Can You Shoot on Your Property in Arizona?

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Arizona has some of the most lenient gun laws with regard to gun ownership and possession. As long as you are 21 years and above, you can legally buy or own a firearm and carry it concealed with any kind of concealed carry permit.

The law allows individuals who are 18 years or older to carry a concealed weapon in their own residence or business premises whether leased or owned by that person, the parents, grandparents, or even legal guardian.

Can You Shoot on Your Property in Arizona?

Yes, you can shoot on your property in Arizona because the state allows shooting with the property owner’s consent. With some of the lenient gun laws in the country, owning a gun in the state of Arizona is a constitutional right for every individual above 21 years.

This law came into effect in 2010 and since then, there has been an increase in the number of people owning and using guns in the state.

two cactus in a landscape shot in Arizona

Furthermore, the law allows property owners to carry concealed weapons while in their homes. However, property owners must ensure that shooting only takes place in areas that are far from concentrations of property and people.

Where Can You Shoot on Your Property?

Discharge of firearms should not be done within 150 yards of:

  • Buildings
  • Residences
  • Domestic livestock
  • Recreational areas
  • Occupied areas
Man shooting gun in an open space

For you to shoot on your land or private property, you need a parcel that is big enough to avoid irritating your neighbors.

You can also build sound baffle walls and ensure that the shooting area is ¼ mile all-around the way. You do not want to invite the law enforcement officers to your home because of nuisance and noise complaints from your neighbors.

Who Can Shoot on Your Property?

Although you can shoot on your property in Arizona the shooter must be:

  • Above 18 years and legally allowed to own and possess a firearm.
  • Must not be a convicted felon.
  • The shooter has not been adjudicated delinquent for a crime whose civil rights to carry or possess a firearm have not been restored.
  • The shooter should also not be serving a probation term because of a conviction for domestic violence offense or a felony offense or is on parole, work furlough, community supervision, and home arrest or is on release for any other reason.
back shot of a man shooting a gun

Do You Need a Permit to Shoot on Your Property?

No, you do not need a permit for you to shoot on your property. Arizona gun laws are quite favorable to residents who opt to legally own and carry firearms.

Permits are not required for property owners to shoot on their land, but the owner must give consent. In addition, the shooters must also adhere to the Arizona gun laws to prevent any issues with the neighbors or the police.

This is important because although Arizona has some of the most lenient gun laws that support gun ownership and possession in the whole of the United States, it also has some of the harshest sentences for gun felonies.

Types of Firearms You Can Use on Your Property

Even though you can shoot on your property in Arizona, you need to use firearms that are acceptable by the state and do not require a permit, for instance, a handgun, shotgun, or rifle.

You should avoid using prohibited firearms or weapons, for example:

  • a machine gun that can shoot more than one shot automatically without the need for manual reloading
  • a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches
  • shotguns with a barrel length of 18 inches or modified firearms

Gun Laws in Arizona

Law Handguns Long Guns
State permit for purchase No No
Firearm registration No No
Assault weapon law No No
Magazine capacity restriction No No
Owner license No No
Concealed carry permit No N/A
Open carry permit No No
Castle Doctrine Yes Yes

Related Questions

What Is the Definition of Self-Defense in Arizona?

The definition of self-defense in Arizona is when “the individual believes that it is immediately necessary to protect against the assailant’s use or attempted use of unlawful deadly physical force.

Does Arizona Have a Stand Your Ground Law?

Arizona does not have a specific law related to the Stand Your Ground name. However, you can defend yourself on public or private property (with the owner’s permission) if there is danger.

Can You Face Criminal Consequences for Shooting Someone in Self-Defense? 

As long as you can prove you shot someone on grounds of self-defense, you won’t be faced with criminal consequences.

Conclusion

Arizona has some of the friendliest gun laws in the country and this gives gun owners lots of freedom on the use and possession of firearms.

However, you must ensure that your shooting activities either for hunting or leisure are within the stipulated state gun laws or in designated shooting ranges. This will save you from penalties and jail term for serious gun crimes.

James Forrester is a lifelong gun and firearms owner, and an even bigger advocate for gun safety. He created KeepGunsSafe.com with the purpose of sharing helpful tips and educating others on how to keep guns and weapons safe and secure.