Lock and Load: Ace the 2026 Mississippi Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Quiz!

In Mississippi, the law requires that a background check be conducted for firearm sales only through licensed firearm dealers. This requirement aligns with federal regulations, which mandate that licensed dealers must perform a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) inquiry before transferring a firearm to ensure that the buyer is eligible to own a firearm.

Private sales between individuals typically do not require a background check under Mississippi law. This means that when individuals sell firearms to one another without the involvement of a licensed dealer, they are generally not obligated to conduct a background check. Similarly, at gun shows, while many licensed dealers will conduct background checks for the sales they make, it is not a universal requirement for all transactions that occur there, particularly those between private sellers.

Understanding this law is crucial for firearm purchasers and sellers to ensure compliance and to promote responsible firearms ownership.