In a nutshell...
Welcome to the forum and possibly to Arizona!
While I can't speak to the laws in Nevada and their differences with Arizona law, here is the AZ firearms law, in a nutshell.
First; I am
NOT a lawyer, check the facts and laws yourself, so you are sure you understand them! (Link to ARS below)
It is completely legal to carry with a full magazine and with a round in the chamber, that's how I do it.
In addition:
If you are:
Over 18: No permit is required to carry loaded or unloaded,
openly.
Over 21: No permit is required to carry loaded or unloaded, openly
or discretely.
You can carry whichever way you prefer and that is legal for your age range.
There are some exceptions;
You can't carry openly into any place that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises.
You can't carry discretely into any place that serves alcohol for consumption on the premises without a concealed carry permit. Your firearm
must remain concealed, and, you can
NOT consume alcohol!
You can't carry discretely into any place that serves alcohol for consumption on the premises if they have signs posted prohibiting firearms. (They don't get my money...)
Private businesses can ask you to leave, if you don't you can be charged with trespassing. (None of my money there either!)
No carrying into Federal government buildings or onto school grounds. The 1000' GFSZ law isn't enforced in AZ.
Be careful around reservation land, they have their own rules and it can get dicey.
Of course, drinking and carrying is a bad combination, don't!
When in a vehicle, you may carry discretely if you are over 21. If stopped by a LEO, you might be asked if you have a firearm, if you are asked, you must tell them. They
might take the firearm for the duration of the stop.
You can purchase long guns and ammunition for them at 18 and handguns and their ammunition at 21. No limit on the number of rounds you can purchase.
AzcdlFred posted this:
I highly recommend you print and read this document:
Arizona Gun Owners Guide
It's the best resource you can find for Arizona's gun laws and what they mean.
It's not free, but well worth the small price.
You can keep up to date and help make things better for gun owners by visiting and joining
Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL).
It's always best to go directly to the source of the law to find out where you stand!
The law as written:
Arizona Revised Statutes - 13-3102. Misconduct involving weapons; defenses; classification; definitions
That covers most of the firearms law where it pertains to personal carry,
as I understand it. INAL!
If I've missed or misunderstood anything, please let me know and I'll update my info.
-MH
