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Wisconsin Gun Laws

Last Updated: June 3, 2018 Disclaimer:  While the information provided here is legal in nature, it is not to be construed as legal advice, and is for educational and entertainment purposes only.     It can be tricky trying to navigate the maze of gun laws at the federal and state level, making sure you keep track of the ones that might affect you and keep you from exercising your Second Amendment rights. Fortunately, Wisconsin is a relatively free state when it comes to guns, and there are only a few laws that you’ll need to worry about when you’re out defending your freedom. We’ve got everything you need to know about how to buy a gun and be a responsible gun owner in the Badger State!
Wisconsin State Flag. Badger included.
Wisconsin State Flag. Badger included.

Buying a handgun

While the process for purchasing a handgun is not as simple as walking in to your local gun store and picking one off the shelves, no permit is required to buy one, and there are only a few steps to follow in order to take a shiny new pistol home with you. In order to buy a handgun, you must:
  • Be 21 or older;
  • Provide state ID; and
  • Have a background check performed by a licensed firearms dealer.
If you’re buying the firearm from a private seller, instead of a licensed firearms dealer like the one at your local gun store, you can skip the background check step completely!  You might miss out on that new-in-box smell, and maybe some of the cool freebies that come with a brand new gun purchase, though. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that even if you meet all the other requirements above, there are still some situations where you can’t own a firearm, much less buy one.  You cannot own a firearm if you:
  • Have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for over a year;
  • Are a fugitive from justice;
  • Illegally abuse controlled substances;
  • Have been adjudicated as mentally defective or incompetent, or have been committed to a mental institution;
  • Are an illegal alien;
  • Are a former US citizen who has renounced his citizenship;
  • Were dishonorably discharged from the US Armed Forces;
  • Are subject to a restraining order; or
  • Were convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
 
One of each, please!
One of each, please!

Go big or go home

When you’re deciding to buy a gun, don’t chicken out and get a replica.  Not only is it pretty lame, but you might be taking part in a crime! It’s actually illegal to sell or distribute “look-alike” firearms, which means any imitation of a firearm manufactured and produced after 1897, and includes toy guns, water guns, non-functioning replicas, or air-soft guns firing non-metallic projectiles.   Like any law, there are exceptions, of course.  Traditional bb, paintball, or pellet-firing air guns expelling projectiles through air pressure do not fall under this law. For those of you into antique firearms, not to worry!  Non-firing imitation replicas of antique firearms developed before 1898 do not fall under this law, and restoration of any look-alike firearms is legal as long as you have a license to collect firearms as curios and relics.

Don’t forget about long guns!

While you’re out buying a handgun, you might as well pick up a rifle to go along with it!  Like with handguns, no purchase permit is required. The process for buying a long gun is almost identical to the steps for a handgun.  In fact, the requirements are even less restrictive. To buy a long gun, you must:
  • Be 18 or older;
  • Provide ID; and
  • Have a background check performed by a licensed firearms dealer.
Just like with handgun purchases, you can skip the background check if you are buying from a private seller, and save yourself a little time.

What about the children??

While you can’t legally purchase firearms if you are under 18, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun.  Just make sure you follow the rules, and you can pew pew just like everyone else! A person under 18 can possess a firearm if he is:
  • Accompanied by a parent or guardian; and
  • Target shooting or taking a firearms training course.
For our younger hunters out there, anyone between 12 and 16 can have a firearm if:
  • They are under the supervision of a parent or guardian; and
  • Are out hunting, or taking a hunter safety course.
Bambi doesn’t stand a chance
Bambi doesn’t stand a chance

Locked and loaded

Once you’ve got your firearms in hand, you’re ready to show them off!  Wisconsin allows for open carry of firearms without any type of permit, so make sure you’ve got a holster ready the minute to pick up your new pistol! Concealed carry is handled differently in the state, however, and does require a permit, so you’ll have to go through additional steps for that.  Those of you interested in getting a permit can check out our Wisconsin CCW Laws section after you finish up here to find out what you need to do to get a CCW permit, and also learn about the additional laws to be aware of when carrying concealed. No matter how you’re carrying, though, always remember it is illegal to have a firearm within 1000 feet of school grounds.  Some other places, like courthouses, and jails, also prohibit firearms, regardless of open or concealed carry. Basically, if there are metal detectors at the entrance, it’s not a place for your pocket rocket.  

On the road again

Having your guns with you in a vehicle isn’t too different from carrying them while you’re walking around town, but you’ll need to make sure that any handguns you have must be clearly in the open.   A CCW permit is required if you decide to conceal a handgun while in the vehicle if the handgun is within reach.  If you want to keep your handgun in a case in the back while you’re driving to the range, or just to keep it from sliding around the front passenger’s seat, that would not require a CCW permit.   Without a CCW permit, your best bet is to have your pistol clearly visible or locked away in a case.  Anything else in between is just asking for trouble!
Pistol in Glove Compartment
Better keep that glove compartment the whole time!
Transporting long guns is a completely different story when compared to handguns.  Thankfully, it’s very simple. Long guns cannot be loaded when in a vehicle. No ifs, ands, or buts.  Long gun in the car? Unloaded. It doesn’t matter if you want to keep the rifle or shotgun up front with you, or hanging out in their own fancy gun cases in the trunk, as long as they are unloaded and remain that way the entire time they are in the vehicle.  

Putting your skills to use

Aside from being pretty useful at the whole hunting thing, guns are also pretty handy in self-defense situations.  As a gun-friendly state, Wisconsin has both a “Castle Doctrine”, and a “Stand Your Ground” law.

Defending the castle

While a man’s home is his castle, Wisconsin thinks your castle is also your motor vehicle, or place of business.  This means that you are allowed to use deadly force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to yourself, while at home, in your vehicle, or at your place of business.   It is also important to note that as long as someone is unlawfully and forcibly entering, or already has unlawfully and forcibly entered any of these places, and you reasonably believe deadly force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm, your use of deadly force is considered justified.  Any other situations would require the judge or jury to decide at trial whether it was actually reasonable.

Standing your ground

Of course, bad guys don’t always wait until you’re at home, in your car, or at work to try and harm you.  Luckily, Wisconsin recognizes this as well, and has a “Stand Your Ground” law. Like all “stand your ground” laws, you are essentially allowed to defend yourself, without being required to flee or retreat.  Specifically, as long as you reasonably believe deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily injury, it does not matter if you had an opportunity to flee or retreat before using the deadly force. However, since you aren’t at home, in your vehicle, or at your place of business in a “stand your ground” situation, you and your lawyer will have to work a little harder to show that it was reasonable for you to use deadly force in that situation.  But then again, it’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. It’s helpful to remember that just because you do not have a duty to retreat does not mean you must engage the threat and use deadly force.  Sometimes the situation may call for a retreat for the safety of yourself and others around you.  Always use your best judgment when deciding to use deadly force.

You made it!

That’s all you need to know about Wisconsin gun laws!  Well, almost! Don’t forget to check out our Wisconsin CCW laws section too!
Time for another safe
Time for another safe
While you’re out buying that brand new AR-15, don’t forget you’ll need to keep it somewhere safe!  Wisconsin does not have any specific laws on storing firearms, but for those of you with children, or just want to keep your gun collection locked away when you’re out of the house, a strong safe or inexpensive gun cabinet will do just fine. If you’ve only got a couple handguns, then a handgun safe may be all you need to keep your shiny toys away from the bad guys while you’re out of the house.  Hopefully, though, your firearms never spend too much time hanging out in whatever safe you decide to buy, and are out with you at the range or doing some hunting instead!  
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