Oklahoma gun laws regulate who may possess firearms, how firearms may be carried, and the circumstances under which firearms may be used. Oklahoma gun laws support broad gun ownership rights. In Oklahoma, most adults who are 21 years of age or older may legally own and possess firearms. Individuals who are 18 to 20 years old may possess firearms only if they meet specific legal conditions. Oklahoma is a constitutional carry state. Individuals who are legally eligible may carry a handgun or long gun, either openly or concealed, without a license. Eligibility to carry a firearm excludes people prohibited by law from firearm possession. Some examples those prohibited from possessing a firearm include convicted felons, individuals subject to certain protective orders, and anyone deemed mentally incompetent. Oklahoma law prohibits firearms in specific places, including government buildings, schools, and private properties with posted no-firearm notices. Firearm use is governed by self-defense laws such as the Stand Your Ground law, the Castle Doctrine, and the Make My Day provision. These laws define when the use of force with a firearm is legally justified. Oklahoma gun laws emphasize individual rights but impose criminal penalties for illegal possession, misuse, or prohibited conduct involving firearms.

While gun ownership is a constitutionally protected right, both state and federal laws stipulate who may carry a gun and how, when, and where that right to bear arms may be exercised.

While many violent gun crimes and felony weapons offenses, such as assault with a dangerous weapon and shooting with intent to kill, are described elsewhere on this site, following is a list of the remainder of gun crimes and firearms violations.

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Concealed Carry Laws in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s concealed carry laws allow most adults to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, provided they are legally allowed to possess a firearm. This practice is known as constitutional carry. A license, training certificate, or firearm registration is not required for individuals who are 21 or older, or 18 or older if they are active military members, as long as they are not prohibited by law from owning a gun. Permitless carry is still subject to location-based restrictions. Firearms may not be carried in certain places, including government buildings, schools, and private properties with posted signs prohibiting weapons. Oklahoma concealed carry law also requires responsible conduct when carrying a concealed firearm. Carrying a gun does not grant the right to threaten others or use force unless the circumstances meet the state’s self-defense laws.

Open Carry Laws in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s open carry laws allow most adults to carry a visible firearm in public without a permit, as long as they are legally allowed to possess a gun. Open carry refers to carrying a firearm in plain view, such as a handgun worn in a holster. Oklahoma open carry laws make it legal for individuals who are 21 or older, or 18 or older if they are active military members, provided they are not prohibited by law from possessing firearms. A license, registration, or special training is not required to open carry in Oklahoma. However, open carry is restricted in certain locations, including government buildings, schools, and private properties with posted signs banning firearms. Carrying a firearm openly does not permit threatening behavior or misuse.

Using Physical or Deadly Force Against an Intruder

Oklahoma statute Title 21 § 1289.25 upholds the right of Oklahomans to use physical or deadly force against an intruder. This statute recognizes the right for citizens to be safe in their own homes, and it outlines appropriate use of deadly force against an intruder. It is presumed that anyone unlawfully entering a home is doing so with the intent to commit a violent crime, and occupants of the home have a right to protect themselves and their families through defensive force. If deadly force is reasonable and necessary to prevent an attack by an intruder, the killing of the assailant will be considered justifiable homicide.

What Are Firearm Crimes in Oklahoma?

The statutes that outlaw unlawful acts with weapons or firearms are listed below.

• Unlawful carry
• Carrying a Firearm Where liquor is Consumed
• Allowing Minors to Possess Firearms
• Unlawful Carry in Certain Places
• Unlawful Intent to Carry
• Misdemeanor Pointing a Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm on School Property
• Convicted Felons & Delinquents Restrictions
• Use of a Firearm While Committing a Felony
• Penalty Enhancement for Weapon Possession
• Furnishing Firearms to Incompetent Persons
• Reckless Conduct
• Giving Firearms to Prohibited Persons
• Transporting a Loaded Firearms
• Felony Pointing Firearms
• Felony Discharging Firearms
• Sawed-Off Shotgun and Sawed-Off Rifle Violations
• Manufacture of Restricted Bullets
• Possession of Restricted Bullets
• Use of Body Armor
• Discharge of Firearm
• Transporting weapon in or discharging weapon from a vessel

Unlawful Carry

According to Title 21 § 1272, unless authorized by law or in accordance with the Oklahoma Self Defense Act (OSDA), it is a misdemeanor to carry an offensive weapon, including but not limited to loaded or unloaded firearms, daggers, knives, switchblades, brass knuckles, and swords.

Exclusions are granted to law enforcement officers and their service weapons, weapons used for living history reenactments, and proper use of guns and knives for hunting, fishing, recreation, and education.

Carrying Firearms Where Liquor is Consumed

Even if a person has a proper license and permit for open or concealed carry, it is a felony to carry a weapon into an establishment where low-point beer or alcohol is consumed, according to Title 21 § 1272.1. Carrying a weapon where liquor is consumed is punishable by 1 to 2 years in prison.

However, if drinking is not the primary purpose of the business, a person who is licensed to carry pursuant to the OSDA it may lawfully carry his or her weapon. This statute exempts law enforcement officers and owners of a bar or drinking establishment who keep a weapon on the premises.

Allowing Minors to Possess Firearms

According to Oklahoma Statute Title 21 § 1273, minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from possessing firearms except for rifles and shotguns to be lawfully used for hunting, skeet shooting, education, or recognized sport. Providing or selling a firearm to a minor is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $250 and a maximum of 30 days in jail on the first offense. The penalties increase with each subsequent offense.

Unlawful Carry in Certain Places

In addition to establishments where liquor is consumed, it is illegal to carry a weapon in certain other places. Title 21 § 1277 makes it illegal to carry a weapon in all of the places listed below.

