Order online, pick up at a licensed dealer in Sebastian County. Fort Smith, the Sebastian County seat, lies on the Oklahoma border where the Arkansas and Poteau rivers converge. Known for its historic frontier fort and the federal court of Judge Isaac Parker, it is Arkansas's second-largest city and a key western hub of the River Valley.
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 Arkansas law allows.
Arkansas does not require a purchase permit, waiting period, or firearm registration. Buyers must present a current photo ID with their address and complete ATF Form 4473. The dealer processes the federal NICS check and completes the transfer upon approval. Federal age restrictions apply: 21 for handguns and 18 for rifles and shotguns. Online orders are shipped to the Arkansas FFL dealer specified by the buyer, and transfer fees are determined by the dealer.
Dealers in these communities all work for Fort Smith-area buyers:
Arkansas does not mandate a license for concealed carry of handguns. Act 777 of 2023 clarified that a concealed handgun carry license is unnecessary. However, the Arkansas State Police continue to issue standard and enhanced licenses, primarily for residents who wish to carry in states that recognize Arkansas permits. The standard license age is 21, or 18 for active duty, Guard, and reserve members.
Arkansas deer seasons are divided by zones. In the Little Rock area, modern gun season runs from November 14 to December 6, 2026, with a late segment from December 26 to 28. Archery season spans from late September to February, and muzzleloader season occurs in October and December. Hunters should verify their hunting location using the Game and Fish mapper, as zone boundaries may cross metro areas. Feral hogs can be hunted year-round on private land, but on wildlife management areas, they may only be taken incidentally during open big game firearms or archery seasons.
Hunting opportunities abound near Fort Smith, with the Arkansas River and Ozark National Forest east of town offering public access. Fort Chaffee also provides managed hunting grounds, and ranges like Brushy Hollow and Buck Ridge are within an hour's drive.
Fort Smith is surrounded by abundant public lands, including Fort Chaffee, the Arkansas River, and the nearby Ouachita and Ozark national forests, making it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts.
The ranges on the city pages are public ranges run or listed by the state wildlife agency, a state forest or a national forest, chosen by distance. Passes, licenses and hours are the agency's; check before you go.
Source: State wildlife agency and public-land range listings, September 2026. Distances are approximate; call or check the agency site before you drive out.
Yes. Order here, name a licensed FFL dealer in Greenwood, Barling, Van Buren, Fort Smith or anywhere in Sebastian County, and we ship the firearm to them. You fill out ATF Form 4473 at their counter and they run the background check.
No. Act 777 of 2023 confirmed that a concealed handgun carry license is not required in Arkansas. The state police license is still issued for travel to other states.
Most of Pulaski County falls in deer zone 10, but the zone boundary runs through the metro area, so check the Game and Fish mapper for the exact property you hunt.
Only incidentally. On wildlife management areas, hogs may be taken by hunters already hunting deer, bear, or elk during an open firearms or archery season with legal weapons for that hunt.
Most states set a minimum cartridge for deer handguns that 9mm does not meet. Hunt with a rifle the state allows and treat the pistol as camp carry where legal.
Each dealer sets its own fee, commonly $20 to $75. Call before you order to confirm the price and that they accept firearms shipped from an online store.
General information, not legal advice. Rules current as of September 2026. See our buying guide and check with Arkansas State Police (Concealed Handgun Carry Licensing) or a local attorney about your own situation.