166.210 Definitions. As used in ORS 166.250 to 166.270, 166.291 to 166.295 and 166.410 to 166.470:
(1) “Antique firearm” means:
(a) Any firearm, including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap or similar type of ignition system, manufactured in or before 1898; and
(b) Any replica of any firearm described in paragraph (a) of this subsection if the replica:
(A) Is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or
(B) Uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and that is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
(2) “Corrections officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.355.
(3) “Firearm” means a weapon, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of powder.
(4) “Firearms silencer” means any device for silencing, muffling or diminishing the report of a firearm.
(5) “Frame” has the meaning given that term in 27 C.F.R. 478.12.
(6) “Handgun” means any pistol or revolver using a fixed cartridge containing a propellant charge, primer and projectile, and designed to be aimed or fired otherwise than from the shoulder.
(7) “Machine gun” means a weapon of any description by whatever name known, loaded or unloaded, which is designed or modified to allow two or more shots to be fired by a single pressure on the trigger device.
(8) “Major component” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. 922.
(9) “Minor” means a person under 18 years of age.
(10) “Offense” has the meaning given that term in ORS 161.505.
(11) “Parole and probation officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.355.
(12) “Peace officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 133.005.
(13) “Receiv
Stored review status: 2025_edition_later_amendments_unresolved. A text match is a research starting point; applicability is not established.
Official chapter context and edition notices
Chapter 166 — Offenses Against Public Order; Firearms and Other Weapons; Racketeering
Uncodified sections printed in this chapter were amended or repealed by the Legislative Assembly during its 2026 regular session. See the table of uncodified sections amended or repealed during the 2026 regular session: 2026 A&R Tables
New sections of law were enacted by the Legislative Assembly during its 2026 regular session and pertain to or are likely to be compiled in this ORS chapter. See sections in the following 2026 Oregon Laws chapters: 2026 Session Laws 0120
2025 EDITION
PUBLIC ORDER OFFENSES
CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
RIOT, DISORDERLY CONDUCT, HARASSMENT AND RELATED OFFENSES
BIAS CRIME
AUTHORITY TO REGULATE FIREARMS
POSSESSION AND USE OF WEAPONS
(Generally)
(Possession of Weapons in Public Buildings or Court Facilities)
(Destructive Devices)
(Duties of Firearm Owners and Possessors)
SALE OR TRANSFER OF FIREARMS
EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS
DISCHARGING WEAPONS
POSSESSION OF BODY ARMOR
MISCELLANEOUS
RACKETEERING
RIOT, DISORDERLY CONDUCT, HARASSMENT AND RELATED OFFENSES
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Stable record: oregon_criminal_law:legal_authorities:166.210 Source file: ors166.html Pages: Not recorded – Not recorded Passage SHA-256: ecf1f863a3498842ffd7b02be434faf01775a37185e32824a7705f9a2d8313b3 Retained source evidence SHA-256: dd35e0da63555ebef88cc11cd6ae4309a37c3b744978829c3b2f00d59c0c08b8
Source location: ORS 166.210 (all printed versions and notes)
Stored source content
166.210 Definitions. As used in ORS 166.250 to 166.270, 166.291 to 166.295 and 166.410 to 166.470:
(1) “Antique firearm” means:
(a) Any firearm, including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap or similar type of ignition system, manufactured in or before 1898; and
(b) Any replica of any firearm described in paragraph (a) of this subsection if the replica:
(A) Is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or
(B) Uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and that is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
(2) “Corrections officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.355.
(3) “Firearm” means a weapon, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of powder.
(4) “Firearms silencer” means any device for silencing, muffling or diminishing the report of a firearm.
(5) “Frame” has the meaning given that term in 27 C.F.R. 478.12.
(6) “Handgun” means any pistol or revolver using a fixed cartridge containing a propellant charge, primer and projectile, and designed to be aimed or fired otherwise than from the shoulder.
(7) “Machine gun” means a weapon of any description by whatever name known, loaded or unloaded, which is designed or modified to allow two or more shots to be fired by a single pressure on the trigger device.
(8) “Major component” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. 922.
(9) “Minor” means a person under 18 years of age.
(10) “Offense” has the meaning given that term in ORS 161.505.
(11) “Parole and probation officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.355.
(12) “Peace officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 133.005.
(13) “Receiver” has the meaning given that term in 27 C.F.R. 478.12.
(14) “Security exemplar” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. 922.
(15) “Short-barreled rifle” means a rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length and any weapon made from a rifle if the weapon has an overall length of less than 26 inches.
(16) “Short-barreled shotgun” means a shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length and any weapon made from a shotgun if the weapon has an overall length of less than 26 inches.
