Oregon Concealed
Handgun License Course
This course fulfills the Oregon educational requirement to apply for your CHL. Completing this material means accepting the serious responsibility of carrying a firearm, safely and legally.
Disclaimer: This training material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This page reflects Oregon law as of October 2026. Firearm laws, including Measure 114, SB 554, and SB 243, are subject to change and ongoing judicial review. Always consult a qualified Oregon attorney for specific legal questions.
The Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety
The foundation of everything. These four rules apply at all times, everywhere.
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Personal VerificationNever assume a gun is empty until you have personally verified it, every single time you handle it.
Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
Muzzle ControlMuzzle Control: Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction to prevent injury from accidental discharge.
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have decided to shoot.
Trigger DisciplineRest your finger along the frame or slide, outside the trigger guard, until you have consciously decided to shoot.
Know your target and what is beyond it.
Target ID & BackstopBullets can travel long distances and penetrate walls. You are legally and morally responsible for every round you fire.
Additional Safety Protocols
Go deeper: Safety Fundamentals, Cleaning & Maintenance, and Crisis & Community Resources.
Oregon Legal Framework
ORS 166.291 · SB 554 · SB 243 · Measure 114 · Portland & Multnomah Local Ordinances
Possession & Carry
Open Carry
Generally legal in Oregon statewide. However, Portland and Multnomah County prohibit open carry of loaded firearms in public without a CHL.
Concealed Carry
Requires a valid Oregon CHL. Carrying a handgun hidden on your person, for example under a jacket or in a bag you are carrying, requires a CHL (ORS 166.250(1)(a)). A firearm carried openly in a belt holster is not concealed (ORS 166.250(3)).
Vehicle (No CHL)
A concealed handgun must not be readily accessible: in the trunk, or, if the vehicle has no such space, in a closed and locked glove box, console, or other container with the key out (ORS 166.250(1)(b), (4)). State law does not turn on loaded or unloaded.
Prohibited Places: Even With a Valid CHL
Federal Facilities
Post offices, federal courthouses and other federal facilities (18 U.S.C. 930).
Airport Passenger Terminals
A CHL does not let you carry in the passenger terminal of a commercial airport with more than one million boardings a year (such as Portland International), even before security. It is a Class A misdemeanor for a CHL holder and a Class C felony without one (ORS 166.360(9)(b), 166.370). The exception is an unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case on its way to be checked.
Oregon State Capitol
No carry, even with a CHL (ORS 166.370(1)(b)).
Court Facilities
State courthouses and the part of any other building used by a state court or its staff (unless the presiding judge has ordered otherwise). Class C felony (ORS 166.360(2), 166.370(2)).
Schools, Colleges & Universities (SB 554)
School districts, community colleges, and public universities may prohibit CHL carry if they post clear signage and website notices. Always check the specific institution's policy before carrying.
Posted Public Buildings (SB 243, 2025)
As of 2025, a city, county, or special district may bar concealed-carry licensees from a building it owns or controls and uses for official meetings, if it posts a sign at every normal entrance and lists the building on its website (ORS 166.377). The state is not one of these bodies, and adjacent grounds are not covered. Watch for posted notices at city halls and county buildings. Multnomah County has done this for its buildings (Ordinance 1338).
Private Property (including places of worship, bars and restaurants)
Oregon firearm law does not list these as prohibited places. The owner or person in charge decides. If you are told not to enter or to leave and you do not comply, that is criminal trespass, and trespass while in possession of a firearm is a Class A misdemeanor (ORS 164.205, 164.265).
Tribal Land
Each tribe sets its own firearm rules, and an Oregon CHL may not be recognized there. Ask the tribal police or tribal government before you carry on a reservation.
Secure Storage & Civil Liability (SB 554)
Storage Requirement
When not under your immediate control, firearms must be secured with an engaged or cable lock, in a locked container, or in a gun room (ORS 166.395(1)).
Vehicle Storage
Any firearm left unattended in a vehicle must be secured with an engaged trigger or cable lock or in a locked container, which in a vehicle includes a glove compartment, enclosed trunk or center console with a tamper-resistant lock. A handgun must also be out of view from outside the vehicle (ORS 166.392, 166.395).
