Updated for 2017: Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States

by
posted on February 9, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gunguide_lede.jpg

If your business or vacation plans this year include traveling with a firearm, your pre-travel checklist should include becoming familiar with gun laws in any of the states through which you’ll be passing. Don’t let a routine traffic stop degenerate into nightmarish labyrinth through the legal system—possibly even jail time—because you inadvertently violate a gun law. Now in its 21st edition and updated with more than 100 changes for 2017, Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States is a quick reference guide that covers the essentials on legally transporting a firearm in a vehicle, concealed-carry reciprocity, when and where and how a gun can be carried for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and even travel to Canada or Mexico. Written and researched by J. Scott Kappas, the 2017 Traveler’s Guide also includes a handy introduction that defines many terms of importance to anyone traveling with or carrying a firearm outside of his or her home state. $14.95 plus shipping. Contact: Traveler’s Guide (859) 491-6400; gunlawguide.com.

Examples of individual state pages:

 



From coast to coast, gun laws differ greatly, from highly restrictive to not at all prohibitive. The latest Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States can help prevent you from making a life-changing mistake. 

Latest

Building an AR-15 lower receiver
Building an AR-15 lower receiver

Review: Assembling an AR-15 Lower Receiver

Building a high-quality AR-15 starts with selecting appropriate components.

Suppressors Deregulated in South Dakota

In a move anticipating a further reduction of restrictions, South Dakota has removed the law requiring the Federal stamp.

The Pursuit Of Increased Muzzle Velocity Comes With A Price

The quest to make our firearms’ projectiles move downrange at ever higher velocities cuts across multiple shooting pursuits and predates anyone alive today.

Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 Pistol

Springfield Armory just released its popular Hellcat double-stack, striker-fired pistol in .380 ACP, and it might be an ideal option for armed citizens looking for a soft-shooting handgun for concealed carry.

New for 2026: Langdon Tactical Technology Beretta Cheetah Pistol

Beretta's .32 ACP Cheetah gets the Langdon Tactical upgrade package.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 16, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.