(17) “Undetectable firearm” means a firearm:
(a) Constructed or produced, including through a three-dimensional printing process, entirely of nonmetal substances;
(b) That, after removal of grips, stocks and magazines, is not as detectable as a security exemplar by a walk-through metal detector calibrated to detect the security exemplar; or
(c) That includes a major component that, if subjected to inspection by the types of X-ray machines commonly used at airports, would not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component.
(18)(a) “Unfinished frame or receiver” means a forging, casting, printing, extrusion, machined body or similar item that:
(A) Is designed to or may readily be completed, assembled or otherwise converted to function as a frame or receiver; or
(B) Is marketed or sold to the public to be completed, assembled or otherwise converted to function as a frame or receiver.
(b) “Unfinished frame or receiver” does not include a component designed and intended for use in an antique firearm. [Amended by 1977 c.769 §1; 1979 c.779 §3; 1989 c.839 §1; 1993 c.735 §14; 1995 c.670 §3; 1999 c.1040 §2; 2001 c.666 §§32,44; 2003 c.614 §7; 2007 c.368 §1; 2009 c.610 §4; 2023 c.229 §1]
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Oregon criminal law — ORS Title 16 (2025 snapshot) · legal_authorities
161.505 “Offense” described. An offense is conduct for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment or to a fine is provided by any law of this state or by any law or ordinance of a political subdivision of this state. An offense is either a crime, as described in ORS 161.515, or a violation, as described in ORS 153.008. [1971 c.743 §65; 1975 c.451 §173; 1981 c.626 §2; 1981 c.692 §7; 1999 c.1051 §43]
166.250 Unlawful possession of firearms. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section or ORS 166.260, 166.270, 166.273, 166.274, 166.291, 166.292 or 166.410 to 166.470, a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person knowingly:
(a) Carries any firearm concealed upon the person;
(b) Possesses a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible to the person within any vehicle;
(c) Possesses a firearm and:
(A) Is under 18 years of age;
(B)(i) While a minor, was found to be within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for having committed an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence, as defined in ORS 166.470; and
(ii) Was discharged from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court within four years prior to being charged under this section;
(C) Has been convicted of a felony;
(D) Was committed to the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 426.130;
(E) Was found to be a person with mental illness and subject to an order under ORS 426.130 that the person be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness;
(F) Is presently subject to an order under ORS 426.133 prohibiting the person from purchasing or possessing a firearm;
(G) Has been found guilty except for insanity under ORS 161.295 of a felony; or
(H) The possession of the firearm by the person is prohibited under ORS 166.255; or
(d) Possesses an unfinished frame or receiver and is prohibited from possessing firearms under paragraph (c) of this subsection.
(2) This section does not prohibit:
(a) A minor, who is not otherwise prohibited under subsection (1)(c) of this section, from possessing a firearm:
(A) Other than a handgun, if the firearm was transferred to the minor by the minor’s par
161.610 Enhanced penalty for use of firearm during commission of felony; pleading; minimum penalties; suspension or reduction of penalty. (1) As used in this section, “firearm” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.210.
(2) The use or threatened use of a firearm, whether operable or inoperable, by a defendant during the commission of a felony may be pleaded in the accusatory instrument and proved at trial as an element in aggravation of the crime as provided in this section. When a crime is so pleaded, the aggravated nature of the crime may be indicated by adding the words “with a firearm” to the title of the offense. The unaggravated crime shall be considered a lesser included offense.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 161.605 or 137.010 (3) and except as otherwise provided in subsection (6) of this section, if a defendant is convicted of a felony having as an element the defendant’s use or threatened use of a firearm during the commission of the crime, the court shall impose at least the minimum term of imprisonment as provided in subsection (4) of this section. Except as provided in ORS 144.122 and 144.126 and subsection (5) of this section, in no case shall any person punishable under this section become eligible for work release, parole, temporary leave or terminal leave until the minimum term of imprisonment is served, less a period of time equivalent to any reduction of imprisonment granted for good time served or time credits earned under ORS 421.121, nor shall the execution of the sentence imposed upon such person be suspended by the court.
