Column: Gun Laws in Nevada

If you’re a gun owner (or planning to become one) and are in or will be in Nevada, this article is for you.

Regardless of whether you’ve lived in this great state for years, just moved in, or are simply passing through, understanding Nevada’s gun laws is very important.

While the state is known for being pretty “gun-friendly,” just like any state, there are specific rules and regulations that you need to know.

From buying your first gun to figuring out where you can legally carry it, navigating all the laws can seem a little overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, because we’re here to break it all down for you in plain, simple language.

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Consider this your go-to guide for everything you need to know about owning and carrying firearms in the Silver State responsibly and legally.

So, grab a coffee (or whatever you’re into), and let’s dive in to see what makes Nevada’s gun laws tick.

Requirements for Gun Ownership in Nevada
Owning a gun in Nevada is pretty straightforward, but there are some important requirements to keep in mind before you head out to purchase one.

Here’s what you need to know:
Age Requirements
First things first: age matters when it comes to buying a gun.

If you’re looking to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer, you need to be at least 21 years old.

For rifles and shotguns, however, the minimum age drops to 18 years old.

The same age rules apply for private sales, so there’s no way to sidestep them, no matter where you’re buying.

Background Check Process
Now, let’s talk about background checks. In Nevada, these are required for all firearm purchases, and regardless of whether you’re buying from a gun store or through a private seller.

FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealers will handle this for you by running your information
through the FBI’s NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System).

For private sales, both the buyer and the seller will need to visit an FFL dealer to complete the
background check process. It’s a small extra step, but it’s the law.

Residency Requirements
If you want to buy a handgun in Nevada, you’ll need to prove that you’re a Nevada resident. A
valid Nevada driver’s license or state ID usually does the trick.

Non-residents can still buy rifles and shotguns, but handguns are an automatic no-go unless
you’ve officially established residency in the state.

Prohibited Persons
It’s also worth noting that not everyone is allowed to own a gun in Nevada. If you’ve been
convicted of a felony or domestic violence, or if you’re under a restraining order for domestic
violence, you’re legally prohibited from owning or buying a firearm. The same goes if you’ve
been adjudicated as mentally ill or committed to a mental health facility.

And, just to be clear, showing up to buy a gun while you’re under the influence of drugs or
alcohol? Yeah, that’s definitely not allowed either.

Waiting Periods
Nevada doesn’t have a mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases. That means as long as
your background check comes back clean, you can walk out with your new firearm the same
day.

Private Sales
Finally, let’s talk about private sales.

Nevada has closed the so-called “gun show loophole,” so all private sales now require a
background check through a licensed dealer. The only real exceptions are certain transfers
between immediate family members, like parents to children or between spouses.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Nevada

When it comes to carrying firearms in Nevada, the rules are pretty straightforward when it
comes to carrying firearms in the state of Nevada, but there’s a clear difference between
concealed carry and open carry.

Let’s dive in:

Concealed Carry
If you want to carry a concealed firearm in Nevada, you’ll need a Concealed Carry Weapon
(CCW) permit.

Getting one isn’t too difficult, but there are a few steps involved. First, you have to complete an
approved firearms training course. This course teaches you the basics of firearm safety and the
laws surrounding carrying a concealed weapon.

Once you’ve completed the training, you can apply for your permit through your local sheriff’s
office.

The permit itself requires a background check, and you’ll need to provide proof of your training.
Nevada’s CCW permits are valid for most handguns, and here’s some great news if you travel:
Nevada has reciprocity agreements with many other states, which means your permit may be
recognized elsewhere.

However, not every state accepts Nevada’s permits, so it’s always a good idea to double-check
before crossing state lines with your firearm.

Open Carry
Nevada is an open-carry state, which means you don’t need a permit to openly carry a firearm.
As long as you’re legally allowed to own a gun (meaning you’re not prohibited under state or
Federal law), you can also legally carry it in plain view in most public places.

That said, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind. You can’t carry a firearm in certain places
(more on this right below).

Businesses can also post signs prohibiting firearms on their premises, and it’s your
responsibility to respect those rules.

Where You Can and Can’t Carry

While Nevada is generally gun-friendly, there are places where carrying a firearm (either
concealed or openly) is not allowed.
These include:

  • Schools and universities
    • Firearms are prohibited on school grounds (unless you have specific
      authorization).
  • Government buildings
    • This includes courthouses, post offices, and other government facilities.
  • Private property with signage
    • If a property owner posts signs banning firearms, you’re required by law to
      comply.

