Is the AR-15 legal in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.

Does Tennessee require a permit to buy a firearm?

No. Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Tennessee concealed carry status: Permitless (18+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.

Is open carry legal in Tennessee?

Tennessee open carry: Yes (handguns only, loaded). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Does Tennessee require background checks for private sales?

No. Tennessee does not require background checks for private (non-dealer) firearm transfers, though federal law still requires checks for all licensed-dealer sales.

All States

English

Tennessee Gun Laws

permissive

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Mag Capacity Limit

Permit to Purchase

Firearm Registration

Concealed Carry

Permitless (18+)

Open Carry

Yes (handguns only, loaded)

Red Flag Law

Background Check (Private)

NFA Weapons

Unrestricted

State Preemption

Yes

Key Notes

Permitless carry since July 2021. Long guns may only be carried unloaded. Local governments may post signs banning carry on government property.

•Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without a permit since July 2021.
•Yes (handguns only, loaded) Open Carry — Open carry of loaded handguns is legal. However, long guns may only be carried unloaded in public.
•Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) are legal under state law. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
•State Preemption: Yes — Local governments may post signs banning carry on government property, but they cannot restrict carry in parks or recreational areas.
•No Background Check (Private) — Private sales between individuals do not require a background check.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Tennessee Law Affects Your Build

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

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

NFA Items Permitted

Tennessee allows ownership of NFA items under state law, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS); machine guns still need an approved ATF transfer. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

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

Tennessee Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Tennessee?: Yes. Tennessee 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 Tennessee?: Tennessee has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Tennessee require a permit to buy a firearm?: No. Tennessee 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 Tennessee?: Tennessee concealed carry status: Permitless (18+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.
Is open carry legal in Tennessee?: Tennessee open carry: Yes (handguns only, loaded). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Tennessee?: Yes. Tennessee allows suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns under state law. Taking an SBR or SBS across state lines still needs an approved ATF Form 5320.20. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Does Tennessee require background checks for private sales?: No. Tennessee 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 Tennessee firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

South DakotaSD TexasTX

Traveling to Tennessee 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.

Check a trip to Tennessee →

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.