Being a gun owner in the United States comes with a variety of challenges, depending on where you live. Some states have more restrictive laws and regulations that can make it difficult for gun owners to exercise their Second Amendment rights. In this blog post, we will explore the worst states to be a gun owner in 2024, based on factors such as purchasing requirements, concealed carry guidelines, self-defense statutes, and taxes.

1. Hawaii

Hawaii tops the list as the worst state for gun owners due to its strict purchasing and carry laws. The state defies the Supreme Court on the individual’s right to carry, making it exceedingly difficult for residents to keep and bear arms1. Hawaii requires a permit to purchase firearms, and the process is lengthy and cumbersome. Additionally, the state has stringent concealed carry laws, with permits being rarely issued and only under exceptional circumstances.

2. California

California is another state where gun ownership is highly regulated. The state has a permit-to-purchase requirement, meaning that individuals must obtain a permit before buying a firearm1. California also has strict reciprocity laws, making it difficult for residents to carry their firearms in other states. The state imposes additional taxes on firearms and ammunition, further complicating the process for gun owners.

3. New York

New York ranks third on the list due to its strict purchasing and carrying requirements. The state has stringent background checks and waiting periods for purchasing firearms. New York also has restrictive concealed carry laws, with permits being difficult to obtain and limited in scope. The state’s self-defense statutes are also more restrictive, requiring individuals to retreat if possible before using force in self-defense.

4. Illinois

Illinois is known for its strict gun laws, making it one of the worst states for gun owners. The state requires a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card to purchase firearms, and the process can be lengthy and complicated. Illinois also has restrictive concealed carry laws, with permits being difficult to obtain and limited in scope. The state’s self-defense statutes are also more restrictive, requiring individuals to retreat if possible before using force in self-defense.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey rounds out the top five worst states for gun owners due to its strict purchasing and carrying requirements. The state has stringent background checks and waiting periods for purchasing firearms. New Jersey also has restrictive concealed carry laws, with permits being difficult to obtain and limited in scope. The state’s self-defense statutes are also more restrictive, requiring individuals to retreat if possible before using force in self-defense.

6. Other Notable States

Other states that rank lower on the list but still have restrictive gun laws include North Carolina, Maine, and Ohio. These states have recently passed restrictive legislation, making it more challenging for gun owners to exercise their rights1. While some of these states have relaxed carry laws, the overall regulatory environment remains challenging for gun owners.

Factors Contributing to the Ranking

The ranking of the worst states for gun owners is based on several factors, including current gun laws, purchase laws, concealed carry guidelines, reciprocity between states, sales tax, the current governor’s voting history, and stand your ground laws. Each state’s laws and regulations are analyzed to determine the level of difficulty for gun owners.

Conclusion

Being a gun owner in the United States can be challenging, especially in states with restrictive laws and regulations. Hawaii, California, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey are among the worst states for gun owners due to their stringent purchasing and carrying requirements, self-defense statutes, and taxes. Understanding these factors can help gun owners make informed decisions about where to live and how to navigate the regulatory landscape.