Table Of Contents
Missouri is one of the most firearm-friendly states in the country. With constitutional protections that go further than most, Missouri gun owners enjoy rights that many other states don’t offer. But with those rights come important responsibilities, especially when it comes to carrying in public, traveling with a firearm, or crossing state lines.
Mark Cantor is a passionate 2nd Amendment advocate who believes every American has the right to own and carry a firearm. As the founder of Cantor Injury Law, that passion extends beyond the courtroom — at CantorLand. With multiple short and long-range shooting ranges and sprawling wooded grounds full of deer, CantorLand celebrates Missouri’s firearm-friendly culture.
In this blog we’ll break down Missouri’s “constitutional carry” framework and everything else you need to know about carrying a firearm.
How Does Constitutional Carry Work in Missouri?
Missouri’s constitutional carry law means that residents and nonresidents that are 19 or older can carry a firearm in public (openly or concealed) without a permit. There is an exception for 18-year-olds who are active members of the U.S. Armed Forces or honorably discharged veterans. Regardless of age or permit status, however, all carriers are expected to exercise responsibility. Displaying or threatening to use a firearm in a menacing way is prohibited.
Guidelines for Traveling With a Firearm in Missouri
Traveling with a firearm requires careful planning no matter how you get there. The rules vary depending on your mode of transportation, so knowing what’s expected before you leave can save you from serious legal trouble.
Flying with a Firearm
Air travel comes with some of the strictest firearm regulations. In Missouri, it is illegal to bring a firearm through an airport security checkpoint. The only way to fly with one is to place it in your checked luggage.
TSA requires that all firearms be stored in a TSA-approved hard-sided travel case, unloaded, and secured with a lock. A restraining cable may also be required. When checking in, you must inform the agent that your bag contains a firearm, and they will likely place a sticker on your luggage to indicate its contents.
If you are traveling with ammunition, some types are permitted in carry-on luggage, while others must be declared in checked baggage. Always check the TSA website for the most current guidance before your trip. If your firearm is missing when you collect your luggage after landing, notify airport staff immediately. Acting quickly significantly improves the chances of recovery.
What Happens If I Leave My Firearm in My Carry-On Luggage?
Because TSA regulations prohibit firearms from being in carry-on luggage, TSA will notify the Missouri police to confiscate the firearm. Even if you have a permit to possess a firearm, possessing a firearm in restricted areas in an airport will lead to consequences. TSA can impose civil penalties that can cost a person thousands of dollars. The fine amount is determined by whether the firearm was loaded or unloaded and if the traveler had any previous TSA violations. By violating TSA regulations, violators will be ineligible for TSA PreCheck for 5 years and will be subject to enhanced screenings on future trips.
When Missouri police are called to the airport to confiscate the weapon, it is up to them whether the traveler will face criminal charges. In Missouri, it is illegal to possess a firearm at TSA checkpoints, and Missouri law prohibits carrying firearms in places that are prohibited by federal law. Missouri law authorizes police to issue penalties to violators, and violators may face jail time for possessing a loaded firearm or a firearm readily capable of being used.
Traveling by Car
For Missouri residents, traveling by car with a firearm is relatively straightforward thanks to constitutional carry. You are permitted to have a firearm in your vehicle without a permit, and it can be carried openly or concealed.
That said, if you are driving through other states, the rules can vary significantly. Some states require firearms to be unloaded and stored in a locked container in the trunk, while others may require a permit. Always research the firearm laws of every state you plan to drive through before hitting the road.
Traveling by Train
Amtrak permits passengers to travel with firearms, but the rules closely mirror those of air travel. Firearms must be unloaded, stored in a hard-sided locked container, and checked as baggage. Not all Amtrak stations accept checked baggage, so it is important to confirm your departure and arrival stations offer this service before booking. Like with air travel, you must declare your firearm at check-in.
Transporting Your Firearm from Missouri to Another State
Although permits are not required to conceal carry in Missouri, obtaining a permit is useful if you plan to bring your firearm into another state, because many states require a firearm possessor to have a permit. In order to obtain a conceal carry permit in Missouri, an application must:
- Be at least 19 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Be a resident of Missouri, be stationed, or be the spouse of a stationed armed forces member in Missouri
- Not be mentally incompetent
- Not have been convicted of any felonies or crimes relating to the intoxication of drugs and alcohol
Each state’s laws on firearm possession differ, so knowing the gun laws of other states is crucial when bringing firearms into them. If you bring a firearm to a state and do not follow the proper rules and procedures, you could face fines and imprisonment. This will result in a criminal record that could affect employment and other opportunities. Some states require a conceal carry permit, so this is an instance where having a Missouri conceal carry permit is essential and useful. Some states have “reciprocity” agreements with other states, meaning that two states will generally recognize each other’s firearm permits. These agreements can vary between states. For example, Missouri and Florida have a reciprocity agreement, but a Missouri resident must be at least 21 years old to bring a firearm to Florida because Florida requires permit holders to be 21. Other states do not recognize Missouri permits, so researching each state’s laws is crucial for compliance.
Missouri is a unique state because it recognizes every state’s permits, meaning that as long as you have a permit from your state to possess a firearm, Missouri will recognize it, regardless of how loose or restrictive the permit is.
Firearm Safety in Missouri
Owning and carrying a firearm is a right that comes with serious responsibility. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or a first-time gun owner, practicing proper firearm safety is essential to protecting yourself and those around you.
- Handle every firearm as if it is loaded. Even if you are certain a firearm is unloaded, always treat it as if it is loaded. This is one of the most fundamental rules of firearm safety and helps prevent accidental discharges that can cause serious injury or death.
- Keep your finger off the trigger. Until you are ready to shoot, keep your finger straight and off the trigger. Resting your finger on the trigger, even unintentionally, increases the risk of an accidental discharge.
- Always point the firearm in a safe direction. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Whether you are handling, cleaning, or storing a firearm, always be conscious of where it is pointed.
- Store firearms safely. When not in use, firearms should be stored in a secure, locked location (such as a gun safe or a locked case) and kept out of reach of children. Ammunition should be stored separately from the firearm whenever possible.
- Know your target and what is beyond it. Before firing, always be aware of your target and what lies beyond it. Bullets can travel significant distances and pass through objects, so being mindful of your surroundings is critical.
Consider a Safety Course
Missouri does not require gun owners to complete a safety course, but taking one is always a good idea, especially for new gun owners. Organizations like the NRA and local shooting ranges, including those at CantorLand, offer training courses that can help gun owners build confidence and handle their firearms responsibly.
Seeking Legal Help After a Firearm Injury
Missouri’s constitutional carry laws offer gun owners significant freedoms, but those freedoms come with legal responsibilities. Practicing proper firearm safety, staying informed about the laws, and carrying responsibly are all essential to protecting yourself and others. Unfortunately, accidents and incidents involving firearms do happen, and when they do, having the right legal team in your corner makes all the difference.
At Cantor Injury Law, we are experienced in handling gunshot wound cases and understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll they can take on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a firearm-related incident, our attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Cantor Injury Law today at 314-628-9999 for a free consultation.
