Target Shooting
Who can legally shoot
The plain answer: most adults who can legally own a firearm may target shoot at a lawful place, no license needed. The exceptions matter — some people are barred from possessing a firearm at all, kids need supervision, and carrying is a separate topic with its own rules.
Adults: no license to target shoot
Most adults who can legally own a firearm may target shoot at a legal place — no license is required to target shoot.
Who is barred
Some people can't possess a firearm at all (RSMo 571.070)
Some people are barred from possessing a firearm at all — and target shooting requires possession, so they can't do it either. Under RSMo 571.070 and federal law, that includes people convicted of a felony, fugitives, people who are habitually intoxicated or drugged, and people currently adjudged mentally incompetent, among other categories. If a conviction, court order, or adjudication might apply to you, ask a lawyer before you handle a firearm — this page is general, not legal advice.
Minors: learn with supervision
Minors can learn with supervision — at MDC ranges, anyone 15 and under must have an adult with them. Federal and state law limit handgun possession by minors, with exceptions for supervised training, target shooting, and hunting. The smart rule is an adult right beside any young or new shooter, every shot.
Carrying is not the same as shooting
Carrying is not the same as shooting. Missouri allows open and concealed carry for most adults, and there are places you can lawfully carry but can't target shoot (a state park, for one). Carrying a firearm and firing at targets are governed by different rules — this hub is about target shooting, while carrying and self-defense are a separate topic with their own law.
Before you shoot
Missouri Porch explains; the law and the landowner decide.
Last checked: 2026-06-18. Firearm law is serious and changes by city and county — and ranges, fees, and fire restrictions change too. Check the current rule for where you're standing, lead with safety, and when in doubt, use a staffed MDC range.
This is a plain-English summary — not legal advice. Firearm law carries serious penalties and varies by city and county. Check your local ordinance and current state law, and when in doubt, use a staffed MDC range. In an emergency, call 911.
Heads up: This page is general, not legal advice. Whether you may possess a firearm can turn on a specific conviction, court order, or adjudication — and federal law adds its own bars on top of Missouri's. If any of that might apply to you, ask a lawyer before you handle a firearm.
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