This information is intended only as a guide. Although we will try our best to make this information as accurate and up to date as possible, any information here should not be considered complete or up to date.

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  Purchasing Firearms in Nebraska:

  • Rifles, Shotguns

    • No Permit or certificate is necessary to purchase a rifle, shotgun, ammunition, or reloading equipment. 28-1211

    • Must be 18 or over to purchase (Federal Law)

  • Handguns

    • A purchase permit is necessary to purchase a handgun. 69-2403

      • Permit application can be obtained from your local Chief of Police, or Sheriff.

      • Official will perform background criminal and mental history checks, must approve or deny after 3 days maximum. Will be sent in postal mail. 69-2405

      • Permit Valid for 3 years, may be revoked if deemed ineligible by police chief 69-2407

    • Must be 21 or over to purchase (Federal Law)

  • National Firearms Act weapons

    • Nebraska prohibits certain “dangerous” weapons: including Full Automatic firearms, Short Barrel Rifles and Short Barrel Shotguns. Possession or transport of these weapons is a Class IV Felony.

    • You are exempt from this Statute if you are qualified under the provisions of federal law to own these weapons.

    • For information on how to obtain federal permission to own these weapons, as well as information about silencers, explosives, and other weapons, Visit the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives FAQ: http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faqindex.htm

• Possessing/Transporting Firearms in Nebraska:

  • General

    • Open carrying of firearms is legal in Nebraska except in expressly prohibited places.

    • Possession of a firearm on school grounds is a Class II Misdemeanor 1204.4 (includes school grounds, events, vehicles)

    • It is always legal to transport your firearm in your trunk, Unloaded and cased. In vehicles without a trunk, the firearm must be in a locked, hard case. (Federal Law)

    • It is unlawful to carry a loaded shotgun in a vehicle in Nebraska

  • Handguns:

    • Any person under the age of 18 may not possess a pistol. This is “Unlawful Possession of a Revolver” covered in 28-1204 and is a Class III Misdemeanor.

    • Transfer of a handgun to a juvenile is a Class IV Felony. 28-1204.01

• Use of Force:

  • It is important to read and understand statutes 28-1409 to 28-1413 as there are many exemptions and exclusions from justifiable use of force!

  • Protection of Self 28-1409

    • Only justifiable if you believe force is necessary to protect against death, serious bodily harm, kidnapping or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat.

    • You are required to retreat from the situation, surrender an object, or comply with a demand, if you know that doing so will avoid the necessity of using force.

  • Protection of Others 28-1410

    • Only justifiable if the person who is being threatened would be justified in use of force under 28-1409.

    • You are still required to retreat, surrender an object, or comply with a demand, if you know that doing so will avoid the necessity of using force, and will provide for the safety of both you and the threatened person.

  • Protection of Property 28-1411

    • Only justifiable if the person is attempting arson, burglary, robbery, or other felonious theft or property destruction AND:

      • Has either threatened or employed deadly force against you or a present party

      • The use of force other than deadly force to prevent the crime would place you or another in substantial danger of serious harm.

• Please check your local town/city ordinances, as they may be more restrictive than state law!