Gun Laws in Mississippi: Can Visitors Carry Their Firearm?

Gun laws and the interstate transportation of firearms vary greatly from state to state. What may be lawful in Mississippi may be unlawful in another state. 

The allowance for carrying a firearm in a vehicle may also be different depending if a person has a permit honored in that state.

In Mississippi, any valid out-of-state permits or licenses to possess or carry a concealed handgun is valid for carrying a concealed handgun in the state of Mississippi.

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Although the permit does allow the holder to carry a concealed weapon in Mississippi, the visiting permit holder will still be subject to the same laws and restrictions in the same manner that a Mississippi permit holder must comply with the laws of the state. This includes being familiar with all prohibited carry locations.

Mississippi is an open carry state as well. This means that a person can openly carry a handgun without any type of permit or license. Places that are prohibited by state law still apply as "off limits" to any person who is open carrying a handgun.

Specific to a motor vehicle, a visitor to Mississippi that is over the age of eighteen may carry a handgun, concealed or open. The term "concealed" in Mississippi means hidden from common observation. This does not include having a loaded or unloaded handgun carried on a person in a holster that is wholly or partially visible.

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The term "unloaded" in Mississippi means that a cartridge is not positioned in the barrel or in a magazine attached to the firearm. Visitors should be mindful that if they are carrying an unconcealed handgun and are stopped by a law enforcement officer, the presence of the handgun may attract attention.

A visitor may choose to comply with the Federal law of having the unloaded firearm in a locked container not readily accessible by any of the occupants (excluding the glove box or console) such as the trunk, completely separated from ammunition.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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