Arkansas gun laws make it easy for law-abiding citizens who want to carry a firearm while visiting the state. Anyone who has a legal conceal carry permit from another state will also have that permit recognized in Arkansas.
ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now
Older laws in the state only recognized conceal carry permits on a reciprocity basis. State legislators had given the Arkansas State Police the right to determine which states’ licenses were valid in Arkansas.
But in the 2013 legislative session, lawmakers simplified that law. Now, all legal U.S. conceal carry permit-owners can carry in Arkansas.
Still, open carry of a handgun is still under contention in the state, with a debate about whether Act 746, which amended carry rules for Arkansas gun laws, actually allows for open carry. So visitors would be advised to proceed with caution and carry a concealed weapon with a legal permit on-hand.
Visitors are also required to follow all the rules of the
Arkansas Conceal Carry statute. Those rules include:
- Do not carry a concealed weapon into a police station or other law-enforcement agency. It is illegal to have a concealed firearm in a prison, courthouse, or courtroom.
- Concealed weapons are not allowed at any athletic events — unless they are firearms-related.
- Do not carry a concealed gun into a school unless it is a church-related school which has agreed to allow it.
- Concealed weapons are generally not permitted in a house of worship, unless it allows them on their property. The church, synagogue, mosque or other house of worship should have an easy-to-read sign that all can see.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm. URGENT: Do You Support President Obama’s Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.