I snagged this from "Guns and Ammo" it was interesting to see the rankings of the states, Some of them I know were pretty good and some of them I knew sucked pond water, but I was surprised where some of the states fell in the ranking. it was a good read and I had no shame in "Nicking it" and posting it on my blog.
(Guns & Ammo graphic)
Top 5 - Best Gun-Friendly States
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Bottom 5 - Worst Gun-Friendly States
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
Each year we provide an update on firearms-related legislative activity and use each state’s laws and rules to create our Best States for Gun Owners rankings. Calling 2020 a “different year” would be a gross understatement. As COVID-19 swept the world and the nation, states suspended or adjourned their legislative sessions midstream. Thousands upon thousands of bills died on the vine as lawmakers vacated their respective state capitols. Some legislatures, including those in Texas, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming, meet every other year and did not go into session in 2020 at all. The short version is, as a result of these events, very few changes in firearms laws occurred this year.
Due to this unusual set of circumstances, this year’s rankings will be a bit different than in years past. Where states made meaningful changes in law, we will outline those. Where states took no action that would change our scoring, we note that as well. As in previous years, we evaluate each state numerically in each of five categories: Right-To-Carry/CCW, access to “Black Rifles”, the states’ use-of-force laws i.e., Castle Doctrine, the prohibition of items regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) and a catchall Miscellaneous column.
States are awarded 0-10 points in each category and ranked according to their total number of points. In the case of a tie, which is common, we dig deeper into the “intangibles” category and rank states accordingly. Please note that while we have done our best to rank states as objectively as possible, reasonable minds disagree with our findings. No article of this length could capture every nuance of a state’s statutory and regulatory framework. Each year I receive comments from readers on individual states’ rankings and, in many cases, I learn something new from that feedback — please keep it coming.
Right-to-Carry/CCW
This category is evaluated using the criteria applied in our “Best States for CCW” rankings: standard for issuance, training requirements, cost, reciprocity and the extent of locations where licensees are prohibited from carrying. May-issue states that rarely issue permits are graded accordingly and can receive 1-6 points, depending on the standard review factors. Shall-issue states, states that require that a permit be issued as long as the applicant is qualified, are given 6-8 points. States with legal permitless or “constitutional” carry are given 9 points, whereas states that both issue permits and allow citizens to carry without one are given a full 10-point score. States that issue permits and allow for permitless carry for residents only are given 9.5 points. Open carry laws are considered under the miscellaneous column and can also be used as a tiebreaker.
Black Rifles
This category examines whether a state regulates or bans firearms based on their appearance. These laws often require registration of certain firearms and, in some states, ban ownership altogether. Our rankings reflect whether a state regulates any category of firearm by its features or limits magazine capacity.
NFA
The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates the sale, transfer and possession of machine guns, suppressors (actually called “silencers” in the law), short-barreled rifles (SBR), short-barreled shotguns (SBS), Any Other Weapons (AOW), and Destructive Devices (DD). This federal statute allows states to further restrict these items (we use the term “items” since suppressors are not firearms but are covered under the NFA) and some states ban their ownership altogether or piecemeal; we rank each state based on a sliding scale of regulations. This has been an active category in recent years as states have moved to legalize the ownership and use of suppressors.
Castle Doctrine
The term “Castle Doctrine” has become shorthand for a state’s use-of-force laws. Some states require citizens to retreat before the use of deadly force is authorized. We rank states based on the right to use force both inside and outside of homes and businesses. We award maximum points to states that allow the use of force wherever a person has a legal right to be and protect citizens from both criminal and civil liability if appropriate force is used.
Miscellaneous
This is the most subjective category in our survey but allows us some leeway to quantify the culture and environment in a given state. We use this category to track preemption statutes, laws and rules that fall outside of our other buckets as well as the availability of places to shoot. States with thriving competitive shooting communities are also recognized here and states with laws that allow for gun confiscation without due process, i.e., Red Flag laws, are penalized.
