Do You Know Which State’s Gun Control Policies Are Extremely Weak?

Within America, gun laws and gun control policies differ widely across states. Any given state’s laws surrounding weapons are dictated by demographic and political factors, among others. Federally, American citizens have the right to bear arms thanks to the second amendment. But it is a state’s job to interpret this right the way they see fit, based on local government and elections.

While some states are strict on gun policy, others are quite lenient. And Wyoming certainly falls into the latter category. The Cowboy State is known for individual freedoms of its citizens, which includes the personal right to arm oneself. Culturally, residents of Wyoming are strongly connected to their guns, seeing these weapons as a means to safety and protection. Local laws often prioritize gun owners over gun legislation.

Using data compiled by Giffords Law Center, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed Wyoming’s approach to 14 key gun control policy areas. It is important to note that the laws on this list are not exhaustive and only represent broad guidelines. Legal nuances can also vary at the local level.

Why It Matters

With the exception of some modest revisions to background check protocols, the U.S. has not implemented any meaningful gun control reform in decades. Still, state governments also have the authority to enact their own policies, resulting in a patchwork of gun laws across the 50 states. Currently, Wyoming ranks as having the weakest state-level firearm regulations in the country.

1. Universal Background Check Laws

• State policy: Under federal law, all gun buyers must undergo a background check before obtaining a firearm from a licensed retailer — but transfers made from unlicensed retailers are exempt from background check requirements. While many states have closed this loophole with universal background check laws, Wyoming has not.

2. Mental Health Reporting

• State policy: Wyoming is not required to report individuals involuntarily committed to undergoing mental health treatment (including those under 18 years old living with a guardian to help manage their affairs), to federal background check databases.

3. Concealed Carry of a Firearm

• State policy: No permit is required to carry a concealed firearm in certain public places in Wyoming.

4. Handgun Open Carry Regulations

• State policy: Open carry of handguns is permitted in certain public places in Wyoming.

5. Long Gun Open Carry Regulations

• State policy: In Wyoming, open carry of a long gun is permitted in certain public places.

6. Stand Your Ground Laws

• State policy: Use of deadly force is permitted in public, if necessary, to prevent death or serious bodily harm — even if it is possible to step away from the incident.

7. Guns in Schools

• State policy: In Wyoming, firearms can be carried in K-12 schools by school security officers, teachers, and other school employees who have been granted permission.

8. Mandatory Waiting Periods for Firearm Purchases

• State policy: There is no mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases in Wyoming.

9. Assault-Style Weapons

• State policy: Assault-style weapons, like those modeled after AK-47 or M-16 military rifles, are not regulated in Wyoming.

10. High-Capacity Magazines

• State policy: Wyoming does not regulate or restrict high-capacity magazines.

11. Licensing Requirements

• State policy: Gun owners or prospective buyers do not need to obtain a permit in Wyoming.

12. State-Level Prohibitions on Who Can Own Firearms

• State policy: Wyoming does not meaningfully expand upon federal laws restricting access to firearms for certain individuals.

13. Minimum Age Requirements for Handguns

• State policy: In Wyoming, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun. However, the state does not set a minimum age requirement for possession of a handgun.

14. Minimum Age Requirements for Long Guns

• State policy: In Wyoming, individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun, like a rifle or shotgun. However, the state does not set a minimum age requirement for possession of a long gun.