(4) The minimum terms of imprisonment for felonies having as an element the defendant’s use or threatened use of a firearm in the commission of the crime shall be as follows:
(a) Except as provided in subsec
164.055 Theft in the first degree. (1) A person commits the crime of theft in the first degree if, by means other than extortion, the person commits theft as defined in ORS 164.015 and:
(a) The total value of the property in a single or aggregate transaction is $1,000 or more;
(b) The theft is committed during a riot, fire, explosion, catastrophe or other emergency in an area affected by the riot, fire, explosion, catastrophe or other emergency;
(c) The theft is theft by receiving committed by buying, selling, borrowing or lending on the security of the property;
(d) The subject of the theft is a firearm or explosive;
(e) The subject of the theft is a livestock animal, a companion animal or a wild animal removed from habitat or born of a wild animal removed from habitat, pursuant to ORS 497.308 (2)(c);
(f) The subject of the theft is a precursor substance; or
(g) During the commission of the theft, the person recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) “Companion animal” means a dog or cat possessed by a person, business or other entity for purposes of companionship, security, hunting, herding or providing assistance in relation to a physical disability.
(b) “Explosive” means a chemical compound, mixture or device that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing a chemical reaction resulting in a substantially instantaneous release of gas and heat, including but not limited to dynamite, blasting powder, nitroglycerin, blasting caps and nitrojelly, but excluding fireworks as defined in ORS 480.111, black powder, smokeless powder, small arms ammunition and small arms ammunition primers.
(c) “Firearm” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.210.
(d)
166.352 Unlawful transport, manufacture, transfer or possession of rapid fire activator. (1) A person commits the crime of unlawful transport, manufacture or transfer of a rapid fire activator if the person knowingly:
(a) Transports a rapid fire activator into this state; or
(b) Manufactures, sells, offers to sell or transfers a rapid fire activator.
(2) A person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a rapid fire activator if the person knowingly possesses, purchases or receives a rapid fire activator.
(3)(a) Unlawful transport, manufacture or transfer of a rapid fire activator is a Class B felony.
(b) Unlawful possession of a rapid fire activator is a Class A misdemeanor.
(4) This section does not apply to:
(a) A peace officer, or other person employed by a law enforcement agency, who possesses a rapid fire activator in accordance with authorization given to the peace officer or other person by the law enforcement agency.
(b) A person who has registered a machine gun in accordance with federal law and the rapid fire activator is possessed for use only in, and is necessary for the proper function of, the lawfully registered machine gun.
(5) As used in this section:
(a) “Binary trigger system” means a device that, when built into, installed in or attached to a firearm, allows the firearm to fire both when the trigger is pulled or depressed and when the trigger is released.
(b) “Bump stock” means a device that, when built into, installed in or attached to a firearm, increases the rate of fire of the firearm by using energy from the recoil of the firearm to generate a reciprocating action that facilitates repeated activation of the trigger.
(c) “Burst trigger system” means a device that, when built into, installed in or attached to a firearm, allows the f
166.355 Manufacture, importation, possession, use, purchase, sale or transfer of large-capacity magazine. (1) As used in this section:
(a) “Armed Forces of the United States” has the meaning given that term in ORS 348.282.
(b) “Detachable magazine” means an ammunition feeding device that can be loaded or unloaded while detached from a firearm and readily inserted in a firearm.
(c) “Fixed magazine” means an ammunition feeding device contained in or permanently attached to a firearm in such a manner that the device cannot be removed without disassembly of the firearm action.
(d) “Large-capacity magazine” means a fixed or detachable magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, helical feeding device, or similar device, including any such device joined or coupled with another in any manner, or a kit with such parts, that has an overall capacity of, or that can be readily restored, changed, or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition and allows a shooter to keep firing without having to pause to reload, but does not include any of the following:
(A) An ammunition feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it is not capable, now or in the future, of accepting more than 10 rounds of ammunition;
(B) An attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with 0.22 caliber rimfire ammunition; or
(C) A tubular ammunition feeding device that is contained in a lever-action firearm.
(e) “Loaded” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.360.
(f) “Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, fire or association.
(2) Notwithstanding ORS 166.250 to 166.470, and except as expressly provided in subsections (3) to (5) of this section, a person commits the crime of unlawful manufacture, importation, possession, use, purchase,
166.375 Possession of handgun or ammunition by Department of Corrections authorized staff member; rules. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 162.135 and 162.185 or any Department of Corrections regulation, rule, policy or provision of an employment contract to the contrary, if the department has not provided a secure and locked location for the storage of personal handguns and ammunition by authorized staff, authorized staff may possess a personal handgun and ammunition in the authorized staff member’s personal vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a department parking lot if the authorized staff member:
(a) Is present at a public building owned or occupied by the department;
(b) Has a valid concealed handgun license issued pursuant to ORS 166.291 and 166.292; and
(c) Has secured the personal handgun and ammunition in a closed and locked container designed for the storage of firearms inside the vehicle.
(2)(a) Authorized staff may possess and store only the amount and types of ammunition authorized by the department by written policy or rule.
