A felon cannot legally go to a gun range where live firearms are used, unless they’ve had their firearm rights fully restored. Under federal law, even being near a gun—let alone holding or firing one—can result in serious felony charges. Some states provide ways to restore these rights, but they vary widely and often require a long legal process.
What Federal Law Says About Felons and Guns
Under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(1), it is a federal offense for any person convicted of a felony (a crime punishable by more than one year in prison) to:
- Possess
- Ship
- Transport
- Or receive a firearm or ammunition
This law applies across all 50 states and has no exceptions for going to a shooting range, even for recreational purposes or with supervision.
“The possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, even for a brief moment, is a federal crime.”
— U.S. Department of Justice
So, if you’re holding a firearm at a gun range—even for 5 seconds—you’ve just broken federal law.
What “Possession” Really Means Legally?
Direct vs. Constructive Possession
The law recognizes two types of possession:
- Actual Possession: The felon is physically holding or using the firearm.
- Constructive Possession: The felon has access to or control over the firearm, even if they’re not touching it.
Here’s the problem: If a felon is even near a gun at a range (say, a buddy lays one down next to them), the law could interpret that as constructive possession.
So, Can a Felon Go to a Gun Range as a Spectator?
Technically, a felon could be at a range and not violate the law only if:
- They stay far away from any firearms
- Do not handle or control any guns or ammunition
- Are not in a situation where they could access a gun (constructive possession)
But even then, it’s risky. A lot of indoor ranges are controlled environments where guns are everywhere. If law enforcement walks in and sees a known felon in a shooting bay or standing close to someone using a weapon, it’s hard to argue innocence.
Many gun ranges have policies refusing entry to felons—even as spectators— to avoid legal issues or liability.
Felon Firearm Rights Restoration by State (2025)
| State | Restoration Possible? | Ease of Restoration | Method of Restoration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Moderate | Pardon from Board of Pardons and Paroles |
| Alaska | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s pardon only |
| Arizona | Yes | Easier | Automatic after 2 years (1st offense), court petition |
| Arkansas | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s clemency |
| California | Yes | Difficult | Certificate of Rehabilitation + Governor’s pardon |
| Colorado | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s pardon |
| Connecticut | Yes | Difficult | Board of Pardons and Paroles |
| Delaware | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon |
| Florida | Yes | Difficult | Executive clemency via state clemency board |
| Georgia | Yes | Easier | Restoration after 5 years via State Board of Pardons |
| Hawaii | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s pardon |
| Idaho | Yes | Easier | Automatic restoration 5 years post-sentence (non-violent) |
| Illinois | Yes | Difficult | Gubernatorial clemency, FOID appeal process |
| Indiana | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon or expungement |
| Iowa | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s restoration of rights |
| Kansas | Yes | Moderate | Petition court after 10 years |
| Kentucky | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon |
| Louisiana | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s clemency or judicial relief |
| Maine | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon |
| Maryland | Yes | Moderate | Gubernatorial pardon |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s pardon |
| Michigan | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon, or expungement |
| Minnesota | Yes | Easier | Automatic after 10 years, or governor’s pardon |
| Mississippi | Yes | Difficult | Requires governor’s clemency and legislative approval |
| Missouri | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon |
| Montana | Yes | Easier | Pardon via Board of Pardons |
| Nebraska | Yes | Moderate | Pardon by Board of Pardons |
| Nevada | Yes | Easier | Automatic after 6–10 years or Board of Pardons petition |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Difficult | Governor and Executive Council approval |
| New Jersey | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon |
| New Mexico | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s pardon |
| New York | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s pardon, certificate of relief from disabilities |
| North Carolina | Yes | Moderate | Gubernatorial pardon, limited expungement |
| North Dakota | Yes | Easier | Court petition possible after 5 years |
| Ohio | Yes | Easier | Court petition after 5 years, expungement available |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Easier | Court relief or expungement |
| Oregon | Yes | Moderate | Set-aside/expungement, or pardon |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s pardon only |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Moderate | Expungement or governor’s pardon |
| South Carolina | Yes | Difficult | Pardon by Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Board |
| South Dakota | Yes | Easier | Automatic after sentence for certain felonies |
| Tennessee | Yes | Moderate | Certificate of restoration after probation/parole |
| Texas | Yes | Easier (limited) | Allowed at home after 5 years (state law); federal ban stays |
| Utah | Yes | Easier | Expungement or pardon |
| Vermont | Yes | Easier | Expungement or court relief |
| Virginia | Yes | Moderate | Governor’s restoration + court process |
| Washington | Yes | Easier | Court petition after 5 years (non-violent felonies) |
| West Virginia | Yes | Moderate | Gubernatorial pardon or court petition |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Difficult | Governor’s pardon |
| Wyoming | Yes | Easier | Automatic restoration after 5 years (non-violent) |
More Opportunities: Can Felons Serve on a Jury?
What Happens If a Felon Violates Gun Laws?
Getting caught with a firearm—or even near one in the wrong place—can lead to serious consequences:
Federal Penalties:
- Up to 10 years in prison
- $250,000 in fines
- Federal conviction added to record
Real-Life Example:
In 2018, a Florida man with a non-violent felony conviction was arrested after visiting a gun range with friends. He didn’t fire a weapon, but a photo of him holding one surfaced on social media. That was enough for constructive possession charges—he ended up doing 3 years in federal prison.
Restoring Firearm Rights
The only way for a felon to legally handle firearms—or go to a range—is to have their rights restored. This can happen in a few ways:
1. Pardons
- A full pardon from the governor (state crimes) or president (federal crimes) may restore gun rights.
2. Expungement or Reduction
- Some felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors (e.g., “wobbler” crimes in California), making gun rights possible.
3. Petition for Restoration
- Some states allow felons to petition courts for restoration after a waiting period (typically 5–10 years).
What types of Felonies That Impact Firearm Rights?
Not all felonies are treated equally. Some are seen as more dangerous in the eyes of the law.
High-Risk Felonies (Firearm Ban Almost Always Permanent):
- Armed robbery
- Murder or attempted murder
- Drug trafficking
- Domestic violence involving weapons
Lower-Risk Felonies (More Chance of Restoration):
- White-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement)
- Non-violent drug offenses
- Theft without weapon use
Still, all felony convictions trigger the firearm ban by default under federal law.
Felons and Self-Defense: Any Exceptions?
What if a felon uses a gun in self-defense?
There are rare cases where a felon used a gun to save their life and avoided conviction. Courts may allow what’s called a “justification defense.” But this is risky and doesn’t apply unless:
- The danger was immediate
- There were no alternatives
- The firearm wasn’t pre-possessed
- Police were called right away
Most courts still side with federal law—it’s better to avoid firearms altogether than to rely on this as a legal defense.
Final Thought
A felon cannot legally go to a gun range unless their firearm rights have been fully restored through a pardon or legal process. Federal law strictly prohibits felons from possessing or even being near firearms, and violations can lead to serious prison time. Even watching from the sidelines can be risky. If you’re unsure about your rights, it’s best to talk to a qualified attorney before stepping foot in any gun-related environment.
FAQs
Can a felon own a BB gun or air rifle?
Most states allow felons to possess non-firearm weapons like BB guns—but not all. Check local laws, as some states treat high-powered air rifles like firearms.
What if my felony was decades ago?
Time doesn’t automatically lift the federal ban. Restoration of rights is still required.
Can I watch someone shoot at a range if I stay in the lobby?
Possibly—but if you’re anywhere near the shooting area or ammo, you’re in legal danger.
Can I go to a gun show as a felon?
No. You risk constructive possession by being around firearms and ammunition.
