Who Can Train and Own
A plain-English guide to who is legally eligible to participate in firearm training and to possess firearms under federal and Oregon law. Read this before you fill out the contact form so you know where you stand.
Most adults in Oregon lawfully train, own, and carry firearms. The list below exists because federal and state law set out specific categories of people who cannot. None of this is meant to be intimidating. The goal is to make sure you have accurate information, in plain language, before you sign anything that asks you to attest to your eligibility.
This page is general education, not legal advice. If anything here applies to your situation or you are not sure, please talk with a lawyer before purchasing or training.
Federal Prohibited Categories
Federal law (18 USC 922(g)) lists categories of people who cannot lawfully ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or . Here they are in everyday language.
Convicted of a felony
If you have been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, federal law generally prohibits you from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Some misdemeanors that carry a possible sentence over one year can also count.
Under indictment or information
If you are currently charged (but not yet convicted) with a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, you cannot lawfully receive or purchase a firearm while the case is pending. Possession of firearms you already owned before the charge is treated separately.
Fugitive from justice
If you have fled any state to avoid prosecution or to avoid giving testimony in a criminal proceeding, you are prohibited.
Unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance
Federal law currently treats any user of a federally controlled substance as a prohibited person, including cannabis users, even in states like Oregon where adult use is legal under state law. This is an honest gap between state and federal law that many people are surprised by, and it is something to be aware of before purchasing or training.
Adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
This applies to formal court findings (for example, a finding of insanity, incompetence to stand trial, or being a danger to self or others) or involuntary commitment to a mental institution. Voluntary outpatient counseling, therapy, or seeking help on your own does not make you a prohibited person.
Unlawfully in the United States, or in nonimmigrant visa status
People unlawfully present in the US are prohibited. People legally in the US on certain nonimmigrant visas are also generally prohibited, with limited exceptions (such as some hunting license holders, official government representatives, and others listed in federal law).
Dishonorably discharged from the US Armed Forces
A dishonorable discharge is a prohibitor. Other-than-honorable, bad conduct, and general discharges are not automatic federal prohibitors, though they can have other consequences.
Renounced US citizenship
Formally renouncing US citizenship makes a person prohibited under federal law.
Subject to certain restraining orders
If a court has issued a qualifying order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or that partner's child (and you had notice and an opportunity to be heard), you are prohibited while the order is in effect.
Convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
A qualifying misdemeanor conviction involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or threatened use of a deadly weapon, against a domestic partner, family member, or someone with a similar relationship, is a federal prohibitor.
Oregon Specifics
On top of federal rules, Oregon has its own age, background-check, and licensing requirements. The most common ones to know:
Minimum age 18
In general, you must be at least 18 to participate in live-fire firearm training and to purchase or possess a long gun (rifle or shotgun) in Oregon.
Minimum age 21 for handguns and CHL
You must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a federal firearms licensee (FFL), and 21 to apply for an Oregon Concealed Handgun License.
Background checks at the counter
Oregon firearm transfers run through a point-of-sale by the Oregon State Police Firearms Instant Check System. Private transfers also generally have to go through an FFL.
Measure 114 status
Ballot Measure 114 (the permit-to-purchase and -capacity law) has been tied up in state and federal litigation since 2022 and, as of this writing in 2026, is not in effect. Status can change, so check current Oregon State Police guidance before making purchasing decisions.
If You Used to Be Prohibited
For some categories (certain felony convictions, some domestic-violence misdemeanors, some mental-health adjudications, and others), there are legal pathways that may restore the right to possess firearms. In Oregon these can include expungement, set-aside, or specific relief-from-disabilities procedures. The rules are technical and depend heavily on the specific conviction or order.
If you believe you were once prohibited and your situation has changed, please consult an attorney who handles Oregon firearms law before you train, purchase, or possess. Working with counsel up front protects you and is much cheaper than the alternative.
What If I Am Not Sure?
If you read the list above and any of it might describe your situation, the safest next step is to talk with a lawyer who handles firearms cases in Oregon. You can also review the official sources directly:
I am a firearms instructor, not an attorney. I cannot tell you whether a specific conviction, order, or status applies to you. A short consultation with a lawyer is the right call when there is any doubt.
You Are Welcome Here
If you are a law-abiding adult, you are welcome at Firearm Safety Team. Queer, trans, nonbinary, BIPOC, disabled, neurodivergent, first-time owners, longtime shooters, anyone in between: this space is for you. Self-defense and safe handling are not exclusive clubs, and learning is always a good idea.
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