Report Highlights: Three quarters of states in the U.S. do not impose bureaucratic hurdles, background checks, or licenses for firearms transactions.
- Montana, West Virginia, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky are the easiest states in which to buy a gun.
- Montana, New Hampshire, and West Virginia do not apply sales tax to firearms. Buyers there can forgo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check with a valid concealed carry permit.
- Thirty-eight states do not require a permit to purchase a long gun or handgun.
Related Studies: How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy A Gun: A State of Ages, Most Gun-Friendly States in 2025, Gun Ownership by State.
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Methodology
Some states make it harder for civilians to purchase firearms than others. Although federal statutes apply to all Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers, state laws regarding private sales vary.
To determine which states make it easiest to buy a gun, we analyzed the following criteria:
- States with no permit to purchase
- States with no background checks for private sales
- States with no waiting periods on firearm purchases
- States with sales tax exemptions for firearms and ammunition
- States that allow concealed carry permit holders to purchase firearms without a NICS background check
And considered:
- Minimum age to purchase firearms by state
- Concealed and open carry legislation by state
Note that federal laws apply to all firearm sales, including private transactions. Per federal law, it is illegal to sell a firearm to a “prohibited person” (e.g., a fugitive from justice, illegal alien, or unlawful user of any controlled substance). Certain firearms are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and require an approved tax stamp. Furthermore, interstate sales are generally prohibited without involvement by an FFL dealer.
10 Easiest States to Buy a Gun
1. Montana
Montana: Where personal freedom isn’t an afterthought. It’s a way of life.
The Treasure State reigns supreme as the easiest state to buy a gun. Montana imposes very few bureaucratic hurdles for firearm purchases and offers exemptions from NICS background checks when purchasing from FFL dealers.
Why Montana is one of the best places to buy a gun:
- No permits or licenses required to purchase
- No waiting periods or background checks on private sales
- No sales tax on firearms or ammunition purchases
- Minimum purchase age is 18
- Concealed and open carry are permitted for 18-year-olds
- License to carry does exempt buyer from NICS background check at FFL dealer
- No waiting periods on firearm purchases
2. West Virginia
Country roads, take me home to the second easiest state to purchase a gun in. West Virginia allows residents to purchase guns without permits, licenses, or additional background checks. The state also does not regulate private firearm sales.
Why West Virginia is one of the best places to buy a gun:
- No permits or licenses required to purchase
- No waiting periods or background checks on private sales
- No sales tax on firearms or ammunition purchases
- Minimum purchase age is 18
- Concealed and open carry are permitted for 18-year-olds
- License to carry does exempt buyer from NICS background check at FFL dealer
- No waiting periods on firearm purchases
3. New Hampshire
“Live Free or Die” isn’t just the catchy slogan on New Hampshire’s license plates. It’s a guiding principle reflected in the state’s approach to firearm purchases as well. With some of the most relaxed gun laws and tax policies in the country, New Hampshire truly earns the third spot in our list.
Why New Hampshire is one of the best places to buy a gun:
- No permits or licenses required to purchase
- No waiting periods or background checks on private sales
- No sales tax on firearms or ammunition purchases
- Minimum purchase age is 18
- Concealed and open carry are permitted for 18-year-olds
- License to carry does not exempt buyer from NICS background check at FFL dealer
- No waiting periods on firearm purchases
4. South Dakota
The Badlands are a good place for Second Amendment rights. South Dakota state law makes it relatively easy to buy a gun in a private (non-FFL) sale. The state doesn’t regulate sales outside of FFL dealers, require permits or licenses to purchase, or impose a minimum age for purchases.
Why South Dakota is one of the best places to buy a gun:
- No permits or licenses required to purchase
- No waiting periods or background checks on private sales
- Standard sales tax applies to firearms or ammunition purchases
- Minimum purchase age is 18
- Concealed and open carry are permitted for 18-year-olds
- License to carry does exempt the buyer from a NICS background check at an FFL dealer
- No waiting periods on firearm purchases
5. Idaho
The Gem State is diamond-level when it comes to easy gun purchases thanks to its relaxed laws and private sales policies. Although Idaho citizens must obey federal laws, they do not need licenses or permits to purchase handguns, rifles or shotguns.
Why Idaho is one of the best places to buy a gun:
- No permits or licenses required to purchase
- No waiting periods or background checks on private sales
- Standard sales tax applies to firearms or ammunition purchases
- Minimum purchase age is 18
- Concealed and open carry are permitted for 18-year-olds
- License to carry does exempt buyer from NICS background check at FFL dealer
- No waiting periods on firearm purchases
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