2018 Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States

by
posted on March 23, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
firearm_book_lede.jpg

The standard in the realm of firearm law for the layman, the Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States, now in its 22nd year, is meticulously updated annually by J. Scott Kappas, Esq., an attorney in private practice who endeavors to keep his readers consistently abreast of the nation’s ever-changing laws governing gun use, transport, and carry.

A brief overview of the 68 page text leaves one in little doubt as to why over 1,000,000 copies have been sold since 1997. Despite having a price point of only $14.95, the book is a veritable goldmine of practically useful information concerning: the carry of firearms in a motor vehicle, concealed carry reciprocity, and firearm law preemption, along with a plethora of additional subcategories.

This year’s edition alone features over 100 updates, newly elucidated segments (50 to be exact) on carrying in hotels by state, and a fresh page format to improve ease of reading and reference.

Given the haphazard manner in which firearm laws seem to change in the U.S., one particularly innovative feature is the linking of the book to a website, www.gunlawguide.com, which is continually updated with changes in state permit reciprocity, to keep readers as informed as possible between print editions. Hopefully of course, this reciprocity section will soon become null and void, with the Concealed-Carry Reciprocity Act already having passed the House, now only needing a positive vote in the Senate. But in the meantime, this portion is invaluable for any traveler concerned with self-defense.

For its more internationally minded readers, the Traveler’s Guide includes segments on taking guns to America’s neighbors: Canada and Mexico. Though the segment on Mexico could be easily summed up into one word: don’t; the information relayed to readers on Canada is very helpful, as though the country is very restrictive, the carry of firearms into the country is still possible if one is willing to meticulously traverse some exhaustive rigmarole. Given the popularity of Canada as a hunting destination, this could definitely come in handy to a number of readers, as could the portion educating readers on how to prove the guns they are reentering the United States with are in fact their own.

As mentioned, the Traveler’s Guide is available for $14.95 (price including Bulk Mail Shipping), at www.gunlawguide.com/shop. Pick yours up today.

Latest

357Mag Handloading 1 Title
357Mag Handloading 1 Title

How to Duplicate .357 Magnum Factory Ballistics with Handloads

Extensive testing shows which powders and charge weights allow .357 Mag. handloads to reach factory velocities without exceeding published pressure limits.

New: Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 10 mm M2.0 Carry Comp

Smith & Wesson’s latest Performance Center pistol blends ported recoil control, optics compatibility and 10 mm power into a carry‑ready, shooter‑focused design.

Federal Unveils New All-American Target Loads Aimed at Trap and Skeet Shooters

Federal expands its All-American target loads for 2026, adding refined 12- and 20-gauge options aimed squarely at serious trap and skeet shooters.

Review: Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 mm F1 Riflescope

An in-depth review of the Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 mm F1, highlighting its rugged build, Mil-XT reticle, premium glass and performance in competition and long-range shooting.

Defining NRA Championship Moments: 1987 National Matches

Tight finishes and standout performances defined the 1987 National Matches, as nearly 5,000 competitors tested skill and endurance at Camp Perry.

Range USA: Redefining the Indoor Gun Range Experience

In 2025, Range USA opened its 50th location in Chester, Va., showing how a customer-first approach turned a single indoor gun range into a nationwide phenomenon.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.