The Guide To Oregon Shotgun Laws: Buying A Shotgun
Keeping up with Oregon shotgun laws can feel overwhelming these days, especially with how divisive the political climate is and how quickly rules seem to shift. Between court challenges, proposed changes, and debates that never seem to end, it’s easy to question what’s actually legal right now. In this post, we’ll talk about what kinds of shotguns are legal, whether non-residents can bring them into the state, how the buying process works, and even what open carry looks like for long guns in Oregon.
Buying a Shotgun in Oregon
Buying a shotgun in Oregon is generally straightforward, but it's helpful to know what the steps look like before you head to a store. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect.
● What You Need
To buy a shotgun in Oregon, you need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as an Oregon driver’s license or state ID. Your ID must display your current address; if it doesn’t, you’ll need to provide proof of residency. You must be at least 18 years old and legally allowed to own or possess firearms under state and federal law.
● Where You Can Buy One
Shotguns are sold at licensed gun stores, sporting goods shops, and larger outdoor retailers. Many people also buy used shotguns from private sellers. Oregon requires all firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer, so even a private sale must include a background check at a gun shop.
● How the Background Check Works
Once you pick out a shotgun, the dealer will have you complete Form 4473, which is the standard federal firearm purchase form. The dealer then sends your information to the Oregon State Police, who run a background check to confirm there’s nothing legally preventing you from owning a firearm. This check looks for things like felony convictions, restraining orders, and other disqualifying records.
● How Long Does It Take?
Most buyers get approved the same day, often within minutes. Occasionally, the system needs a closer look at something in your record, and that can lead to a delay. A delay can last a few hours or sometimes a few days, depending on how busy the system is and what needs to be verified.
● Paying and Taking It Home
After approval, you can pay for the shotgun and any accessories you want. Most dealers will give you a quick rundown on safe handling and proper storage. Once everything is completed, you can take your shotgun home immediately because Oregon doesn’t have a waiting period after approval.
Can You Open Carry a Shotgun in Oregon?
Oregon does allow open carry of long guns, including shotguns, but doing so in everyday public spaces is uncommon and often draws unwanted attention. There’s no state law requiring a permit to openly carry a shotgun, yet local law enforcement may respond if someone reports concerning behavior. Most people who carry shotguns openly are doing so for hunting or while traveling to and from outdoor areas where firearm use is expected.
Do You Need a Permit To Buy a Shotgun in Oregon?
This answer to this question isn’t completely black and white. You don’t need a permit to buy a shotgun in Oregon under the laws currently being enforced. When you purchase one from a licensed dealer, the only requirement is that you complete the standard firearm form and pass a background check through the Oregon State Police. If you’re legally allowed to own a firearm and your background check clears, you can buy and take home the shotgun without needing a separate license or purchase card.
Oregon did pass Measure 114, which would require a permit to purchase any firearm, including shotguns, but that law has been tied up in court and has not gone into effect. Until that changes, the process remains the same as it has been for years, meaning no permit is required ahead of time.
What Kind Of Shotguns Are Legal In Oregon?
Most common shotgun types are legal in Oregon as long as they meet federal requirements. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s allowed.
● Pump-Action Shotguns
These are fully legal and very common for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. There are no special restrictions on capacity under Oregon law.
● Semi-Automatic Shotguns
Also legal in Oregon. Oregon doesn’t have a state-level ban on semi-automatic shotguns, and there is no magazine capacity limit at the state level. As long as the shotgun meets federal definitions and isn’t modified into a prohibited configuration, it’s allowed.
● Break-Action Shotguns
Single-shot and double-barreled shotguns are fully legal and have no special restrictions. These are widely used for hunting and sport shooting.
● Bolt-Action and Lever-Action Shotguns
Less common but still completely legal. These fall under the same rules as other traditional long guns.
● Short-Barreled Shotguns
These are only legal if they are registered under the National Firearms Act (NFA). A shotgun with a barrel shorter than 18 inches or an overall length under 26 inches counts as an SBS. To own one, you must go through the federal tax stamp process.
● Shotgun “Firearms” or “Non-NFA” Models
Some firearms, like the Mossberg Shockwave or Remington TAC-14, are classified as “firearms” rather than shotguns because of their dimensions. These are generally legal in Oregon as long as they meet federal requirements, though they still must be transferred through a dealer with a background check.
Can Non-Residents Take Shotguns to Oregon?
Yes, non-residents can bring shotguns into Oregon, and the process is usually pretty straightforward. Oregon doesn’t require a special permit for non-residents to possess or transport a shotgun, so you can legally bring one into the state for hunting, sport shooting, or personal use as long as you’re not prohibited from owning firearms.
How to Transport a Shotgun in Oregon
If you’re driving, the easiest method is to keep the shotgun unloaded and stored in a secure case. Ammunition should be stored separately, ideally in its own box or container. Oregon law doesn’t require the firearm to be locked up inside the vehicle, but it’s still smart to keep it secured and out of sight to avoid theft or confusion during traffic stops. Most people simply use a hard or soft gun case and leave it in the trunk or cargo area.
If you’re flying into Oregon, you must follow TSA rules. The shotgun must be completely unloaded and locked inside a hard-sided case. You’ll declare it at the airline counter when checking your luggage, sign a small card stating it’s unloaded, and the case will travel with your checked baggage. Ammunition is allowed in your checked bag as long as it’s stored in proper packaging, such as the factory box or a sturdy ammo container. Once you arrive in Oregon, you don’t need to register the shotgun or get a permit to possess it. You just need to obey standard Oregon firearm laws, including safe handling and safe storage.
Oregon Shotgun Laws Conclusion
Understanding Oregon shotgun laws mostly comes down to knowing the basics and staying aware of changes as they happen. Once you get a feel for how buying, carrying, and transporting a shotgun works here, the whole topic feels much less heavy.
If you have more questions about Oregon shotgun laws or you’re dealing with another legal issue and need a trusted attorney in the Beaverton or Portland area, contact our team at Powell Law. People turn to us because we’re straightforward, dependable, and focused on helping you through unbelievably stressful times.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
