As a responsibly armed American, you already know how challenging it can be to stay up to date on gun laws…
Tennessee gun owners, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked firearms questions in Tennessee. Read on for answers to some of the top questions regarding Tennessee gun laws.
Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Gun in Tennessee?
No. There is no waiting period to purchase a gun in Tennessee. However, when purchasing a firearm from a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer, a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): Operated by the FBI, NICS was developed with the ATF and state and local law enforcement agencies. It is used to verify that a person buying a firearm does not have a criminal record or isn’t otherwise ineligible to purchase or own a firearm. must be performed. NICS checks can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. If a determination is not obtained within three business days, then the transfer may legally be completed.
Is Tennessee a Stand Your Ground State?
Yes, Tennessee has a “stand your ground” statute. A person who is in a place lawfully and who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat before using or threatening to use force that’s likely to cause serious bodily injury or death. A person who uses deadly force within a residence, business, dwelling or vehicle is presumed to have held a reasonable belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury to self or others.
Are Suppressors Legal in Tennessee?
SuppressorsA suppressor is a device that is used to suppress the sound of a firearm. Contrary to popular belief, suppressors are incapable of completely “silencing” a firearm. are legal in Tennessee but are regulated by federal law and on a state-by-state basis by the National Firearms Act (NFA) branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). U.S. residents that pass a BATFE background check and who can legally carry a firearm can lawfully purchase and possess silencers in 42 states, including Tennessee, without a permit.
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car Without a Permit in Tennessee?
Yes, anyone who is not otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm and is in lawful possession of the motor vehicle may concealed carry or openly carry a handgun.
Can You Carry a Gun in a Hospital in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no statutes prohibiting firearms in hospitals. However, hospitals may post signs banning guns.
Can a Felon Own a Gun in Tennessee?
Many factors need to be considered in order to determine whether someone with a felony conviction may be able to own or possess firearms. Tennessee has expungement statutes which have allowed some people who have been convicted of certain felonies to have those felonies expunged from their records and to obtain complete restoration of the right to own and possess firearms. The best way to determine if this might be an option for you is to consult an experienced attorney in your area.
Ready to Learn More About Tennessee Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Tennessee’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Tennessee gun laws page now…
Additionally, continued firearms training is crucial to protecting your family. Find a gun range in Tennessee through our “Find a Shooting Range” resource — made possible by our partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and WhereToShoot.org.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each particular case. Laws are continually changing and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
