Setting the Standard for Women in Firearms | Training. Insights. Intelligence.

Heading to Missouri for Fall Fest? What A Girl & A Gun Members Need to Know About Firearms Laws

Fall Fest is right around the corner, and we’re excited to welcome more than one hundred A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) members, sponsors, and friends to Missouri for a weekend of camaraderie, training, and competition. Whether you are driving across state lines or flying in from afar, understanding the firearm laws in Missouri is essential to ensure your trip is both safe and lawful.

As proud partners of A Girl & A Gun, U.S. LawShield provided this essential legal travel guide to help you navigate the rules with confidence.


Traveling with Your Firearm: Missouri Reciprocity

Missouri is a permitless carry state, meaning both open and concealed carry are generally allowed without a permit. However, if you are traveling from out of state and prefer to carry with your permit, you will want to check whether your state’s permit is recognized.

Missouri honors permits from many states, but not all. States with recognized permits can carry concealed in Missouri, while others may not be honored. To see if your permit is valid in Missouri, use the U.S. LawShield Law Database for up-to-date maps and state-by-state reciprocity details.


Places Firearms Are Prohibited in Missouri

Even in a permitless carry state, there are designated prohibited areas where carrying a firearm is either restricted or outright illegal. Common examples include:

  • Police stations, prisons, and courthouses
  • Polling places on election day (within 25 feet)
  • Government meetings or facilities, unless specifically exempted
  • Schools, colleges, and childcare facilities (without consent)
  • Bars or restaurants primarily serving alcohol (without owner’s consent)
  • Hospitals, airports, and amusement parks
  • Churches and places of worship (without express permission)
  • Private properties with posted “No Firearms” signage
  • Stadiums or arenas seating 5,000 or more
  • Riverboat casinos

Important Tip: In most cases, having your firearm secured in your vehicle (and not removed or brandished) while on the premises of a prohibited area is not considered a criminal offense.


What to Expect During Police Encounters in Missouri

Missouri is a quasi duty-to-inform state. This means:

  • You are not required to immediately inform law enforcement that you are carrying
  • However, you must carry your permit (if applicable) and present it along with a valid photo ID if requested by a peace officer

Failure to provide your permit upon request is not a criminal offense, but it may result in a citation up to 35 dollars.


Carrying While Intoxicated

Missouri law prohibits the handling or use of a firearm while intoxicated, especially in a negligent or unlawful manner. Even if you are legally carrying, doing so under the influence can result in serious legal consequences unless it is in an act of self-defense.


Know Before You Go

Here is a quick checklist for AG & AG members heading to Missouri:

  • Confirm your state’s permit is recognized in Missouri (if applicable).
  • Understand the difference between permitless carry and restricted areas.
  • Stay informed about where firearms are prohibited.
  • Keep your firearm secured in your vehicle when entering a restricted area.
  • Avoid carrying when consuming alcohol.
  • Be respectful and compliant during any police encounter.
  • Use signage as a guide and respect “No Firearms” postings.

Let U.S. LawShield Have Your Back

As an A Girl & A Gun member, you are committed to safety, training, and responsible carry. U.S. LawShield is here to support you every step of the way with:

  • 24/7 access to a network of experienced firearms attorneys
  • Comprehensive legal coverage for self-defense incidents
  • A robust online legal database to answer your most important questions

If you are not already a member, now is a great time to explore how U.S. LawShield can provide peace of mind no matter where your training or travel takes you.

Visit www.uslawshield.com to learn more and join today.


We Will See You at Fall Fest

We hope you have an incredible time connecting, learning, and training at the 2025 A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest. Remember, knowledge is power, and carrying confidently begins with understanding the law.


Note: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For specific questions regarding Missouri law or any other jurisdiction, consult with a licensed attorney.


Additional Suggested Reading:

Keep Learning

Here are a few more articles that we think you’ll enjoy.

Articles & Videos

Categories

Search Topics

Skillsets