State associations with the NRA have specific purposes as part of the NRA ecosystem. This includes:

• Supporting NRA programs in the State
• Offering a Statewide Legislative program
• Coordinating their Legislative program with NRA-ILA
• Having a State-wide Competition program
• Having a State-wide Communications program

The biggest advantage of working with the NRA as a state association is being backed by one of the largest, oldest, longest running firearm and civil rights advocacy groups in the nation. The NRA is also the primary firearm regulatory body in the nation, responsible for the instructor training that in-turn, trains individuals in the responsible use and storage of firearms.

The ORA was founded nearly 100 years ago and is the oldest association focused on Oklahoma’s Gun Owners. It has had different phases of activity in those 100 years with competitive programs going back as far as the 1940’s. It is the only Oklahoma advocacy group that is a NRA State Association and continues to be the only association with that designation.

Only the official state association can communicate to NRA members within the state of Oklahoma. We are working side-by-side with NRA general operations staff to facilitate the needs of every NRA member in Oklahoma. NRA State Associations can also apply to State Association non-foundation grants.

In recent years, the ORA has been re-building its programs as the official NRA State Affiliate. First, our communications have been re-established through the Sharpshooter, mail, and email updates. We have regained a legislative presence at the state Capitol working in conjunction with NRA-ILA. This presence is focused on building relationships where we are the trusted and respected firearm experts that legislators can look to for support. We have a growing calendar of state competitions and matches. Recently a youth program has been launched with the support of NRA’s youth day programs. We hope to keep building on this initial momentum to provide Oklahoma’s gun owners with the full range of support that includes legislation, communication, opportunity, community, and competitions.

To understand the difference is to view all of these organizations as part of an ecosystem that champions the Second Amendment and supports gun owners. Just as we have federal, state, and local forms of government, this ecosystem mirrors those levels so that there is advocacy and support at the national, state, and regional level.  

NRA-ILA is a large organization dedicated to legislation happening at a federal and state level. For State Associations, this provides a valuable resource and personnel that we work with to inform Oklahoma voters on critical legislation. Oklahomans can rely on NRA-ILA for non-biased information that is solely focused on the Second Amendment and not influenced by other social issues.

No. The ORA refers voters to NRA-ILA for grading, voting record, and information on the Second Amendment stance elected officials have.

We recognize and openly thank lawmakers that work with us on legislation to ensure the civil liberties and interest of Oklahoma gun owners are protected.  This is not an endorsement.

ILA stands for the Institute of Legal Action. It is the legislative arm of the NRA that can lobby, endorse, and grade elected officials regarding their stance of the Second Amendment.

The ORA is the subject matter experts when it comes to firearms and the shooting sports. We also know that the greatest advocacy for gunowners comes out of building relationships with our elected officials. We want elected officials to come to us for guidance and information with questions on legislation that impacts the Second Amendment. This is so we have a respected and welcomed presence at the state capitol.

Self-defense is a complicated topic and so the answer is not going to be a straightforward yes or no. There are many considerations to be made that will determine the effectiveness in how you choose to defend yourself. Guns have a distinct advantage but are the most effective when a person is comfortable, confident, and capable in handling the gun, which requires training and practice. We encourage individuals that want to use a gun / firearm for self-defense to:

• Understand safe handling of a gun / firearm
• Understand the laws, liability, and expectations if they are in a self-defense situation
• Know how to properly store and maintain their gun / firearm
• Understand the appropriate gun / firearm to use in different self-defense scenarios (ie: pistol for personal carry vs. a shotgun for home defense)
• Train and become familiar with the gun / firearm they choose for self-defense

If you have just purchased a gun / firearm, you are now responsible for making sure it is secured and not available to those who should not have access. There are many ways to secure and store a gun / firearm!

• Gun locks – These come in many styles such as plastic trigger locks that cover the trigger and cable locks that disable the action and show that there is not a bullet chambered.
• Gun Lock Boxes – Small locked boxes that are specially designed to hold a gun
• Gun Safe – Safes that are designed to hold multiple firearms and firearm types

Never leave a gun unsecured in a car, especially in a glovebox! We have recently seen a rise in gun thefts from unsecured firearms that were left in a glovebox or elsewhere in the car. The best thing if you need to store a firearm in your car, is to have a special gun lock box that is attached to the car’s structure, making it difficult for a theft. Rifles and shotguns need to be hidden and also secured as best as possible when transporting them in a vehicle.

