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Arkansas Gun Laws

AR
permissive

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
No
Mag Capacity Limit
No
Permit to Purchase
No
Firearm Registration
No
Concealed Carry
Permitless (18+)
Open Carry
Yes, no permit
Red Flag Law
No
Background Check (Private)
No
NFA Weapons
Machine gun restrictions
State Preemption
Yes

Key Notes

Enhanced permits allow carry in churches, colleges, and most public buildings. Machine guns may not fire pistol cartridges .30 cal or larger unless registered to an ammo corporation.

  • •Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without a permit. Arkansas is one of the few states with an 18+ threshold.
  • •Machine gun restrictions (NFA) — Machine guns cannot fire pistol cartridges .30 caliber or larger unless registered to an ammunition corporation. SBRs, SBS, and suppressors are legal with a federal tax stamp.
  • •Enhanced Carry Permit — An optional enhanced permit (requires training) allows carry in churches, colleges, and most public buildings where standard carry is prohibited.
  • •State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot pass their own firearms regulations. Only state law applies.
  • •No Background Check (Private) — Private sales between individuals do not require a background check.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Arkansas Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Arkansas does not restrict semi-automatic rifles by feature. Standard AR-15 configurations — including pistol grips, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders — are legal for sale and ownership.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Arkansas.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Arkansas Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Arkansas?
Arkansas has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Arkansas require a permit to buy a firearm?
No. Arkansas does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.
Can I conceal carry in Arkansas?
Arkansas concealed carry status: Permitless (18+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.
Is open carry legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Arkansas?
NFA item status in Arkansas: Machine gun restrictions. Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.
Does Arkansas require background checks for private sales?
No. Arkansas does not require background checks for private (non-dealer) firearm transfers, though federal law still requires checks for all licensed-dealer sales.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Arkansas firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

AZCA

Traveling to Arkansas with a gun?

Pick what you are bringing and where you start, and the Gun Travel Checker applies these rules to every state on the route, with what to do before each state line.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.