Oregon Gun Confiscation Law Guide
In recent years, much has been done to strengthen Oregon gun laws. Even though the courts now allow that weapons can be taken away from those who may be a danger to others or themselves, there is still a lot of work to do. Oregon has made significant gains in gun safety laws and joins 11 other states in requiring gun owners to store their firearms in a gun room or a safe or use a trigger lock when not being carried or under their control. So, let's review the current changes in Oregon gun law and how they will affect you and your family.
Oregon Gun Laws Magazine Capacity
The state of Oregon does not limit the number of rounds in a magazine except for hunting. In the case of hunting large game, the cartridge limit is 5 and for Oregon Fish and Wildlife the limit is 3. Interestingly enough, there is no set limit for shooting at people.
Can you Open Carry In Oregon?
The state of Oregon doesn’t prohibit the open carrying of a handgun or long guns on a person in public. However, Beaverton, Portland, and Tigard do not allow the open carry of loaded firearms. There are no safety standards that need to be met as well as no limit of the sale or possession of military assault rifles in Oregon.
Oregon Handgun Laws
Oregon law does not require licensing or safety training before buying or otherwise possessing a handgun. Oregon does not allow those with a concealed handgun license from other states to carry concealed in Oregon. Gun owners from neighboring states will need to request a concealed handgun license (CHL) from border county sheriffs. Sheriff’s by law are required to issue a CHL to anyone who meets the requirements. The only exception would be if the sheriff has reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant has been or is reasonably likely to be a danger to himself or others, including the surrounding community. While some people have handgun training in the state of Oregon, the state law doesn’t require ever coming in contact with a gun before issuing a CHL.
Open Carry Portland
“Open carry” is legal in Oregon but with some exceptions and restrictions. This includes a ban in public buildings, some parks, and even some cities.
Open carry means that you are able to carry a weapon without it being concealed or hidden but should never be used as intimidation or coercion. If not done responsibly, open carry laws will be done away with.
Buying a Gun in Oregon
Basically, Oregon is a fairly generous state when it comes to owning a firearm. You can easily purchase a handgun or shotgun from private parties, gun shows, or stores. The laws that accompany purchasing a gun in Oregon are far less strict than those of bordering states such as California. Gun Owners are not required to have a firearm license or permit and believe it or not, Oregon has no gun registry.
That said, almost all gun purchases require the buyer to undergo a background check through the Firearms Instant Check System (FICS). Even a private citizen wanting to sell a firearm to a non-related buyer must run a background check first. The exception to the rule is if you’re selling to a close family member. Running a background check may sound complicated but in truth is a very quick process. The buyer simply presents the seller with a driver's license or other forms of government-issued photo identification. Once the information is entered into the FICS system, your application is approved within minutes and you can walk away with a firearm.
Reasons For Failed Background Checks
Only 1% of background checks come back with a denial result. Here are the most common reasons for a failed background check:
● A conviction for a misdemeanor involving violence in the past four years
● Active arrest warrants
● Criminal conviction for a past felony or misdemeanor involving domestic violence
● Applicant is currently on pretrial release
● Disqualifying protective order
● The Health Division Registry gives indication that it would be unsafe to own a firearm
Oregon Concealed Carry laws
In order to legally carry a concealed weapon in Oregon, you are required to have your Concealed Handgun License. You will have to provide some basic information as well as have your photo I.D. and a set of fingerprints.
A CDL will not be presented without proof of a successfully completed firearms training course and you have no violent criminal record. A CDL from another state doesn’t transfer to Oregon. Just because you have your CDL from Washington, doesn’t mean you can carry in Oregon. You would need to complete the standard application process which can take up to a month or longer.
Can You Have a Gun In Your Car In Oregon?
People often wonder if you can have a gun in your car in the state of Oregon. Well, the answer is yes. Oregon doesn’t prohibit the open carrying of long guns in a vehicle. However, it’s important to note that as of June 2021, the Oregon legislature passed a law making it a crime to have an unattended handgun in your vehicle if it’s within the view of people outside. Generally, Oregon prohibits the knowing possession of a concealed and easily accessible handgun within a vehicle, if the owner doesn’t have a license to carry. A handgun would be considered readily accessible if it’s being kept in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.
Discharging a Firearm in Oregon
Obviously, the laws surrounding discharging a firearm in Oregon are meant to ensure public safety. There are laws that restrict gun use such as prohibiting the discharge of a firearm in city limits. This is the law in most Oregon cities.
Conclusion on Oregon Gun Confiscation Laws
If you have further questions regarding Oregon gun laws, contact Shannon Powell at Powell Law. While Shannon’s office is in Beaverton, he can represent you or your loved one throughout the greater Portland area. It can be incredibly overwhelming to face criminal charges or possibly jail time. Being convicted can have a negative lasting impact on your life. Don’t go through the stress alone. Let someone who knows the law inside and out and has years of experience help you navigate this difficult path. Contact Powell Law today!
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
