Can I Bring My Gun to Nevada? Out-of-State Gun Law Explained

Nevada out-of-state gun laws govern the possession, transportation, and use of firearms brought into the state by non-residents.

While Nevada is an open-carry state, there are specific regulations for concealed carry permits, background checks, and restricted locations where firearms are not allowed.

Quick Answer: Can You Bring Your Gun to Nevada?

Yes, out-of-state visitors can bring firearms into Nevada. However, they must comply with Nevada’s firearm laws, including open carry regulations, background checks for private sales, and restrictions on carrying in certain locations.

Concealed carry is only allowed with a valid permit from a state that has reciprocity with Nevada.

Rules for Out-of-State Visitors

Non-residents must comply with Nevada’s firearm laws when bringing guns into the state. Important considerations include:

Firearm Purchases: Visitors can buy guns in Nevada but must pass a background check. If taking the firearm home, they must follow their home state’s regulations.
Concealed Carry: Non-residents need a valid CCW permit from a state that has reciprocity with Nevada.
Transportation: Firearms must be transported securely, following both federal and state regulations.
Minimum Age: Visitors under 21 cannot buy or carry handguns, though some exceptions apply for hunting.

Nevada CCW Reciprocity

Nevada recognizes CCW permits from the following states:

Western States: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho (Enhanced), Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming
Midwest & South: Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi (Enhanced), North Dakota (Class 1), Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota (Enhanced), Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Eastern States: Florida, Massachusetts, New Mexico, South Carolina, Virginia

Nevada Gun Laws: An Overview

According to GMLG, Nevada is an open-carry state, allowing firearm owners to display their guns in public without a permit [1]. However, concealed carry requires a permit under “shall-issue” rules.

No state permit is required to purchase firearms, pending the results of a background check, and there are no state regulations on most long arms or magazine capacity.

Take note that Nevada has complete preemption of most local firearm laws. That means that it is illegal for local government units down to the town level to enact tougher gun regulations than what is listed in the NRS

However, local ordinances may regulate firearm discharging within their jurisdictions under certain circumstances. Federal laws can also override state and local rules, such as regulations on grandfathered weapons under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Restrictions on Firearm Ownership in Nevada

According to Defenders, in Nevada, certain individuals may be restricted or entirely prohibited from carrying or owning firearms, regardless of their residency status [2].

These groups include:

Convicted felons
Convicted stalkers
Fugitives
Individuals convicted of domestic violence
Those addicted to controlled substances
Subjects of domestic violence protection orders
Individuals adjudicated as mentally ill
Illegal aliens

Possession of a firearm by a fugitive or ex-felon is classified as a category B felony, carrying penalties of:

1-6 years in prison
Fines up to $5,000, at the judge’s discretion

Gun-Free Zones in Nevada

While open carry of firearms is generally allowed in Nevada, certain locations prohibit firearms, whether open or concealed.

These include:

Childcare facilities (without written permission)
Schools (without written permission)
Nevada System of Higher Education property (without written permission)
Federal facilities
Military bases (with some exceptions)
Planes and airports (past secure areas)
Post offices
VA facilities
Legislative buildings
Hoover Dam

Adhering to these regulations is crucial for legal firearm ownership and use in Nevada.

Nevada Open Carry Laws

According to SCLG, in Nevada, both residents and non-residents are permitted to “open carry” firearms with certain limitations [3].

Open carry means that the firearm is “discernible by ordinary observation,” which can include:

A holstered handgun on a belt
A rifle carried with a sling
The “Virginia Tuck,” where an inside-the-waistband holster leaves the pistol butt visible
The “Mexican Carry,” where the gun is tucked into the waistband without a holster

However, covering a firearm with a jacket or other clothing does not qualify as open carry. Adhering to these guidelines ensures compliance with Nevada’s open carry laws.

Firearms Crimes & Penalties

Illegal Shooting

Discharging a firearm in a populated area: Category B felony (2-15 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines).
Firing into an occupied structure/vehicle: Category B felony (1-6 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines).

Brandishing or Threatening with a Firearm

Assault with a firearm: Category B felony (1-6 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines).
Pointing a gun at someone: Gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines).

Firearm Trafficking & Serial Number Tampering

Possessing an altered firearm serial number: Category D felony (1-4 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines).
Selling a gun to a prohibited person: Category C felony (1-10 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines).

Pre-Travel Checklist

Before bringing a firearm into Nevada, ensure you:

Verify state reciprocity for your CCW permit.
Have the firearm securely stored for transport.
Follow federal airline travel rules if flying.
Know Nevada’s firearm storage and transportation laws.
Avoid gun-free zones to prevent legal trouble.

Common Scenarios

Driving Through Nevada with Firearms

Open carry is legal.
Firearms must be unloaded and secured when crossing state lines.

Flying into Nevada with Firearms

Firearms must be declared, unloaded, and stored in a locked case per TSA regulations.
Ammunition must be stored separately.

Attending Shooting Events/Competitions

Out-of-state visitors may bring firearms but must follow event regulations.
Nevada law applies, even if the competition has different rules.

Hunting Trips in Nevada

Firearms must comply with state hunting laws.
A hunting license is required to carry firearms while hunting.

FAQs

What documentation is required to carry a gun in Nevada?

You need a valid ID. If carrying concealed, a CCW permit from a reciprocal state is required. Open carry is legal without a permit, but restrictions apply in certain locations like schools, government buildings, and private properties.

How should firearms be transported?

Firearms in a vehicle must be unloaded and securely stored. For air travel, firearms must be declared, unloaded, and locked in a hard-sided container per TSA guidelines. Some states have additional restrictions when crossing state lines, so check local laws.

What are the rules for ammunition?

Armor-piercing bullets are prohibited. Standard ammunition is legal but must comply with state and federal regulations. Some areas have restrictions on magazine capacity or specific bullet types, so always verify local laws before purchasing or transporting ammunition.

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References:

1. https://www.goodmanlawgroup.com/blog/2022/january/firearm-rules-for-out-of-state-visitors-in-nevad/
2. https://thedefenders.net/blogs/nevada-gun-laws-and-out-of-state-visitors/
3. https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/blog/gun-laws/nevada-out-of-state-guns/