Some bordering states have similar protection for owners of firearms, but Kentucky gun laws are the most lenient in the area.
Neighboring states Tennessee, Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana were among the states cited by a
Brady Campaign report in 2013 as having too few gun control laws. Kentucky scored a 10.5 on a 0-to-100 scale based on strong gun laws, according to the report, and Kentucky usually scores better in surveys for gun owners compared to its neighbors.
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Nearby Illinois has the toughest gun laws among the neighboring states. The state allows the purchase of rifles and shotguns, and has concealed carry permits, but all purchasing and carrying is only allowed through a firearms owner’s identification card issued by state police. Chicago’s gun laws are even more restrictive than the rest of the state, including sporting rifles.
Kentucky finished way ahead of its neighbors for its lenient gun laws in a list of the
best states for gun owners, according to Guns & Ammo. Kentucky gun laws ranked fifth of all 50 states, based on state legislation, right-to-carry laws, modern sporting rifle restrictions, registration requirements and self-defense laws.
Missouri was the next closest neighboring state in 11th place with strong self-defense laws and recognizing concealed carry permits of other states. Tennessee was at No. 16 with lenient purchasing laws and allowing people with carry permits to enter restaurants and bars.
Virginia, West Virginia, and Indiana finished at the 21st, 23rd, and 24th spots respectively with easy concealed carry laws. Ohio finished 36th because of restrictions on sporting rifles in some cities. Illinois finished in the No. 41 position.
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Kentucky gun laws remain at the forefront in easing standards for people to protect themselves among neighboring states and nationally. Kentucky residents can electronically apply to carry concealed weapons, and state legislators eliminated the six-month residency period to apply for carry permits. Legislators are also considering laws to prohibit the federal government from enforcing firearms restrictions on the state in the future.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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