Gun laws in Arkansas

Applicants must pass a background check and complete a training course to receive a new or renewal concealed carry license.

On October 17, 2018, the Arkansas Court of Appeals issued a ruling that clarified that the mere carrying of a handgun is not a crime by itself absent a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ the handgun as a weapon against a person, and any ambiguity would be found in favor of the defendant per the rule of lenity.

In his opinion written to State Senator Eddie Joe Williams, Attorney General McDaniel defined a journey as "travel beyond one's county of residence," but further stated it would be ultimately up to the discretion of law enforcement officials and county prosecutors as to whether or not persons carrying without a valid permit would be arrested and prosecuted.

In my opinion, a person may not lawfully carry a concealed handgun in public without a properly issued concealed-carry license.

The licensing requirement is recognized in the "concealed handgun" exception under § 5-73-120.Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has also stated that open carry may generate reasonable suspicion for an officer to stop and briefly detain a person.

§ 5-73-120 is initially a matter for law enforcement following guidelines that routinely apply when investigating a misdemeanor involving the danger of forcible injury to persons.

The defendant appealed and the court dismissed the case potentially setting a precedent that open carry is legal.