(b) The department shall adopt written policies or rules to carry out the purposes of this section. The policies or rules shall include, at a minimum, procedures for and responsibilities of authorized staff when possessing and storing personal handguns and ammunition on property owned or occupied by the department under this section.
(3) As used in this section and ORS 423.045:
(a) “Authorized staff” means employees of the department and employees of the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision and Oregon Corrections Enterprises who are assigned to work in or at a public building owned or occupied by the department.
(b) “Handgun” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.210.
(c) “Vehicle” means a vehicle that is self-propel
166.392 Definitions. As used in ORS 166.392 to 166.403:
(1) “Authorized person” means a person authorized by the owner or possessor of a firearm to temporarily carry or control the firearm while in the presence of the owner or possessor.
(2) “Container” means a box, case, chest, locker, safe or other similar receptacle, including, within a vehicle, a glove compartment, enclosed trunk or center console, equipped with a tamper-resistant lock.
(3) “Control” means, in relation to a firearm:
(a) That the owner or possessor of the firearm is close enough to the firearm to prevent another person who is not an authorized person from obtaining the firearm; or
(b) That the owner or possessor of the firearm is in the person’s own residence, either alone or with only authorized persons who also live in the residence and who are not minors, and the residence is secure.
(4) “Firearm” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.210, except that it does not include a firearm that has been rendered permanently inoperable.
(5) “Gun room” means an area within a building enclosed by walls, a floor and a ceiling, including a closet, that has all entrances secured by a tamper-resistant lock, that is kept locked at all times when unoccupied and that is used for:
(a) The storage of firearms, ammunition, components of firearms or ammunition, or equipment for firearm-related activities including but not limited to reloading ammunition, gunsmithing and firearm cleaning and maintenance; or
(b) Conducting firearm-related activities, including but not limited to reloading ammunition, gunsmithing and firearm cleaning and maintenance.
(6) “Handgun” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.210.
(7) “Law enforcement agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.525.
(8) “Minor” means a
166.412 Definitions; firearms transaction record; criminal history record check; prohibited transfer report; liability; rules. (1) As used in this section:
(a) “Antique firearm” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. 921;
(b) “Department” means the Department of State Police;
(c) “Firearm” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.210, except that it does not include an antique firearm;
(d) “Firearms transaction record” means the firearms transaction record required by 18 U.S.C. 921 to 929;
(e) “Firearms transaction thumbprint form” means a form provided by the department under subsection (11) of this section;
(f) “Gun dealer” means a person engaged in the business, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921, of selling, leasing or otherwise transferring a firearm, whether the person is a retail dealer, pawnbroker or otherwise;
(g) “Purchaser” means a person who buys, leases or otherwise receives a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver from a gun dealer; and
(h) “Unfinished frame or receiver” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.210.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (12) of this section, a gun dealer shall comply with the following before a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver is delivered to a purchaser:
(a) The purchaser shall present to the gun dealer current identification meeting the requirements of subsection (4) of this section and a valid permit issued under ORS 166.505.
(b) The gun dealer shall complete the firearms transaction record and obtain the signature of the purchaser on the record.
(c) The gun dealer shall obtain the thumbprints of the purchaser on the firearms transaction thumbprint form and attach the form to the gun dealer’s copy of the firearms transaction record to be filed with that copy.
(d) The gun dealer shall, by telephone
166.660 Unlawful paramilitary activity. (1) A person commits the crime of unlawful paramilitary activity if the person:
(a) Exhibits, displays or demonstrates to another person the use, application or making of any firearm, explosive or incendiary device or any technique capable of causing injury or death to persons and intends or knows that such firearm, explosive or incendiary device or technique will be unlawfully employed for use in a civil disorder; or
(b) Assembles with one or more other persons for the purpose of training with, practicing with or being instructed in the use of any firearm, explosive or incendiary device or technique capable of causing injury or death to persons with the intent to unlawfully employ such firearm, explosive or incendiary device or technique in a civil disorder.
(2)(a) Nothing in this section makes unlawful any act of any law enforcement officer performed in the otherwise lawful performance of the officer’s official duties.
(b) Nothing in this section makes unlawful any activity of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, or any activity intended to teach or practice self-defense or self-defense techniques, such as karate clubs or self-defense clinics, and similar lawful activity, or any facility, program or lawful activity related to firearms instruction and training intended to teach the safe handling and use of firearms, or any other lawful sports or activities related to the individual recreational use or possession of firearms, including but not limited to hunting activities, target shooting, self-defense, firearms collection or any organized activity including, but not limited to any hunting club, rifle club, rifle range or shooting range which does not include a conspiracy as defined in ORS 161.450 or the knowledge of or