A majority of the United States allows state residents to carry
concealed weapons on their persons. However the state of Wisconsin does
not allow its residence to have concealed weapons, even with permits.
Openly carrying a weapon is also illegal in Wisconsin and includes,
government buildings, motor vehicles, school property, state parks, and
establishments that sell alcohol.
Firearms must be at least one thousand feet from any kind of school
property at all times, unless the property is private property. Open
carry has previously been prosecuted as disorderly conduct, but as of
April 2009, openly carrying a firearm is not considered to be
disorderly conduct.
When firearms are inside motor vehicles the firearms must be encased in
a carrying device and unloaded. The state of Wisconsin has attempted to
pass "shall issue" laws but have failed twice with a governor veto with
each occurrence.
The Rights for Possession
Individuals are not permitted to carry any form of firearm while they
are drunk. It is also illegal under Wisconsin law to shoot a firearm
within one hundred yards of a house without the necessary permission.
When an individual misuses a firearm by pointing it at another or using
it in a neglectful manner, it is classified as a severe offense.
Self-defense allows the usage of firearms when needed, but should be
used only as a last resort. Under Wisconsin law 941.23 the carrying of
a concealed weapon is considered to be a Class A Misdemeanor. Concealed
guns are considered weapons and not firearms. This is contrasted to
knives, which are classified as illegal, dangerous weapons.
Carrying a firearm into a government-owned or government-leased
building is considered a Class A Misdemeanor under Wisconsin statute
941.235. Carrying a concealed weapon into an establishment that serves
alcohol as its prime finance is also a Class A Misdemeanor under
Wisconsin statute 941.237. Handguns are prohibited from carrying
armor-piece ammunition. Wisconsin has pre-set laws that disallow
individual cities from creating gun laws that are stricter than those
of the state, according to Wisconsin statute 66.0409. Zoning
regulations do not apply.
Crimes and Firearms
Crimes in Wisconsin can carry severe punishments, but when a firearm is
used while committing a crime, the punishments will be more severe.
Possessing a firearm in some instances will result in a felony offense.
These instances include juvenile felony convictions, felony offense
convictions, commitment to a mental institution and under order to not
possess any kind of firearm, the ordering to not possess a firearm due
to restraining order harassment, and being subject to a child-abuse or
domestic-abuse restraining order with a designation to not possess a
firearm. Providing a firearm for an individual who is prohibited from
possessing firearms is also consider a felony offense.
Purchasing Firearms
Wisconsin stipulates a forty-eight-hour time period after a handgun has
been purchased before the firearm may be released to the owner.
Shotguns and rifles may also be purchased through FFL dealers as long
as all state and federal laws are in compliance with the purchase.