51. New York
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 51)
50. Hawaii
Dozens of gun control bills were introduced in Hawaii this year but only two actually became law. A magazine ban and other bills failed to advance, but the Governor did sign legislation that will make the creation of home-made guns a felony. The other bill requires that gun owners give formal notice when permanently removing a firearm from the state, with financial penalties imposed for non-compliance. (2019 rank: 48)
49. Massachusetts
Gov. Baker closed gun shops as part of his executive powers related to the pandemic, but a Federal Court ruled that the state overstepped its authority and placed an undue burden on the Second Amendment. The court ordered that gun stores be allowed to reopen and the Governor subsequently opened shooting ranges by executive order. A small victory in an otherwise hostile environment for gun owners. (2019 rank: 50)
48. New Jersey
Governor Murphy shut down gun shops, shooting ranges and firearm transfers in March by executive order. Thanks to action by the Trump Administration and a lawsuit by the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC), transfers eventually resumed and outdoor shooting ranges reopened. An attempt by the Governor to exponentially raise the cost of pistol permits and firearm licenses failed when the measure was omitted by the legislature’s budget bill. (2019 rank: 49)
47. California
One of the most important Second Amendment cases in recent memory moved closer to resolution this year when a Federal Appellate Court struck down the state’s magazine ban in the Duncan V. Becerra case. The fight isn’t over yet, though, as the state’s Attorney General has petitioned for an en banc review by a panel of judges. The ban remains in place as the court considers the case. If the larger panel upholds the ruling, it will be a game-changer for gun owners, so stay tuned. (2019 rank: 47)
46. Washington D.C.
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 46)
45. Connecticut
Unlike some of his neighboring Governors, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declared firearm and ammunition retailers as “essential businesses” as part of his pandemic-related executive order. A special session of the legislature is currently underway but, as of now, there are no indications that gun control bills will be pursued. (2019 rank: 45)
44. Maryland
2020 was a surprisingly good year for Maryland’s gun owners. Gov. Hogan kept gun stores open despite the state’s shutdown, and vetoed legislation that would have banned the private transfer of long guns. In July, the State Police announced that mandatory handgun training required to obtain a Handgun Qualification License can now take place online due to the pandemic. (2019 rank: 44)
43. Rhode Island
Numerous anti-gun bills, including “assault weapon” and magazine bans, were introduced in 2020, but the COVID-related shutdown prevented any of them from passage. Time will tell whether these issues will see new life in 2021. (2019 rank: 43)
42. Delaware
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 42)
41. Illinois
Legislation that would ban private transfers and “reform” the state’s FOID (Firearms Owner Identification) system were been carried over from the 2019 session but did not pass. The Illinois Legislature can meet year-round, so the fight is never over. (2019 rank: 41)
40. Colorado
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 40)
39. Minnesota
Bills that would ban private transfers and allow for firearm confiscation by law enforcement passed the Democratic-controlled Minnesota House in February but stalled in the Republican-led Senate. (2019 rank: 39)
38. Washington
Magazine bans and other gun control bills failed to make their way out of the Legislature, but three bills did pass. One of the bills, which was signed by Governor Inslee, prohibits carrying a firearm at a daycare center, regardless of whether the individual has a CPL (CCW) permit. Other bills that became law will create an Office of Firearm Violence Prevention and impose additional requirements related to court-ordered surrender of firearms. (2019 rank: 38)
37. Vermont
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 37)
36. New Mexico
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 36)
35. Nebraska
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 34)
34. Iowa
Governor Reynolds signed legislation in June to protect Iowa’s shooting ranges from local ordinances designed to put them out of operation. Access to safe shooting facilities is key to ensuring the future of responsible gun ownership. The bill also preempts municipal governments from imposing their own restrictions on firearms ownership. This important move earns Iowa an additional point in the Miscellaneous category. (2019 rank: 35)
33. Virginia