Civil Liability
If you leave a firearm unsecured and someone who gets it as a result uses it to injure a person or property within two years, the violation is negligence per se in a lawsuit against you, and showing you acted reasonably does not rebut it. This does not apply to lawful self-defense or to a firearm taken by someone unlawfully inside a dwelling (ORS 166.395(3)-(4)).
Theft Reporting
Report lost/stolen firearms to law enforcement within 72 hours statewide, or 48 hours under Portland City Code 14A.60.060 and Multnomah County Code 15.067. Check with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office or your city whether the county rule applies where you live.
Recent Changes: SB 243 (2025, In Effect)
SB 243, the Community Safety Firearms Act (Oregon Laws 2025, chapter 594), took effect on September 26, 2025. Unlike Measure 114, these rules are law right now.
Rapid-Fire Devices Banned
Bump stocks, binary triggers, and similar rapid-fire activators are prohibited. Possession is a Class A misdemeanor; manufacture or transport is a Class B felony.
Purchase Ages
From a licensed dealer you must be 21 to buy a handgun and 18 to buy any rifle or shotgun, or not (18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1)). SB 243 did not change purchase ages.
Public-Building Carry
A city, county, or special district may bar CHL holders from a building it uses for official meetings when it posts signs at every normal entrance. See “Posted Public Buildings” above.
Measure 114: Current Status (Not in Effect)
Bottom line: Measure 114 has never taken effect, and it cannot take effect before January 1, 2028. Today, no purchase permit is required and standard-capacity magazines remain legal to buy, own, and carry in Oregon.
State Case: The Reason It's on Hold (Arnold v. Kotek)
The Harney County Circuit Court blocked Measure 114 before it could take effect. On March 12, 2025 the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed and held the measure constitutional under the Oregon Constitution (338 Or App 556). Challengers petitioned the Oregon Supreme Court, which heard oral argument on November 6, 2025. No decision in Arnold v. Kotek appears in the court's opinion list through the release of October 8, 2026. Measure 114 has never taken effect. The orders that blocked it came from this state case, not the federal one.
Federal Case (OFF v. Kotek)
A federal judge upheld Measure 114 in July 2023. Challengers appealed to the Ninth Circuit (Nos. 23-35478 and others). The court stayed the appeals in December 2023 and, on September 22, 2026, the clerk administratively closed them without a decision on the merits; any party may move to reopen. The Ninth Circuit has never ruled on Measure 114. The federal courts have not blocked the law, so the federal case is not what's holding it up.
Legislative Delay: Earliest Start January 1, 2028 (HB 4145)
HB 4145 (Oregon Laws 2026, chapter 120) was approved by the Governor and took effect on April 7, 2026. It moved the start of Measure 114's permit and magazine provisions from March 15, 2026 to January 1, 2028. Even if the courts uphold Measure 114, its rules cannot be enforced before that date. No permit is required for a transfer before January 1, 2028 (Oregon Laws 2026, ch. 120). For the status of the permit program, contact the Oregon State Police Firearms Instant Check System unit.
Permit to Purchase (Not in Effect)
If it ever takes effect, it would require a permit before buying any firearm, including a and completion of an approved safety course.
Magazine Capacity (Not in Effect)
If it ever takes effect, it would limit magazines to 10 rounds. For now, higher-capacity magazines remain legal in Oregon.
Use of Force
ORS 161.209: When physical and deadly force is legally justified in Oregon
PPhysical Force (Non-Deadly)
You may use physical force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to defend yourself or another from the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force.
DDeadly Physical Force
Deadly force is justified only when you reasonably believe another person is:
- 1.Committing or attempting a felony involving physical force (e.g., violent robbery)
- 2.Committing or attempting a burglary in a dwelling
- 3.Using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against you or another
The I.M.O. Triangle: Evaluating a Threat
Intent
Does the person intend to cause serious harm? (Verbal threats, aggressive movement toward you)
Means
Do they have the ability to cause serious bodily harm? (Weapon, size/strength advantage)
Opportunity
Are they physically capable of carrying out the threat? (Close enough, no barriers)
All three elements must be present to legally justify deadly force.
