How buying a gun in Huntsville 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. At the counter you fill out Form 4473 and the dealer runs the federal background check. Alabama adds no purchase permit, no registration and no waiting period. Ammunition, optics and parts ship straight to your door.
Dealers in these communities all work for Huntsville-area buyers:
- Madison
- Harvest
- Meridianville
- New Market
- Owens Cross Roads
- Gurley
- Hazel Green
- Toney
Carrying and pistol permits in Madison County
Since January 1, 2023 Alabama has permitless carry: anyone 19 or older (18 for active military, veterans and law enforcement) who can legally own a handgun may carry it concealed without a permit. A pistol permit is still worth having if you travel, because many other states honor an Alabama permit but not permitless carry. In Madison County permits are issued by the Madison County Sheriff's Office; each county sets its own fees and permit lengths, and many offer lifetime permits. See our Alabama pistol permit guide.
Deer season near Huntsville, 2026-27
Madison County is in deer Zone A. Gun deer season opens November 21, 2026 and runs to February 10, 2027 on privately owned or leased land; on open public land the dates are split between bucks-only and either-sex periods.
The Tennessee River runs along the south edge of the county, and the Swan Creek WMA range in neighbouring Limestone County is the nearest state range.
Public shooting ranges near Huntsville
Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources runs twelve public shooting ranges. These are the closest to Huntsville. Residents aged 16 to 64 need a valid hunting, heritage, fishing or WMA license to use them.
Source: Outdoor Alabama public shooting range directory, September 2026. Distances are approximate; call before you drive out.