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#Ohio Gun Control Laws

A combination of federal and state gun control laws regulate the purchase and use of firearms throughout the country. State gun control laws tend to vary quite a bit. Ohio gun control laws prohibit certain weapons, while restricting gun purchases and ownership by certain individuals.

For instance, no one may possess a sawed-off shotgun, which allows easy concealment and maximum damage; a zip gun, which refers to improvised and often dangerous firearms; weapons and ammunition designed specifically for military use; or silencers (unless licensed).

Certain convicted felons (but not all) are prohibited from owning firearms, as are individuals with substance abuse problems or who are deemed mentally incompetent. Ohio does not require a waiting period prior to purchasing a gun and only requires background checks for guns purchased from federally licensed dealers. So if you buy from a private seller or unlicensed dealership, you are not required to have a background check.

If you are subject to a background check, it will be performed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database. The FBI will check all available court records to make sure you are eligible.

Additionally, you may apply for a concealed carry handgun license (PDF) in Ohio if you meet the gun safety training requirements and your application (PDF) is accepted.

The main provisions of Ohio gun control laws are listed in the table below. See Gun Laws for a general overview on the topic.