Practical Scenarios
The Fleeing Intruder
Situation: You discover an intruder in your home. They turn and run out the front door.
Why: Once the person flees, the threat is no longer imminent. You generally cannot use deadly force solely to retrieve property or stop a fleeing suspect.
The Imminent Threat
Situation: An intruder drops your TV, pulls a knife, and walks toward you with a fixed stare after you commanded them to leave.
Why: The intruder demonstrated Intent (ignoring commands), Means (knife), and Opportunity (closing distance). The IMO triangle is complete.
Road Rage: The Aggressor
Situation: You exit your vehicle to argue, get into a fistfight, lose, and draw your gun.
Why: You were a willing participant and the initial aggressor. You generally cannot claim self-defense when you provoked the confrontation.
The Belligerent Passenger: A Real Portland Case
Situation: Aug. 8, 2021: a rider on a No. 14 TriMet bus on SE Hawthorne was yelling slurs at a woman. Another passenger boarded, yelled at him to get off, then drew a pistol and shot him five times when he didn't leave.
Why: Verbal abuse is not deadly force. The victim showed no weapon (no Means) and no intent to seriously harm anyone (no Intent), the IMO triangle was never complete. A Multnomah County jury convicted the shooter of second-degree murder with a firearm; in August 2026 he was sentenced to life in prison, with parole possible only after 25 years.
Go deeper: Self-Defense & the Legal Aftermath and Self-Defense Legal Insurance.
Practical Carry & Gear
Holsters, ammunition selection, and how to handle law enforcement contact
Holster Selection
Your carry method must balance four competing needs:
On-Body vs. Off-Body: Avoid loose carry in a purse or backpack. Use a bag with a dedicated compartment if carrying off-body: loose carry is dangerous and slow.
Kydex: Check that retention screws remain tight. A loose screw can allow the trigger to be accessed.
Leather: Inspect regularly for wear that could fold into the trigger guard, especially with holsters.
My holster checklist, fit worksheet and trial log are in one guide: Concealed Carry Gear and Holster Fit Guide ($9.00)
Ammunition Selection
🎯 Practice Ammo
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): also called "ball" ammo. Cost-effective for range training. Not recommended for carry.
🛡️ Self-Defense Carry Ammo
Jacketed Hollow Point (): expands upon impact ("mushrooms"), maximizing stopping power while reducing risk of overpenetration and hitting bystanders. Always carry JHP.
Interacting with Law Enforcement While Carrying
If you are pulled over while carrying, follow these steps in order. Your goal is safety for everyone involved.
Hands on the Wheel
Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel from the moment you pull over until the officer gives further instructions.
Inform the Officer
Calmly state: "Officer, I have a Concealed Handgun License and I am currently carrying a firearm. How would you like to proceed?"
Do Not Reach
Never reach for your wallet, registration, or the firearm until you are explicitly instructed to do so. Unexpected movement is dangerous.
Disclosure Note
Oregon law does not strictly require you to immediately announce your CHL, but proactive disclosure is strongly recommended to avoid misunderstandings if the officer spots the weapon.
Go deeper: Concealed Carry Gear, Ammunition Selection, Marksmanship, and Stop the Bleed trauma care.
Applying for Your CHL
The Oregon CHL is issued by the Sheriff of your county of residence
Eligibility Requirements
Automatic Disqualifiers (ORS 166.291)
Separately, the sheriff may deny a license if there are reasonable grounds to believe you are a danger to yourself, others, or the community (ORS 166.293).
Application Steps: Multnomah County
Apply Online
The application is online at mcso.us and is required. Staff at 3083 NE 170th Place, Portland can help you on a tablet, weekdays 8 to 4.
Schedule Appointment
Fingerprinting is by appointment, booked inside the application. No walk-ins.
Pay the Fee
New license $115, renewal $75, transfer $30, transfer plus renewal $90, address change or replacement $15. Pay by card online, or by exact cash, check, money order, or card in person.
