Gun laws in American Samoa
Gun laws in American Samoa regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the unincorporated territory of American Samoa. As American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, many U.S. federal laws apply, as well as Constitutional rulings and protections. [1][2]
Summary table
| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit to purchase? | Yes | N/A | A license is required to purchase any firearm or ammunition but handguns are prohibited from civilian possession. | |
| Firearm registration? | Yes | Yes | All firearms must be registered with the American Samoa Public Safety Department. | |
| "Assault weapon" law? | Yes | Yes | "Assault weapons" and .50 BMG rifles prohibited. | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | Yes | Yes | ||
| Owner license required? | Yes | N/A | A license is required to purchase any firearm or ammunition but handguns are prohibited from civilian possession. | |
| Carry permits issued? | No | No | The territory does not issue concealed carry permits. | |
| Open carry? | No | No | Open carry is prohibited. | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | Automatic firearms are prohibited. | |
| Peaceable journey laws? | No | No | Federal law (FOPA) applies. |
Licensing Process
American Samoa has a very stringent and restrictive licensing process necessary in order to purchase a firearm in American Samoa. A person has to be 21 to get a weapons license along with several other requirements. A person who wants to obtain a license to possess a firearm must provide genuine reason why the firearm may be required. The applicant must provide signed affidavits testifying to their good character and their stated need for each firearm from the village mayor, county chief, and the police. The most commonly accepted reasons for ownership are plantation protection and hunting but ownership for self defense is prohibited and not accepted as a legitimate reason for a license. The police must approve any transfer of a firearm between persons. [3]
Prohibited Firearms & Ammunition
All firearms including automatic weapons, semi-automatic "assault weapons", and handguns are prohibited from civilian possession. Civilians can only own 12-gauge, 16-gauge, 20-gauge and .410 shotguns, and .22 calibre rifles with a license. They also can only own ammunition for those types of firearms with a license and possession of any other type of ammunition, whether the person has a license or not, is illegal. [4]
References
- ^ "American Samoa", Handgunlaw.us. Retrieved August 05, 2014.
- ^ "American Samoa Gun Law Guide", Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Retrieved August 05, 2014.
- ^ "American Samoa — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law", Gunpolicy.org. Retrieved August 05, 2014.
- ^ "American Samoa Firearms Law", American Samoa Territorial Law. Retrieved August 05, 2014.