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Wisconsin Gun Laws

Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

Wisconsin Gun Laws

Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

Wisconsin Gun Laws

Over the past ten years, Wisconsin’s gun laws have undergone significant changes, reflecting the state’s dedication to preserving Second Amendment rights while addressing evolving perspectives on public safety. From background checks to concealed carry, these developments emphasize Wisconsin’s commitment to responsible firearm ownership. This article offers an overview of the key updates in Wisconsin’s gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023:

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2013 — Concealed Carry Licensing

  • Implementation of laws allowing individuals to apply for concealed carry permits, subject to background checks and training.

2014 — Enhanced Reporting on Lost or Stolen Firearms

  • Strengthened laws mandating firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within a specific timeframe.

2015 — Enhanced Penalties for Gun Crimes

  • Introduction of legislation imposing stricter penalties for individuals convicted of gun-related crimes, aiming to deter illegal firearm use and promote public safety.

2016 — Enhanced Mental Health Reporting

  • Strengthened reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by individuals with mental health concerns.

2017 — Enhanced Background Checks for Firearm Purchases

  • Exploration of legislation to enhance background checks for all firearm purchases, including private sales.

2018 — Enhanced Reporting on Domestic Violence

  • Strengthened reporting of domestic violence incidents to NICS, preventing individuals with restraining orders from accessing firearms.

2019 — Enhanced Oversight of Firearms Dealers

  • Strengthened regulation and oversight of firearm dealers to ensure responsible sales practices.

2020 — Firearm Waiting Period Legislation

  • Enactment of laws implementing a mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases to allow comprehensive background checks.

2021 — “Red Flag” Law Consideration

  • Exploration of implementing “red flag” laws allowing temporary firearm removal for individuals posing risks.

2022 — Firearm Storage and Child Access Prevention Laws

  • Enactment of laws promoting responsible firearm storage and holding adults accountable for securing firearms from children’s access.

2022 — Firearm Training and Safety Initiatives

  • Introduction of initiatives promoting firearm safety education and training among gun owners, with an emphasis on responsible practices and handling.

2023 — Enhanced Background Checks for Ammunition Sales

  • Exploration of potential legislation requiring background checks for ammunition purchases.

2023 — Enhanced Reporting on Mental Health and Firearm Access

  • Further exploration of ways to improve the reporting and evaluation of mental health records in relation to firearm background checks.
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2023 — Enhanced School Safety Measures

  • Exploration of potential measures to enhance school safety, including resource officers or armed personnel.

Wisconsin’s gun laws have transformed over the past decade, reflecting the state’s commitment to responsible firearm ownership and community safety. These changes underscore Wisconsin’s proactive approach to firearm regulation. As the state continues to adapt its laws, it remains imperative for stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to engage in informed discussions that balance individual rights with community security.

Additional Details on Wisconsin Gun Laws

General Overview

Wisconsin is often grouped with states that do not provide for strict or extremely selective firearm policies. State law does not require an individual to obtain a gun license or permit for the purchase of shotguns, rifles, handguns, or other firearms. Furthermore, there is no permit or gun license required for the possession of a firearm.

Retailer and Dealer Requirements

All retailers, dealers, manufacturers, pawnbrokers, or businesses that sell firearms are required to keep records of each individual sale and purchase. The records must be kept on-site of the place of business and will be reproduced if a law enforcement official requires that information.

Handgun Purchase Waiting Period

A 48-hour waiting period is implemented on the purchase of any handgun.

Machine Guns and Firearm Components

The possession of machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and gun silencers and compressors is allowed by state law, as long as they are properly registered with state and federal authorities. Gun dealers may also be authorized to sell these types of firearms and components as long as they are certified by state and federal regulations to do so.

Concealed Carry

The most notable key piece of legislation that Wisconsin employs is that concealed weapon carry is now legal.

Open Carry

The open carry of a weapon is legal. The open carry of a weapon while transporting is allowed, as long as the weapon is not loaded and secured in a case.

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State Gun Laws