How buying a gun in Birmingham works
Pick an FFL dealer near you that accepts shipped transfers and name it at checkout. We confirm their license and ship the firearm to them. Ammunition, optics and parts ship straight to your door where Alabama law allows.
Alabama imposes no purchase permits, registration, or waiting periods for firearm purchases. Your chosen dealer conducts the federal NICS check, typically completing the transfer during your visit. Federal age restrictions apply: 21 for handguns, 18 for rifles or shotguns. The state removed its pistol permit requirement for carry in 2023 but made no changes to purchase regulations. We ship to your selected Alabama dealer, where you'll complete ATF Form 4473 and pay their transfer fee.
Dealers in these communities all work for Birmingham-area buyers:
- Hoover
- Bessemer
- Vestavia Hills
- Homewood
- Trussville
- Gardendale
- Pelham
- Leeds
- Mountain Brook
Carrying a gun in Jefferson County
Since January 2023, Alabama permits concealed carry without a license for adults legally allowed to possess a handgun, while open carry was already legal. The Jefferson County Sheriff continues to issue concealed pistol permits, which remain valuable for reciprocity, vehicle carry, and as proof of eligibility. Restrictions apply at schools, courthouses, police facilities, athletic events, and posted private property. Many counties provide lifetime permits; contact the sheriff's office for local options before applying.
Hunting near Birmingham
Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages deer hunting through zoned seasons that align with regional rut periods. Archery season begins in October, with gun seasons typically running November through early February - among the nation's longest. Legal methods include centerfire rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and archery equipment. Daily and seasonal bag limits apply, while feral hogs may be taken year-round on private land with permission. Always verify current regulations for your specific zone.
Jefferson County falls under Deer Zone C, where gun and stalk hunting runs from November 21 to February 10, following an archery season starting mid-October. The Cahaba River WMA range near Helena serves as the closest state-operated range.
The metro area offers access to public land along the Cahaba River corridor and Oak Mountain, while Birmingham hunters often lease timber tracts in Bibb, Chilton, and Tuscaloosa counties for Alabama's extended deer season.
Public shooting ranges near Birmingham
The public ranges on the city pages are run or listed by the state wildlife agency, a state forest or a national forest, chosen by distance from each city. Licenses, passes and hours are the agency's; some public ranges restrict rapid fire or large-format pistols, so read the rules.
Source: State wildlife agency and public-land range listings, September 2026. Distances are approximate; call or check the agency site before you drive out.