• A city, town, county, state, or federal government building
• A jail, prison, or detention facility
• A public or private school
• A sports arena housing a professional sporting event
• Any place where pari-mutuel betting is legally allowed

Carrying a firearm in a prohibited place is a misdemeanor punishable by a $250 fine.

Unlawful Intent to Carry

According to Title 21 § 1278, carrying a dangerous weapon with the unlawful intent to injure another person is a felony punishable by a maximum of 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Misdemeanor Pointing a Firearm

According to Title 21 § 1279, it is illegal to point a loaded or unloaded firearm at another person, unless it is in self-defense. It is a misdemeanor punishable by a minimum of three months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Possession of a Firearm on School Property

Section 1277 lists schools as places where it is illegal to possess a firearm. This statute describes in detail the offense of carrying a firearm on school property and doles out harsher penalties for the offense than those established in the earlier statute. Possession of a firearm on school property is a felony punishable by a maximum of 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 according to Title 21 § 1280.1.

Convicted Felons & Delinquents

It is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to possess a firearm unless he or she has been granted a full pardon and has applied for and received a permit to carry under the OSDA. Also prohibited from firearm possession are those under the supervision of the Department of Corrections and those who have been adjudicated delinquent within the past 10 years. According to Title 21 § 1283, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is an additional felony punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison.

Use of a Firearm While Committing a Felony

According to Title 21 § 1287, possession of a firearm or offensive weapon while committing a felony is a separate felony from the underlying offense, and the penalties associated are additional to any sentence for conviction of the initial felony. A person may be charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony even if the gun is unloaded or if it is an imitation weapon designed to look like a real firearm.

A person can be charged for simply having possession of the weapon during the crime, even if it was not used or displayed to perpetrate the offense. Conviction of possession of a firearm while committing a felony carries a sentence of 2 to 10 years in prison in addition to the sentence levied for the primary offense.

Penalty Enhancement for Weapon Possession

According to Oklahoma Statute Title 21 § 1287.1, carrying or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison, discharging a firearm while committing a violent crime carries an additional 10 year minimum sentence.

Carrying Weapons Under Influence of Alcohol

It is illegal to carry or use a weapon while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs when such medications affect mental, emotional, or physical processes. According to Title 21 § 1289.9, carrying under the influence is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 to $500 and a jail term of 10 days to 6 months.

Furnishing Firearms to Incompetent Persons

Selling or providing a firearm to a person who has been adjudicated mentally incompetent or who is known to be mentally disabled is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $500, a minimum jail sentence of 10 days, and a maximum jail sentence of 6 months according to Title 21 § 1289.10.

Reckless Conduct

Title21 § 1289.11 makes it illegal to possess a firearm while engaging in reckless conduct which places others at risk of great bodily injury or death, or which demonstrates a disregard for the safety of others, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 to $500 and a jail term of 10 days to 6 months.

Giving Firearms to Prohibited Persons

Certain people are prohibited by law from possessing firearms. These people include anyone who has been convicted of a felony, anyone who is mentally incompetent or emotionally disturbed, and anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Providing a firearm to such a person is misdemeanor offense according to Title 21 § 1289.12 . A defendant charged with this crime is subject to a fine of up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail with a 10 day minimum.

Transporting a Loaded Firearm

It is illegal to carry a loaded pistol, rifle, or shotgun in a vehicle on public roads, except for clip or magazine loaded firearms which are not chamber loaded and which are locked in the vehicle's trunk or interior compartment if the gun's owner is licensed to carry. According to Title 21 § 1289.13 , transporting a loaded weapon is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 to $500 and a jail term of 10 days to 6 months.

Felony Pointing Firearms

Pointing a firearm, whether loaded or not, for the unlawful intent of threatening, frightening, or injuring another is a felony as defined in Title 21 § 1289.16. Conviction carries a sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison.

Felony Discharging Firearms

Discharging a firearm into a house, dwelling, business, or public building is a felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in the state penitentiary according to Title 21 § 1289.17A.

Sawed-Off Shotgun & Sawed-Off Rifle Defined Violations Penalties

It is illegal to possess a sawed-off shotgun (barrel less than 18 inches) or a sawed-off rifle (barrel less than 16 inches or total length less than 26 inches). According to Title 21 § 1289.18, possessing a sawed-off weapon in a felony punishable by a maximum of 2 years in prison.

Manufacture of Restricted Bullets

As defined in Title21 § 1289.20 , armor piercing ammunition is prohibited by law, and manufacturing, importing, selling, or advertising these restricted bullets, except for lawful military or law enforcement use, is a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Possession of Restricted Bullets

Possessing, carrying, or using armor-piercing bullets is a felony according to Title 21 § 1289.21. Penalties include a minimum prison term of 2 years up to a maximum of 10 years. This offense is not eligible for a suspended sentence.

Use of Body Armor

Wearing body armor while committing a felony or attempting to carry a felony is a separate crime from the primary offense, and it carries additional penalties. According to Title 21 § 1289.26 , it is punishable by a maximum of 10 years on the first offense and 20 years on the second or subsequent offense. The prison term is in addition to any sentence levied for the primary offense.

Discharging Firearm

According to Oklahoma Statute Title 21 § 1364, discharging a weapon in a public place or where there is anyone present who could be injured by such an act is a misdemeanor, whether or not any actual injury occurs.

Transporting Weapon in or Discharging Weapon from Vessel

Except for the lawful hunting of water fowl or other animals, it is illegal to carry a firearm or discharge a firearm from a boat or other watercraft as defined in Title 63 § 4210.3. To do so is a misdemeanor with penalties including a fine of $50 to $100 and a jail term of 10 days to 6 months.

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