Mississippi Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam 2025 - Free Firearms Safety Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Mississippi, a concealed carry permit is categorized as a shall-issue permit. This means that once an applicant meets the established qualifications set forth by state law—including age, residency, background checks, and completion of a firearms safety course—authorities are required to issue the permit. The shall-issue classification reflects a commitment to ensure that law-abiding citizens can exercise their right to carry concealed firearms without unnecessary obstacles imposed by local authorities or discretion.

The system is designed to guarantee that if an individual meets all criteria, they will obtain their permit. This is in contrast to a may-issue system, where officials have discretion to deny permits even if applicants meet legal standards, and a no-issue system, where permits are not issued at all. Unrestricted would imply that there are no permits necessary for concealed carry, which is not the case in Mississippi, as permits are required. Thus, classifying Mississippi's concealed carry permits as shall-issue underscores the state's recognition of the right to carry for its citizens while maintaining regulatory standards.