<P> In many cases, state firearms laws can be considerably less restrictive than federal firearms laws . This does not confer any de jure immunity against prosecution for violations of the federal laws . However, state and local police departments are not legally obligated to enforce federal gun law as per the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Printz v. United States . </P> <P> Firearm related matters that are often regulated by state or local laws include the following: </P> <Ul> <Li> Some states and localities require that a person obtain a license or permit in order to purchase or possess firearms . </Li> <Li> Some states and localities require that individual firearms be registered with the police or with another law enforcement agency . </Li> <Li> All states allow some form of concealed carry, the carrying of a concealed firearm in public . </Li> <Li> Many states allow some form of open carry, the carrying of an unconcealed firearm in public on one's person or in a vehicle . </Li> <Li> Some states have state preemption for some or all gun laws, which means that only the state can legally regulate firearms . In other states, local governments can pass their own gun laws more restrictive than those of the state . </Li> <Li> Some states and localities place additional restrictions on certain semi-automatic firearms that they have defined as assault weapons, or on magazines that can hold more than a certain number of rounds of ammunition . </Li> <Li> NFA weapons are weapons that are heavily restricted at a federal level by the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 . These include automatic firearms (such as machine guns), short - barreled shotguns, and short - barreled rifles . Some states and localities place additional restrictions on such weapons . </Li> <Li> Some states have enacted castle doctrine or stand - your - ground laws, which provide a legal basis for individuals to use deadly force in self - defense in certain situations, without a duty to flee or retreat if possible . </Li> <Li> In some states, peaceable journey laws give additional leeway for the possession of firearms by travelers who are passing through to another destination . </Li> <Li> Some states require a background check of the buyer when a firearm is sold by a private party . (Federal law requires background checks for sales by licensed gun dealers, and for any interstate sales .) </Li> </Ul> <Li> Some states and localities require that a person obtain a license or permit in order to purchase or possess firearms . </Li>

Do you need a permit to have a gun
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