Kentucky Firearms Laws & Legal Notice

Disclaimer: The following is general information about Kentucky and federal firearms laws for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation. Kentucky Gun Shop makes no warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of this information.

Kentucky State Firearms Law Summary (KRS Chapter 527)

Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 527 governs the use and possession of weapons in Kentucky. Key provisions include:

KRS 527.010: Definitions of dangerous instruments and deadly weapons under Kentucky law.
KRS 527.020: Carrying a concealed deadly weapon — a Class A misdemeanor for first offense without proper authorization. However, Constitutional Carry (see below) exempts qualifying law-abiding citizens.
KRS 527.040: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon — a Class C felony in Kentucky.
KRS 527.070: Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property — a Class D felony regardless of license status.

Minimum Age Requirements

Handguns (pistols and revolvers): Federal law requires you to be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun from a licensed FFL dealer. Private party transfers between Kentucky residents require the buyer to be at least 18.
Long Guns (rifles and shotguns): Federal law requires you to be at least 18 years old to purchase a rifle or shotgun from a licensed FFL dealer.
Carrying: Kentucky’s Constitutional Carry law applies to adults 21 years of age or older.

Prohibited Persons — Federal Law

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), the following individuals are prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving any firearm or ammunition:

Any person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year (felony)
Any person who is a fugitive from justice
Any person who is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substance
Any person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution
Any person who is an illegal alien or nonimmigrant visa holder (with limited exceptions)
Any person who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
Any person subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders
Any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Any person under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year

Providing false information on ATF Form 4473 to obtain a firearm is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Constitutional Carry & CCDW in Kentucky

Effective June 27, 2019, Kentucky enacted Constitutional Carry (HB 49), making it one of approximately 26 states that allow law-abiding adults to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit. Key points:

Adults 21 years of age or older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry a concealed handgun in Kentucky without any permit.
Kentucky’s CCDW (Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons) permit program still exists and remains available. The permit is valuable for interstate reciprocity — carrying concealed in states that honor Kentucky permits.
Open carry is permitted for adults 18 and older without a permit in most public places in Kentucky.
Certain locations remain off-limits regardless of carry status: schools, law enforcement facilities, courthouses, police stations, jails, and establishments that post prohibition signs as required by Kentucky law.

NFA Items in Kentucky

Kentucky permits the ownership and transfer of National Firearms Act (NFA) items including suppressors (silencers), short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and (pre-1986) machine guns, subject to federal NFA requirements:

Payment of the $200 federal tax stamp (Form 1 for manufacturing, Form 4 for transfer)
Completion of ATF Form 4 and submission to the ATF National Firearms Act Branch
Background check and approval (currently 9–12 months average processing time)
Machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986 are prohibited for civilian ownership under federal law

We do not currently stock NFA items but can advise customers on the purchase process. Contact us for referrals to NFA dealers in Kentucky.

Interstate Transfer Requirements

All firearm transfers across state lines must go through an FFL dealer in the buyer’s state of residence. You may not purchase a handgun in another state and bring it back to Kentucky (except through proper FFL transfer channels). Rifles and shotguns may be purchased in adjacent states under certain conditions, but must comply with both state laws. We ship only to FFL dealers, which ensures all interstate transfers are fully compliant.

ATF Contact Information

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Website: atf.gov
ATF Hotline: 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477)
Louisville Field Division: 600 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Place, Suite 322, Louisville, KY 40202

Legal Disclaimer

Kentucky Gun Shop operates in full compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. We hold an active Federal Firearms License and submit to ATF inspections and regulatory oversight. We reserve the right to refuse any sale at our discretion. Nothing on this website constitutes legal advice. Kentucky Gun Shop, Webb Firearms LLC, and its officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any damages arising from your reliance on any information provided on this website. By using this website, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.