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Kentucky gun ranges provide various facilities that you can use to improve your shooting skills. These facilities provide a safe environment where you can practice your shooting without a high risk of injury. It is important to know what requirements you need to meet in order to access these services and facilities.
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Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Kentucky?
You do not require a permit to shoot at any gun range in Kentucky. This state follows the constitutional carry principle of Shall Issue, therefore owning a gun is a right that does not require a permit. You can therefore use gun range facilities freely without the need for a gun permit.
The gun laws allow open carry of firearms for anyone above 18 years. However, you should check with individual gun ranges for any age restrictions as each facility is under set rules and regulations. Some may set higher age limits on who can use the facilities.
Facility rules and regulations spell out what requirements you need to meet and how you should conduct yourself at the facility. While you may not need a permit, other factors may apply to restrict your access to the firing ranges at these facilities. Therefore, find out beforehand the governing rules and regulations at the facility you choose to use.
Open and Concealed Carry in Kentucky
While gun ranges may not require you to have a gun permit to use the facilities, you need to know what the law says about open and concealed carry of firearms in Kentucky. This is because you will need to transport your firearm to the shooting facilities.
As a state that follows Constitutional Carry Principal, anyone above the age of 18 years can open carry a weapon. The only time this is not possible is if, for any legal reason, you are prohibited from having a firearm under federal requirements that include:
- A wanted fugitive
- Illegal drug users and certified addicts
- People with mental issues
- A convicted person having served a term of over 1 year
- Dishonorably discharged veterans
- Illegally residing in the United States
- No longer a U.S citizen
- Have any restraining orders against you
The law also allows concealed carry of firearms without any need for a concealed carry permit. This means that you can carry the loaded weapon on you or have it stored in a gun case or a portable safe in your vehicle without the need for a concealed carry permit.
The state issues concealed carry permits to its residents that may need to use them in other states.
Obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit
While it is not a requirement to have this permit, residents of Kentucky can apply for it to use in other states or in occupations where it is a requirement such as the military. You can obtain this permit from the Sheriff’s office at a fee, with a waiting period of 90 days. To qualify, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Prove firearm competence
- Be a Kentucky resident for at least 6 months
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Not be prohibited by any legal reason to possess a firearm
Conclusion
Using a gun range in Kentucky is made easier as you do not need a gun permit to shoot your firearm in these facilities. As a Constitutional Carry State, you will enjoy more freedom as long as there are no legal restrictions that hinder you from this.
Find out from your gun range of choice what rules and regulations you need to follow as this will determine how you can use the facilities.
