Ohio Gun Laws

The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be kept up; and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power. In America it is legally our right to bear arms for protection or hunting but there are laws that must be followed. Following is a brief summary of Ohio Gun Laws.

You do not have to have a permit or license to purchase rifles, shotguns or handguns in Ohio. However you do have to have a permit to carry a handgun. Although, it is unlawful for the following persons to knowingly acquire, have, carry, or use any firearm, Fugitives, Persons indicted for or convicted of a violent felony or adjudicated delinquent child for the commission of an offense that if committed by an adult, would have been a violent felony, Persons indicted for or convicted of a drug offense, or adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of an offense that, if committed by an adult, would have been an offense involving the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse, Alcoholics and drug-dependent persons; and adjudicated mental incompetents.

Persons disqualified under the second or third item above may obtain relief from this by presenting facts showing fitness for relief from the stated disabilities.

It is unlawful for a person without a concealed handgun license to carry a handgun concealed on his or her person. You can apply to carry a concealed handgun the application must be made to the local Sheriff on a form prescribed by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission. The application fee shall not exceed $45. The permit is valid for a period of 4 years after the date it was issued.

To obtain a permit in Ohio the applicant must be a resident of the county where application is being made, a resident of a county in this state within the last 30 days, a resident of the state within the last 45 days, must provide a color photograph taken within 30 days of application, must provide fingerprints, can provide proof of the successful completion of a firearms safety-training course taken within the last 3 years and must be 21 years of age or older.

It is unlawful to knowingly discharge a firearm while in or on a motor vehicle.
It is unlawful to carry or use any firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any drug.
It is unlawful to knowingly fail to report to law enforcement authorities the loss or theft of any firearm.
It is unlawful to discharge a firearm on or across a roadway, or near buildings.
It is unlawful to sell a handgun to a person under 21, or any firearm to a person under 18. It is unlawful to furnish any firearm to a person who is under 18 or furnish any handgun to a person under 21, except for lawful hunting, sporting or educational purposes.
It is unlawful to recklessly sell, lend, give, or furnish any firearm to any person who may not possess a firearm, or who is under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

This is just a brief summary of Ohio Gun Laws. If you are in another state you must find out the gun laws for your state. There is much more information about Gun Laws available at http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=OH . Please be aware of the laws and it is advised to take safety gun classes before using a gun.