Does Arizona Have Firearm Storage Laws?

Arizona is known for its strong gun rights protections, but does the state have any laws requiring firearm owners to store their guns securely? The short answer is no—Arizona does not have firearm storage laws mandating how individuals must secure their firearms. Unlike some states that require gun owners to lock up their weapons or use safety devices, Arizona leaves storage decisions to individual gun owners.

While Arizona does not legally mandate these precautions, improper firearm storage can still result in civil liability if someone is injured due to negligence.

Did Arizona Ever Have Firearm Storage Laws?

Arizona has never had a law requiring firearm owners to lock up their guns at home. However, past legislation has been introduced (but not passed) that aimed to impose firearm storage requirements, especially related to child access prevention. The state has long maintained a stance that gun storage is a personal responsibility, not a legal obligation.

How Arizona Differs from Other States on Firearm Storage Laws

Nearly half of U.S. states have Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws, which are the most common type of gun storage requirement. Even states that are known for more gun-friendly policies, like Texas and Florida, impose penalties on gun owners if a minor gains access to an unsecured firearm.

Some examples of CAP laws include:

• California – Requires gun owners to lock up firearms when minors or prohibited persons could access them. Violations can lead to criminal charges if an unsecured firearm is used in a crime or injury.
  
  
• Massachusetts – Requires all firearms to be stored in a locked container or equipped with a trigger lock when not in use.
  
  
• New York – Enforces strict safe storage laws, requiring firearms to be locked up in homes where minors live.
  
  
• Colorado – Mandates safe storage of firearms when a minor or someone prohibited from possessing a firearm could access them.

Arizona does not have a CAP law, meaning gun owners cannot be criminally charged for failing to secure their firearms—though they can face civil liability if negligence leads to harm.

Are There Any Federal Firearm Storage Laws?

The Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. § 922) and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act establish some federal firearm safety requirements, but they do not impose universal storage mandates.

The closest federal requirement is found in 18 U.S.C. § 922(z), which states that licensed firearm dealers must provide a secure storage device (such as a trigger or cable lock) with handguns they sell. However, gun buyers are not required to purchase a safe or lock when they purchase a firearm, and they aren’t legally required to use the device if they purchase or are given one.

Should You Secure Your Firearm in Arizona?

The most common position among gun safety instructors and firearm training professionals is that responsible firearm storage is essential, even in states like Arizona where it is not legally required. Proper storage is the most dependable way to prevent theft, unauthorized access and accidents.

• Storage Should Be Based on Access Needs: Firearms should be stored securely but still accessible for self-defense if needed. Gun owners who have a firearm for self-defense purposes may want to consider quick-access safes rather than locked containers requiring keys or combinations that take time to open. For long-term storage, experts recommend storing firearms unloaded, with ammunition secured separately, in a safe or lockable container.
  
  
• Preventing Unauthorized Access Is a Core Responsibility: Gun owners are responsible for ensuring that children, unauthorized users or criminals cannot access their firearms.
  
  
• Education and Training Are as Important as Physical Security: Advocacy groups like the NRA encourage firearm safety education within the household. Teaching family members, especially children, about firearm safety can be as important as physical storage solutions.
  
  
• Gun Thefts Are a Major Concern: Stolen firearms are a primary source of illegal guns used in crimes.

Fighting for the Rights of Gun Owners in Phoenix

While other states require gun owners to lock up their firearms, Arizona leaves the decision to the individual. There are no criminal penalties for failing to secure a firearm, but responsible storage is still encouraged to prevent theft, accidents and potential legal liability.

If you feel you’ve been wrongly accused of a weapons crime in Phoenix or you need aggressive legal representation after an arrest, call Ariona board-certified criminal defense lawyer Michael Alarid III at (602) 818-3110 for a free case evaluation.