Open Carry Laws in Arizona

Arizona is known for its liberal gun laws. After all, owning and carrying firearms is a deeply ingrained aspect of American culture, and Arizona's gun laws reflect this tradition. It’s generally permissible to open carry a wide range of firearms, including handguns, revolvers, rifles and shotguns.

While our state is less restrictive than many other U.S. states, there are still certain laws and rules you must follow to avoid having your guns confiscated. Breaking them can have severe legal consequences that extend beyond the removal of your firearms.

It’s also worth noting that it’s illegal to possess or open carry firearms or other weapons that are prohibited under Arizona law.



Who Can Open Carry in Arizona

Arizona allows individuals aged 18 and above to openly carry legal firearms in most public places. Even minors under the age of 18 can open carry, provided they are under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.

You cannot open carry in any places where it’s illegal to possess firearms or where firearms are restricted. These include:

• Bars, liquor stores or anywhere that has a “no weapons” sign posted
• Schools
• Prisons or jails
• Federal and government buildings
• Banks
• Polling places
• Native American reservations
• Nuclear or hydroelectric plants
• Airports 
• VA facilities

Your personal rights do not supersede the rights of business owners or other people. Even if a business doesn’t sell alcohol, they can still post an enforceable “no firearms” sign.

Who Is Not Allowed to Open Carry in Arizona

There’s essentially full overlap between legal firearm possession and open carry in the state of Arizona. This means if you’re legally allowed to own a gun and you’re in a place that doesn’t prohibit firearms, you can open carry legal firearms without restrictions.

Therefore, individuals who are barred from gun ownership for any reason – whether they’re too young, are a convicted felon or under any other court orders that affect their right to possess firearms – are also not legally permitted to open carry.

Is It Legal to Conceal Carry in Arizona?

Yes, legal gun owners are allowed to carry concealed weapons without any type of permit so long as they’re 21 years of age or older. The state has adopted what’s sometimes referred to as “constitutional carry” or “permitless carry”.

Although gun owners under the age of 21 can technically be allowed to own firearms and exercise open carry, they are not legally allowed to conceal those firearms. There is an exception for active duty military or honorably discharged veterans 19 years of age or older. They can conceal carry so long as they are legally allowed to own a firearm.

Types of Guns People Can Carry in Arizona

Arizona's gun laws encompass various types of firearms. This includes handguns, revolvers, rifles and shotguns. The law generally permits carrying these firearms openly in public spaces, provided you meet the age and eligibility requirements.

Types of Guns Not Allowed

While many firearms are allowed, there are specific types of guns that are not permitted in Arizona. As a result, it’s also illegal to open carry these weapons. These include:

• Assault weapons capable of discharging multiple rounds with a single trigger pull
• Rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches
• Shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches
• Sawed-off weapons, including modified shotguns or rifles with barrels shorter than 26 inches
• Suppressors or any device intended to silence or muffle the gun’s report

Misconduct Involving a Weapon

Examples of misconduct involving a weapon include:

• Possessing, transporting and selling an illegal weapon
• Possessing a deadly weapon on school grounds
• Possessing a prohibited weapon, such as an automatic rifle or sawed-off weapon
• Possessing a weapon while being a prohibited possessor
• Possessing a weapon while committing a drug offense
• Defacing a weapon

Depending on the specific offense, it may be considered a class 2, 4 or 6 felony. A class 2 felony carries a prison sentence of 3 to  7 years. A class 4 felony could result in incarceration in prison for 1 to 3.75 years. A class 6 felony is the least severe but could still lead to a prison sentence of .33 to 2 years.

Were You Charged with a Gun Offense in Phoenix?

If you’re facing a gun-related charge in or around Phoenix, you will likely benefit from the assistance of a skilled and dedicated criminal defense attorney.

Michael Alarid, an Arizona board-certified criminal specialist, is here to help you understand your rights and protect your interests by building a strong defense on your behalf.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at (602) 818-3110.