The purchase of a gun is a right that is afforded to us in the United States but gun / firearm ownership also comes with a lot of responsibility. Before anyone purchases a gun for the first time, become familiar with:

• Basic gun safety – many classes are available through gun stores, ranges, clubs, and through the NRA
• Gun / firearm storage best practices – how and where to secure your gun / firearm
• State Gun / firearm laws – it is important to know exactly what legal gun / firearm ownership looks like in your state. NRA-ILA has information available so you can become familiar.
• Liability – This is part of basic gun safety and your state laws, but it is important to understand your responsibility in safe use and handling, and what to expect if you are involved in a self-defense situation.

Oklahoma is one of the most gun-friendly states with a storied heritage of gun owners that used guns responsibly for hunting, sport, and self-protection. We also are home to many top competitors in shooting sports, NRA directors, manufacturers, and others who have left a positive mark in the firearm community. As the nearly 100-year-old association that has represented Oklahoma gun owners, we believe the Oklahoma gun owner is adept, responsible, safe, and enjoys their rights and ability to enjoy gun ownership in our state.

Here’s what the purchase process looks like for an Oklahoman.

• No Permit Required: Oklahoma does not require a license or permit to purchase rifles, shotguns, or handguns. (Findlaw)
• Age Requirements:
  • Long Guns: Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase rifles or shotguns.
  • Handguns: Must be 21 years or older to purchase from a licensed dealer. (Munitions Group)
• Background Checks:
  • Licensed Dealers: Purchases from federally licensed dealers require completion of ATF Form 4473 and a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  • Private Sales: No background check is mandated for private sales; however, knowingly selling to prohibited individuals is illegal. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
• Waiting Period: There is no mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases in Oklahoma. (Munitions Group)

• Permitless Carry: As of November 1, 2019, Oklahoma allows individuals 21 years or older (or 18+ for military members) to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit. (Wikipedia)
• Optional Permits: While not required within Oklahoma, obtaining a concealed carry permit can be beneficial for reciprocity in other states.(Findlaw)

Individuals prohibited from possessing firearms include:(Munitions Group)

• Convicted felons (unless pardoned for nonviolent offenses).(Findlaw)
• Those adjudicated as delinquent or youthful offenders for felony-equivalent acts within the past 10 years.(Findlaw)
• Noncitizens unlawfully present in the U.S. (Findlaw)

• Illegal Weapons: Possession of sawed-off shotguns, sawed-off rifles, and handguns with ammunition larger than .45 caliber is prohibited. (Findlaw)
• Ammunition: Armor-piercing ammunition is illegal. (Munitions Group)

No, Oklahoma does not require firearm registration. (Munitions Group)

 Individuals 18 years or older may transport firearms in vehicles, loaded or unloaded, provided they are not prohibited from possessing firearms and are not transporting them for criminal purposes. (Handgun Law)

While employers can restrict firearms inside the workplace, Oklahoma law protects an employee’s right to store a firearm in a locked personal vehicle parked on company property. Employers cannot establish policies that prevent employees from keeping firearms in their locked vehicles, provided the employee is legally permitted to possess a firearm. Baker Donelson

Oklahoma law permits employers to regulate the presence of firearms on their property. This means that an employer can prohibit employees from carrying concealed or unconcealed firearms within the workplace. To enforce such a prohibition, the employer must post clear signage indicating that firearms are not allowed on the premises. GIFFORDS+3The Urbanic Law Firm+3Casetext+3

Employers in Oklahoma are generally immune from liability related to their decision to allow or prohibit firearms on their property, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Casetext+1The Urbanic Law Firm+1

If an employee brings a firearm into the workplace in violation of posted prohibitions, the employer has the right to deny entry or request the employee’s removal from the property. Refusal to comply can lead to legal consequences, including misdemeanor charges, fines, and potential suspension of firearm licenses. Casetext