2023 Missouri Revised Statutes
Title XXXVIII – Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders
Chapter 571 – Weapons Offenses
Missouri Chapter 571: Weapons Offenses
Chapter 571 of the Missouri Revised Statutes defines crimes involving firearms, explosives, and other dangerous weapons. These offenses include unlawful possession, armed criminal action, illegal sales or transfers, and use of weapons in a threatening or unsafe manner. Many of these charges are felonies, and some carry mandatory minimum sentences or enhanced penalties when paired with another crime.
What Chapter 571 Covers
- Armed criminal action and sentencing enhancements
- Unlawful possession or transfer of weapons and explosives
- Illegal discharge or display of a firearm
- Weapon-related fraud, defacing, or serial number violations
- Possession of firearms by prohibited persons
Click a statute below to learn what the law prohibits, what prosecutors must prove, and what penalties apply under Missouri’s weapons laws.
Chapter 571 Statutes Explained
- § 571.015 – Armed Criminal Action
- § 571.017 – Sentencing for Armed Criminal Action
- § 571.020 – Possession or Sale of Illegal Weapons
- § 571.030 – Unlawful Use of Weapons
- § 571.031 – Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
- § 571.037 – Open Display of Firearms (Permitted)
- § 571.045 – Defacing a Firearm
- § 571.050 – Possession of a Defaced Firearm
- § 571.060 – Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
- § 571.063 – Fraudulent Purchase of a Firearm
- § 571.070 – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- § 571.072 – Unlawful Possession of an Explosive Weapon
- § 571.150 – Metal-Penetrating Bullet Used During Crime
Facing a Weapons Charge in Missouri?
Gun and weapons charges can lead to steep penalties, especially if you’re also facing other criminal allegations. At Combs Waterkotte, we defend clients against unlawful possession, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free consultation and get experienced Missouri criminal defense attorneys on your side.
571.010. Definitions
This law defines key terms for Missouri’s firearm and weapon laws.
This section lists and explains what specific words like “firearm,” “knife,” and “explosive weapon” mean in the context of Missouri law.
1. “Antique, curio or relic firearm” means a collectible gun defined by federal law, including replicas and firearms made before 1898 that use outdated firing systems or ammo.
2. “Blackjack” is a weapon designed to harm someone by hitting them and can be deadly.
3. “Blasting agent” refers to materials used for blasting that aren’t classified as explosives but still cause powerful reactions.
4. “Concealable firearm” is a gun with a barrel shorter than 16 inches.
5. “Deface” means to remove or change a gun’s serial number or any identifying mark.
6. “Detonator” is a device used to set off explosives.
7. “Explosive weapon” includes bombs or gas devices meant to cause death, injury, or big property damage.
8. “Firearm” is any weapon that shoots a projectile using an explosive.
9. “Firearm silencer” is something used to reduce the noise of a gun when it fires.
10. “Gas gun” means a device (not a bomb) that shoots poison gas to seriously harm or kill.
11. “Intoxicated” means having impaired physical or mental ability because of drugs or alcohol.
12. “Knife” is a blade weapon that can seriously hurt or kill someone, excluding pocketknives with blades under 4 inches.
13. “Knuckles” are hard rings or guards for fists that can cause serious injury or death.
14. “Machine gun” is a gun that fires many shots automatically with one pull of the trigger.
15. “Projectile weapon” includes bows, slingshots, and pellet guns that aren’t firearms but can still hurt or kill.
16. “Rifle” is a shoulder-fired gun that uses explosive power to shoot through a rifled barrel with one trigger pull.
17. “School” includes all Missouri public, private, and charter schools.
18. “Short barrel” is less than 16 inches for rifles, 18 inches for shotguns, or overall length under 26 inches.
19. “Shotgun” is a shoulder-fired gun that shoots pellets or a single projectile through a smooth barrel.
20. “Spring gun” is a trap set to explode and cause injury or death.
21. “Switchblade knife” is a folding knife that opens with a button, gravity, or spinning motion.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
