STATE
WEST VIRGINIA GUN LAWS
West Virginia has shamefully weak gun laws and one of the highest gun death rates in the United States. Lawmakers must take immediate action to reverse this deadly trend.
Scorecard Grade
The state does not require individuals to undergo a background check or obtain a permit to carry a loaded, concealed firearm in public. In 2024, West Virginia had the 22nd highest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 310 people died from gun violence in the state. That means someone dies from gun violence every 28 hours. Seventy-two percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 25% are gun homicides. In West Virginia, the rate of gun deaths increased 9% from 2015 to 2024, compared to a 15% increase nationwide.
EXPLORE WEST VIRGINIA’S GUN LAWS
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
What West Virginia Does Well
- Domestic violence gun laws
- Certain disarming procedures
What West Virginia Is Missing
- Universal background checks
- Gun owner licensing
- Extreme risk protection orders
- Assault weapon restrictions
- Large capacity magazine ban
- Waiting periods
- Concealed carry permit
- Open carry regulations
- Child access prevention laws
SPOTLIGHT
GUN VIOLENCE STATISTICS
Explore facts, figures, and original analysis compiled by our experts. To end our gun violence crisis, we need to better understand where, how, and why violence occurs.
Learn More
JOIN THE FIGHT
Nearly 47,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every year. In communities, courts, and ballot boxes nationwide, GIFFORDS fights to save lives from gun violence. Will you join us?