Nevada
Gun Laws
A breakdown of Nevada state firearm laws — suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, carry laws, and purchasing. Know the law.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws change — always verify current statutes through official sources (NRS, ATF, or a licensed attorney) before making any decisions. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Suppressors (Silencers)
Nevada is a suppressor-friendly state. Suppressors are legal to own, possess, and use in Nevada — including for hunting.
To legally own a suppressor in Nevada, you must comply with the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). This means filing a Form 4 (for transfers) or Form 1 (for manufacturing), submitting fingerprints and a passport photo, and passing a background check.
Paying the $200 federal tax stamp no longer applies.
Nevada has no additional state-level tax, registration, or permit requirement beyond the federal NFA process.
The Texas NFA Decision — What It Means
On August 5, 2026, a federal court in Texas issued a significant ruling related to NFA enforcement. The decision addressed the federal government's authority to regulate certain NFA items under the Commerce Clause.
This ruling has drawn attention from 2A advocates nationwide. While the decision is specific to the jurisdiction, it could influence future challenges to NFA regulations in other circuits.
Key takeaway: this does not change current federal law or eliminate the $200 tax stamp requirement. Until a ruling is upheld at the Supreme Court level or Congress passes new legislation, existing NFA rules remain in effect everywhere. Do not act on a single district court ruling — follow the law as it stands in your jurisdiction.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
SBRs are legal in Nevada. A short-barreled rifle is defined as a rifle with a barrel length under 16 inches or an overall length under 26 inches.
Like suppressors, SBRs are NFA items. You must file the appropriate ATF form (Form 1 to build, Form 4 to buy), pay the $200 tax stamp, and pass a background check.
Nevada imposes no additional state restrictions on SBRs beyond federal law.
Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)
SBSs are also legal in Nevada. A short-barreled shotgun has a barrel under 18 inches or an overall length under 26 inches.
Same NFA process applies — Form 1 or Form 4, $200 tax stamp, background check. Nevada does not add any state-level restrictions.
Machine Guns & Full-Auto
Machine guns manufactured before May 19, 1986 (pre-86 transferable machine guns) are legal in Nevada with proper NFA registration and the $200 tax stamp.
Post-1986 machine guns are restricted to law enforcement, military, and SOT/FFL dealers under federal law. Nevada follows federal law on this.
Open Carry
Nevada is an open carry state. You can openly carry a firearm without a permit in most public places.
Restrictions apply to certain locations: government buildings, schools, airports (past security), and private property where the owner prohibits firearms.
No permit or registration is required for open carry in Nevada.
Concealed Carry
Nevada is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits (CCW). Permits are issued by the county sheriff.
Requirements include: being 21 or older, completing an approved firearms safety course, passing a background check, and demonstrating handgun competency.
Nevada recognizes CCW permits from many other states through reciprocity agreements. Check the Nevada DPS website for the current reciprocity list.
Constitutional carry (permitless concealed carry) is not currently law in Nevada as of November 2026.
Purchasing & Transfers
Private party sales of firearms in Nevada require a background check through a licensed dealer (FFL), per Question 1 (2016 ballot measure) as amended and enforced.
There is no state waiting period for firearm purchases in Nevada.
There is no state firearm registration requirement in Nevada (except for NFA items which are registered federally).
You must be 18 to purchase a long gun and 21 to purchase a handgun from an FFL, consistent with federal law.
Prohibited Items in Nevada
Nevada prohibits the possession of: metal knuckles combined with a firearm (NRS 202.350), and firearms by convicted felons, fugitives, and persons under domestic violence restraining orders.
There is no state-level assault weapons ban or magazine capacity restriction in Nevada.
Quick Reference
Suppressors
Legal
NFA — $200 stamp no longer applies
SBRs
Legal
NFA — $200 stamp
SBSs
Legal
NFA — $200 stamp
Machine Guns (Pre-86)
Legal
NFA — $200 stamp
Open Carry
Legal
No permit required
Concealed Carry
Permit Required
Shall-issue CCW
Constitutional Carry
Not Law
As of Nov 2026
Magazine Limits
None
No state restriction
Assault Weapon Ban
None
No state ban