“The people shall have the right to bear arms for the defense of themselves, and the State, but the Military shall be kept in strict subordination to the civil power”
AT A GLANCE
Oregon is a shall-issue state. No permit is required to purchase a firearm. Private-party transfers must be through a licensed firearms dealer, a background check and a record of the sale. State Police keep records of all gun sales for five years. Open carry is legal without a license at 18 years old. Concealed carry is legal with a CHL. Oregon does not honor permits from any other states. Oregon law does not explicitly reference the Castle Doctrine, nor does it have a “stand your ground” statute. A person is justified in using physical force for self-defense.
Reciprocal Carry
Oregon does not recognize another state’s license to carry a concealed weapon.
Duty To Notify Police Officer
You are not required to inform a LEO that you possess a handgun immediately on contact. However, You are required to possess Your license/permit and photo identification any time You carry a handgun. You must present Your license/permit and photo identification to a LEO upon request.
Carrying Firearms In Vehicles
Oregon permits anyone who may legally possess a firearm to carry it openly in a motor vehicle without a permit, provided it is visible from outside the vehicle. People without carry permits may not carry a loaded handgun that is concealed and readily accessible. People without carry permits may carry concealed handguns if they are not readily accessible, such as being locked in the trunk.
NFA Items
Oregon permits ownership of all NFA items, provided they are legally obtained pursuant to federal law. It is legal to use suppressors for hunting.
Self-Defense Laws
Oregon has a Castle Doctrine, and while they do not explicitly have a SYG law, the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that there is no duty to retreat from any place You have a legal right to be, which is essentially the same thing as a SYG law. You may use force, including deadly force, in defense of yourself or others if You reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, SBI, or the commission of a forcible felony.
Carry In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol
You may carry in restaurants that serve alcohol if you possess a valid concealed handgun license. Places like Fridays or Chili’s unless they have a “No Gun Sign,” then it is suggested that You not carry into the establishment. This does not include a bar or the bar area of a restaurant – You are prohibited from carrying into these areas. You can carry Your firearm into a restaurant that serves alcohol, but you are prohibited from carrying while you consume alcohol or are under the influence of alcohol.
Do “No Gun Signs” Have The Force Of Law?
“No Firearm” signs in Oregon do not have the force of law unless they are posted on property that is specifically mentioned in State Law as being off limits to those with a permit/license to carry. However, as a possessor with a real property interest, a retailer, has the right to limit, and qualify the right to enter the property, subject to not carrying a handgun. It would be improper to enter, and the licensee would be subject to ejection for possession of a handgun thereat. Failure to leave once requested would subject the licensee to criminal charges.
Open Carry
Open carry is legal, but the State has given local governments the right to adopt laws/ordinances on carrying loaded firearms by those without a permit/license to carry. Some cities and towns have adopted such laws/ordinances. All public buildings are off limits to those who open carry without a permit/license. The minimum age to open carry is 18.
DISCLAIMER: The Gun Laws by State Guide (GLBSG) was created to provide its readers with a general educational resource tool to explore the pertinent gun laws in Your jurisdiction.
However, the GLBSG was not researched and/or written by attorneys as a specific legal guide to rely upon. Instead, it is a starting point for your own research. In addition, all laws are always subject to reasonable, but different, legal interpretation as to meaning and application.
As such, the GLBSG is not intended to supplant, nor limit, Your need for independent verification of any and all material contained herein and consultation with competent counsel of choice regarding any specific issues.
This type of specific legal analysis is necessarily beyond the general educational objective of the GLBSG and for which a bar-admitted attorney in the particular state(s) is needed and required. The content of this GLBSG is a general restatement of the law.
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