TENNESSEE GUN CONTROL LAWS
Tennessee gun control laws are some of the least restrictive in the United States. You do not have to have a permit to purchase a gun – but you do have to have a permit to carry a gun (whether openly or concealed).
Tennessee recognizes any valid, “out of state” permit or carrying a handgun as long as the permittee is not a resident of Tennessee. Non-residents are not issued Tennessee permits UNLESS they are regularly employed in the state. These people are the required to obtain Tennessee permits even if they have a permit from their home state (unless their home state has entered into a reciprocity agreement with Tennessee).
Background checks are required for gun purchases from licensed dealers – but Tennessee no longer requires a 15-day waiting period for gun purchases.
It is unlawful for any person to sell, loan or give a firearm to a minor EXCEPT if the person providing the firearm is not a dealer and the firearm was loaned or given for the purpose of hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or other lawful sporting activity.
Even when someone has been issued a permit to carry a concealed they are still not permitted to take the firearm wherever they please. Local governments have the right under Tennessee law 39-17-1359 to post signs prohibiting the carrying of firearms on government property. Private land owners also have the right to post signs on their land prohibiting the carrying of long guns and hand guns.
Certain buildings and properties ban guns, including any place that serves alcohol (such as a bar or a restaurant). Firearms are also not permitted in courthouse proceedings. Firearms are not allowed to be present on school property, unless an adult has come to collect or leave a student and the firearm remains untouched in the motor vehicle.