All eyes were on Virginia this January after Democrats took majorities in both chambers of the Commonwealth’s General Assembly. What looked like certain victory for a semi-auto, magazine and suppressor ban took a sharp turn when a handful of Democrats voted against the measure during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Still, the Governor achieved passage of at least some of the items on his gun control wish list. Legislation passed that weakens the state’s preemption laws and numerous municipalities are already acting to prevent firearm possession in public areas. Virginia’s old “one gun a month” law was reinstated, though those with carry permits are exempt. Private transfers were effectively eliminated and a Red Flag confiscation program has been created. Virginia is a shining example of how a single election cycle can drastically change the fate of gun owners in a given state. These actions costs Virginia points in the Miscellaneous category and look for efforts to pass more onerous legislation in 2021. (2019 rank: 31)
32. Oregon
Bills that would have gutted Oregon’s preemption law and imposed mandatory storage requirements on gun owners failed when the Republican members of the Legislature staged a walk-out, preventing the body from achieving the quorum necessary to pass the bills. Efforts to put semi-auto and magazine bans on the state’s November 2020 ballot failed, but the proponents will surely be back. (2019 rank: 33)
31. Pennsylvania
Since our last report, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shaprio issued an Opinion declaring that partially-manufactured firearm components including so-called “80% receivers” qualify as firearms under state law, and should be regulated as such. A bill that would prevent the Governor from restricting firearm rights during an emergency has passed the House and currently awaits action in the state Senate after advancing from the Judiciary Committee in September. (2019 rank: 32)
30. Maine
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 30)
29. South Dakota
Governor Noem signed important legislation protecting gun owners in March, just a day after its passage by the Legislature. This law prevents state and local government from restricting the rights of gun owners during emergencies and took effect immediately. Other bills were signed that increased opportunities for concealed carry, including legislation that specifies that a permit is not required when carrying a firearm on a motorcycle, snowmobile or off-road vehicle. (2019 rank: 29)
28. Michigan
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 27)
27. North Carolina
Last year, the NC General Assembly passed legislation that would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry in places of worship. Governor Cooper vetoed the bill and the Assembly made an unsuccessful attempt to override that veto in July. All eyes were on North Carolina in the November election where gubernatorial, U.S. Senate and Assembly races all carried serious implications for gun owners. Despite huge advantages in fundraising by out-of-state groups, Democrats were unsuccessful in gaining majorities in the state’s two legislative chambers. (2019 rank: 26)
26. Nevada
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 25)
25. Florida
The biggest news for gun owners in the Sunshine State came in June when the state Supreme Court removed a serious gun control proposal from the November ballot. The measure would have amended the state’s Constitution to prohibit possession of “assault weapons”. The state’s Attorney General challenged the proposal and the majority of the court agreed that the ballot summary was “misleading” and took it out of consideration for this election. (2019 rank: 24)
24. Louisiana
Governor Edwards proved that protecting the Second Amendment need not be a partisan issue when he signed four pro-gun bills in June. These bills allow permittees to carry in places of worship, protect the rights of gun owners in times of emergency and prevents municipalities from restricting firearm possession. (2019 rank: 28)
23. Ohio
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 23)
22. South Carolina
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 22)
21. Wisconsin
Nothing notable happened in Wisconsin’s Legislature in 2020 but the state’s Stand-Your-Ground law made national headlines in the context of the riots and shootings in Kenosha. (2019 rank: 21)
20. Indiana
Indiana continued to establish itself as a gun-friendly state this year as laws passed in 2019 went into effect. Those laws protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits related to self-defense encounters, and eliminate fees for concealed carry permits in the state. Additionally, the Governor declared that firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers could remain open during the COVID-19 crisis. (2019 rank: 20)
19. Arkansas
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 19)
18. Alabama
