(262) 786-7100
Start with a FREE Consultation:
(262) 786-7100
Wisconsin gun laws allow individuals to carry a concealed weapon anywhere where guns are not specifically forbidden. However, you could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor if you are carrying a concealed and dangerous weapon in a prohibited location, while under the influence of alcohol, or if you don’t have a permit to do so.
Over 460,000 Wisconsin residents hold a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL) in 2025. With firearm ownership continuing to grow, so does scrutiny around Wisconsin’s gun laws and the consequences of violations. Hundreds of individuals every year face charges for violations related to unlawful concealed carry, improper transport of firearms, and intoxicated possession. Whether you are a seasoned gun owner or new to firearm ownership, staying informed about Wisconsin’s evolving gun laws is critical to avoiding legal trouble.
Wisconsin’s gun laws cover a broad range of regulations, from concealed carry and transportation of firearms to restrictions on where you can legally carry. Understanding these laws is crucial for gun owners who want to exercise their Second Amendment rights while staying within legal boundaries.
Before we dive into the specifics, it is important to remember this guide is for common informational purposes only. Wisconsin gun laws may change, and it is up to you to stay informed. DO NOT rely solely on this page for legal authority. Not every law you need to know to legally carry or transport weapons is included here. If you notice outdated information or have any questions, contact our firearm attorneys for accurate legal guidance.
Under Wisconsin Statute 941.23(2), carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to nine months of jail and a fine of up to $10,000. However, there are exceptions:
Individuals under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited from carrying any concealed weapon, even if they would otherwise qualify under other laws.
Wisconsin law defined “carrying” as “going armed with a weapon.” Courts have interpreted this to mean:
Legal precedent from State v. Hamden (2003) clarified that carrying a firearm in your home or business is protected under constitutional self-defense rights, particularly when there is no practical alternative for safe storage. However, State v. Keith (1993) ruled that a gun in a purse on a porch still constituted “going armed” because it was immediately accessible, even without physically holding it.
Further interpretation by Wisconsin courts has emphasized that whether a weapon is “going armed” is case-dependent, considering proximity, accessibility, and the owner’s intent. Understanding the nuances is crucial for legal firearm carry in Wisconsin.
If you have a valid Wisconsin Concealed Carry License (CCL), you can legally carry a concealed weapon in most locations, except where specifically prohibited. However, you can lose your CCL for various reasons, including:
There were 1,215 Conceal Carry Licenses revoked in 2023. Carrying without a valid license could result in criminal charges.
According to Wisconsin Statute 175.60(1)(j)(j), a “weapon” for concealed carry purposes includes:
Handguns: Any firearm designed to be fired with one hand
Electric Weapons: Such as tasers, which incapacitate an attacker using electric shock
Billy clubs: Impact weapons that can be used for self-defense
However, certain firearms and weapons are prohibited from concealed carry, including:
Because short-barreled rifles and shotguns are explicitly illegal to carry while concealed, it is assumed that full-length rifles and shotguns also cannot be carried while concealed under Wisconsin law.
Even with a valid CCL, concealed carry is prohibited in the following locations:
Violating these location restrictions can result in serious criminal charges, even if you have a valid concealed carry permit.
Under federal and state law, carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of school grounds is illegal unless:
Violations of this law can result in significant criminal penalties.
Yes, but only under specific conditions:
Key case law:
Wisconsin Statute 941.28 defines different types of firearms:
Rifle: A firearm fired from the shoulder or hip that fires a single projectile per trigger pull.
Shotgun: A firearm designed to fire a ball shot or a single projectile from a smooth bore.
Short-Barreled Rifle: A rifle with a barrel length under 16 inches or a total length under 26 inches.
Short-Barreled Shotgun: A shotgun with a barrel length under 18 inches or a total length under 26 inches.
Carrying short-barreled rifles or shotguns in a concealed manner is illegal.
Wisconsin law prohibits carrying or possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as outlined in Wisconsin Statute 941.20(1)(b). Violating this law is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor, which carries potential penalties of up to 9 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
A conviction can result in the loss of firearm rights, making it illegal to possess or purchase firearms in the future. Repeat offenses or cases involving reckless endangerment may lead to felony charges, additional fines, and significantly increasing potential penalties including extended imprisonment.
Wisconsin gun laws are complex, and mistakes can result in severe legal consequences. If you have any concerns about concealed carry laws, firearm transport, or weapons charges, contact Grieve Law’s gun lawyers for expert legal representation.
Schedule a free consultation today to protect your rights.
