If you’re looking for a state that will be gun-friendly for as long as you live, take a pick.
Be good and take care.