An effort to create a lifetime carry permit in the state failed when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die in May. This measure was opposed by the state’s sheriffs, many of whom derive revenue from the issuing of carry permits. The good news was that gun stores remained open during Gov. Ivey’s shutdown of the state. (2019 rank: 18)
17. New Hampshire
Governor Chris Sununu vetoed legislation in August that would have allowed for firearm confiscation without adequate due process protections. An attempt by the legislature to override that veto failed, closing the book on this issue for 2020. (2019 rank: 17)
16. Mississippi
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 16)
15. West Virginia
Governor Justice signed legislation in March that strengthens the state’s firearm preemption statute, making the state even more friendly for gun owners. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey stood up for the Second Amendment once again when he advised Sheriffs that they may accept LCDW/Concealed Carry applications and renewals by mail. Though West Virginia is a permitless carry state, the LCDW is key when traveling to other jurisdictions and also satisfies the background check requirements for purchasing a firearm. I have long lampooned a WV law that prevented guns from being displayed in a store window — thanks to legislation sponsored by Delegate Brandon Steele, that law is off the books! (2019 rank: 15)
14. North Dakota
No relevant outcomes in 2020, the state’s legislature did not meet in 2020. (2019 rank: 14)
13. Tennessee
Tennesseans have sought permitless carry for years, but their efforts got a boost in 2020 when Gov. Lee endorsed the proposal. What looked like a sure thing in January fell victim to the COVID shutdown when the bill failed to advance before the legislature’s adjournment. Barring any unforeseen events, we should see passage of this bill in 2021. (2019 rank: 13)
12. Missouri
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 12)
11.Georgia
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 11)
10. Texas
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 10)
9. Montana
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 9)
8. Utah
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 7)
7. Wyoming
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 8)
6. Kentucky
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 6)
5. Oklahoma
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 5)
4. Kansas
An emergency powers bill designed to protect gun owners was passed during a Special Legislative Session, but the measure was vetoed by Gov. Kelly. Nonetheless, firearms-related businesses were exempt from the Governor’s COVID-19 shutdown order. (2019 rank: 4)
3. Alaska
No relevant outcomes in 2020. (2019 rank: 3)
2. Idaho
The big news for gun owners in Idaho this year was Governor Brad Little’s signature on a permitless carry bill in March. Permitless carry was already legal for Idaho residents, but this legislation extends the law to cover all U.S. Citizens over the age of 18 to carry, including in the cities. With this slight change in law, Idaho ties the number one state in terms of points. (2019 rank: 2)
1. Arizona
No relevant outcomes in 2020. Arizona remains number one on our list due to its thriving competitive shooting scene and firearms industry presence. (2019 rank: 1)
A states ranking....and the state of your rights can change literally overnight with the results of an election...and sometimes the outcome of just one race. The governor's office in most states is the single biggest factor in how your rights are protected or abused.
ReplyDeleteHey Daniel;
DeleteI have huge concerns about Georgia, With the crooked elections we had in 2020, I have a feeling that in 2022 Georgia will go "blue" and we will start losing our gun rights after that.
Better top ten than bottom ten... sigh
ReplyDeleteHey Old NFO;
DeleteAgreed
Kentucky should be higher. I think G&A does not know about the so-called sportsman's law that was passed here the last time we had a democrat in the White House. It ensures that the right to bear arms (Kentucky 1st Amendment/US 2cd Amendment) can not be preempted for any reason.
ReplyDeleteOur lefty Governor in his attempted ascension to godhood has tried to exert absolute power over everything under the guise of emergency management of the fake pandemic.
Though he has succeeded in wrecking the restaurant industry, he has failed when it comes to shutting down gun related establishments because that law is in place.
Besides Kentucky was a gun friendly open carry state long before it went constitutional carry and has both castle and stand your ground laws. Last time there was a gun rally in Frankfurt there were open carry people inside just standing around watching the legislators in session, now that is gun friendly!
Hear that Guns and Ammo? Come on man, we should definitely be in the top five or maybe three states....unless of course you fire two blasts from your double barreled shotgun straight into the air in an emergency....then I don't think the sheriff here would be so friendly to you..