Restrictions and Prohibited Weapons
Nevada is generally considered a gun-friendly state, but there are still major restrictions on who
can own firearms and what types of weapons are allowed

Prohibited Firearms and Accessories
While Nevada law allows most types of firearms, there are some restrictions on specific
weapons and accessories.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s off-limits:

  • Fully Automatic Weapons
    • You can only possess a fully automatic firearm if it’s properly registered under
      Federal law. Unregistered machine guns are illegal.
  • Silencers/Suppressors
    • Like automatic weapons, these are legal only if they’re registered with the Bureau
      of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
  • Short-Barreled Rifles and Shotguns
    • These are also restricted unless they’re Federally registered.
  • Bump Stocks
    • These devices, which allow semi-automatic firearms to fire more rapidly, are
      illegal in Nevada.
  • Other Dangerous Weapons
    • Items like explosive devices or homemade weapons that fall outside standard
      firearm classifications are generally prohibited.

Prohibited Individuals

Not everyone can legally own or possess a firearm in Nevada.

Here are the categories of people who may not own one:

  • Convicted felons (unless their civil rights have been restored).
  • Anyone convicted of domestic violence or subject to a restraining order related to
    domestic violence is prohibited.
  • Anyone under the age of 18, except in specific circumstances (e.g., hunting with adult
    supervision).
  • Anyone who has been adjudicated as mentally ill or committed to a mental health facility
    cannot own a gun.
  • Anyone who is an unlawful user of controlled substances, including marijuana (even
    though it’s legal in Nevada at the state level).

Magazine Capacity Limits
Currently, Nevada does not impose any statewide restrictions on magazine capacities. This
means you can legally possess magazines of any size.

However, you should be aware that certain border states (like California) have strict limits on
magazine size. If you’re a Nevada resident who’s traveling to California, for example, you’ll need
to make sure that you have a magazine with ten rounds or less, and you’ll need to follow all
laws that pertain to California as well.

Self-Defense Laws Involving Firearms in Nevada
No one wants to think about being in a situation where they have to defend themselves with a
firearm. But if it ever happens, it’s very important to understand what Nevada law says about
self-defense:

Castle Doctrine
First up is the Castle Doctrine. This law basically says that your home (or “castle”) is your safe
zone and you have the right to defend it. If someone breaks into your house, car, or any other
property, you can use force (including deadly force) to protect yourself or others who are in the
home.

The key here is that the intruder must be acting unlawfully. For example, if someone kicks down
your door in the middle of the night, the law is on your side if you use a gun to protect yourself.

But if someone accidentally wanders onto your property and doesn’t pose a threat, deadly force
isn’t justified. It’s all about reasonable judgment in the moment.

Stand Your Ground
Nevada is also a Stand Your Ground state, which means you’re not required to back down if
you’re in a public place and someone threatens you.

If you genuinely believe your life (or someone else’s life) is in danger, you can defend yourself
with deadly force and without having to try to escape first.

Take note that this law only applies if you’re somewhere you’re legally allowed to be. For
instance, if you’re in a park or at the grocery store and someone attacks you, Stand Your
Ground laws allow you to fight back. But if you’re trespassing on someone’s property, those
protections don’t apply.

When is Deadly Force Okay?
Here’s where it gets serious. Deadly force should only be used if:

  • You believe your life or someone else’s life is in immediate danger.
  • You’re stopping a violent crime (like assault, robbery, or a kidnapping).

Using deadly force to protect property alone, like your car or wallet, isn’t usually justified unless
there’s a direct threat to someone’s safety.

Basically, you’re allowed to defend people, not just things.

Conclusion
If you’re a gun owner who lives in Nevada or are planning on coming here, knowing the laws
that pertain to gun ownership here isn’t just ‘nice-to-know’ information. It’s an absolute must.

Take the time to learn and understand the laws. Hopefully this article has been a great starting
point for you, and you can continue your research from here.

Stay safe and stay smart!

Sources

  • Nevada State Gun Laws and Regulations Explained | NRA-ILA
  • Nevada Concealed Carry Gun Laws: CCW & Reciprocity Map | USCCA 2024-12-26
  • Nevada Gun Laws: A Complete Guide | Giffords
  • Nevada | Everytown Research & Policy
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