Bring Documentation
- A government photo ID showing your county address (or separate proof of residency: voter registration, lease or deed, or Oregon tax return)
- A second piece of identification
- Course Completion Certificate (this course)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization documents). The Multnomah County Sheriff asks every new applicant for it.
- Other counties set their own document lists; check with your sheriff.
My workbook has an application tracker and the statute number beside each rule: Oregon CHL Prep Workbook ($15.00)
All 36 Oregon County Sheriffs
Apply for your CHL at the Sheriff's Office of your county of residence.
Baker County
Sheriff Travis Ash
541-523-6415
Benton County
Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall
541-766-6858
Clackamas County
Sheriff James Rhodes
503-785-5000
Clatsop County
Sheriff Matt Phillips
503-325-8635
Columbia County
Sheriff Brian Pixley
503-366-4611
Coos County
Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio
541-396-7800
Crook County
Sheriff John Gautney
541-447-6398
Curry County
541-247-3243
See the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association listing
Deschutes County
Sheriff Ty Rupert
541-388-6655
Douglas County
Sheriff John Hanlin
541-440-4450
Gilliam County
Sheriff Gary Bettencourt
See the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association listing for the phone number
Grant County
Sheriff Todd McKinley
541-575-1131
Harney County
Sheriff Dan Jenkins
541-573-6156
Hood River County
Sheriff Matt English
541-386-2098
Jackson County
Sheriff Nathan Sickler
541-774-6800
Jefferson County
Sheriff Jason Pollock
541-475-6520
Josephine County
Sheriff Dave Daniel
541-474-5123
Klamath County
Sheriff Shane Mitchell
541-883-5130
Lake County
Sheriff Daniel Tague
541-947-6027
Lane County
Sheriff Carl Wilkerson
See the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association listing for the phone number
Lincoln County
Sheriff Adam Shanks
541-265-4277
Linn County
Sheriff Michelle Duncan
541-967-3950
Malheur County
Sheriff Travis Johnson
541-473-5126
Marion County
Sheriff Nick Hunter
503-588-5094
Morrow County
Sheriff John A. Bowles
541-676-5317
Multnomah County ← Portland
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell
503-988-4300
Polk County
Sheriff Mark Garton
503-623-9251
Sherman County
Sheriff James Burgett
541-565-3622
Tillamook County
Sheriff Joshua R. Brown
503-842-2561
Umatilla County
541-966-3600
See the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association listing
Union County
Sheriff Cody Bowen
541-963-1017
Wallowa County
Sheriff Ryan Moody
541-426-3131
Wasco County
Sheriff Lane Magill
541-506-2580
Washington County
Sheriff Caprice Massey
503-846-2700
Wheeler County
Sheriff Jeremiah Holmes
541-763-4101
Yamhill County
Sheriff Sam Elliott
503-434-7506
Continue Learning
This course is a starting point. Go deeper on any topic with FST's free learning library.
Safety Fundamentals
The four rules, range etiquette, and safe handling in depth.
Oregon Firearm Laws
State law, background checks, Measure 114, SB 243 & SB 554.
Purchase Process
Step-by-step guide to buying a firearm legally in Oregon.
Who Can Own a Firearm
Federal and Oregon eligibility, and restoration of rights.
Self-Defense & Use of Force
Use of force, the legal aftermath, and de-escalation.
Self-Defense Insurance
Legal-defense coverage for a lawful self-defense incident.
Concealed Carry Gear
Holsters, belts, and daily carry that actually works.
Ammunition
FMJ vs. JHP, calibers, and choosing carry ammo.
Marksmanship Fundamentals
Grip, stance, sight picture, and trigger control.
Stop the Bleed
Trauma first aid every armed citizen should know.
Ranges & Clubs
Where to practice across Oregon.
Glossary
Plain-English definitions of firearm terms.
References & Official Sources
Ready to Get Your CHL?
Join Anth's live Oregon CHL Zoom course: every Thursday, 6:00-7:30 PM or 7:30-9:00 PM. Just $30. Certificate issued upon completion. Each county sheriff decides what to accept, so check with yours before you apply.
Confirm with your county sheriff if you are unsure · Meets the Oregon CHL handgun-safety training requirement