A synopsis of Vermont state laws on purchase, possession and carrying of firearms.
PURCHASE
No permit is required to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
Dealers are required to keep a record of all handgun sales, and used handgun purchases. This record must include the date of the transaction, the marks of identification of the handgun, including manufacturer’s name, caliber, model and serial number, the purchaser’s or seller’s name, address, birthplace, occupation, age, height, weight, and color of eyes and hair. The purchaser or seller shall sign his name to the record and the dealer must keep such records in a book for six years after the date of the last entry and shall permit law enforcement officers to inspect the book at all reasonable times.
It is unlawful to sell or offer to sell a zip gun.
POSSESSION
No state permit is required to possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
It is unlawful for a child under 16, without consent of his parent or guardian, to possess or control a handgun.
It is unlawful to possess a zip gun. It is generally agreed that a zip gun is a crude homemade firearm.
CARRYING
It is lawful to carry a firearm openly or concealed provided the firearm is not carried with the intent or avowed purpose of injuring a fellow man. It is unlawful to carry a firearm within any state institution or upon the grounds or lands owned or leased by such institution. *READ ALL
ANTIQUES AND REPLICAS
Vermont laws are silent on the subject of antiques and replicas. However, an opinion of the Attorney General holds that handguns defined as antiques or replicas under the 1968 Gun Control Act need not be entered in the sales records as long as they do not fire conventional ammunition.
MACHINE GUNS
It is lawful to possess, purchase, or sell a machine gun that is legally registered and possessed in compliance with all federal laws and regulations.
Preemption
VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 24 § 2295 (2011) Authority of municipal and county governments to regulate firearms, ammunition, hunting, fishing and trapping *READ ALL
Range Protection
VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 10 §5227 (2011) The owner or operator of a sport shooting range, and a person lawfully using the range, who is in substantial compliance with any noise use condition of any issued municipal or state land use permit otherwise required by law*READ ALL
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
The possession, ownership, transfer, carrying, or registration or licensing of firearms or ammunition has been pre-emptied by state law.
It is unlawful to take or attempt to take a wild animal from a motorized vehicle or within then feet of the traveled portion of a public highway.
SOURCES: Vt. Stat. Ann. §§ 10-113-4705; 13-85-4003; 13-85-4004; 13-85-4006; 13-85-4008; 13-85-4013; 13-85-4016; 24-61-2295
CAUTION:*Firearm laws are subject to frequent change and court interpretation. This summary is not intended as legal advice or restatement of law. This summary does not include federal or local laws, ordinances or regulations. For any particular situation, a licensed local attorney must be consulted for an accurate interpretation. YOU MUST ABIDE WITH ALL LAWS: STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL.
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