🔫 Mississippi Gun Laws: 2025 Firearms Guide for Responsible Owners

Mississippi firearm laws are among the most permissive in the United States, emphasizing individual rights and personal responsibility. Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or an experienced carrier, understanding these laws is essential to remain compliant and protected.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Mississippi’s gun laws, including constitutional carry, concealed carry permits, restricted areas, and self-defense protections found in the law.

⚖️ Overview: Mississippi Firearm Laws at a Glance

Mississippi law allows permitless carry (depending on the location and manner of carry, and other factors), strong preemption (preventing local gun restrictions), and broad self-defense rights.
Here are the basics every gun owner should know:

• No state permit required to own or purchase firearms

• Permitless open and concealed carry allowed in many cases (not every location)

• No firearm registration or waiting period

• Enhanced permits available for reciprocity and extended carry privileges

• “Castle Doctrine” protection applies

 

✅ DO’s: What You Can Legally Do in Mississippi

1 Carry Without a Permit

Mississippi recognizes constitutional carry, meaning law-abiding adults may carry a concealed handgun without a permit if it is in a holster, sheath, or scabbard IF 1) they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm, such as felons, 2) they are in a location that allows firearms, 3). the firearm is in a holster, purse, or briefcase, and not simply tucked under your belt or stuck in your pocket with no holster, and 4) you are not committing a nontraffic misdemeanor. If you do not meet all of these requirements, you can be charged with illegally carrying a firearm. 

• Open carry is also legal if the firearm is partially visible. 
   

2. Apply for a Firearms Permit (Optional but Useful)

Mississippi offers two main permit types:

• Standard Firearms Permit (SFP)

• Enhanced Firearms Permit (E-SFP)

An enhanced permit allows carry in more restricted areas and offers reciprocity with many other states.
 

3. Exercise “Stand Your Ground” Rights

Mississippi law allows you to defend yourself without a duty to retreat IF you’re lawfully present (not a burglar, etc.) AND you did not start the fight.
Justified use of deadly force may also protect you from civil lawsuits.
 

4. Transport Firearms in Your Vehicle

People 18 and up can carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in their vehicle without a permit, provided it’s properly secured or holstered, not on certain federal property, and not in an area designated as protected parking for employees. 
 

5. Purchase Firearms Without State Permits

• No state background check, waiting period, or firearm registration.

• Federal NICS background checks still apply for purchases from licensed dealers.
   

🚫 DON’Ts: Restricted or Illegal Activities

1. Don’t Carry in Prohibited Locations

Even with a permit, firearms are not allowed in certain places, including:

• Schools and school campuses

• Courthouses, jails, and detention facilities

• Bars and areas serving alcohol

• Polling places during elections

• Airports and government buildings

• Private properties with posted “No Guns” signage

• HOWEVER, the enhanced permit allows you to carry concealed in schools, public areas in courthouses, bars, and other designated locations.  

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2. Don’t Transfer Guns to Minors

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3. Don’t Possess Firearms as a Prohibited Person

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4. Don’t Violate Federal or Local Laws

Mississippi law preempts local restrictions, but you must still comply with federal law.
Illegal possession or modification of machine guns, silencers, or conversion devices without proper registration is a serious offense.
 

Center Mass: Mississippi Firearms Training can cover this and more in its enhanced concealed carry class. 228-265-9740