State Firearms Laws: A Practical Guide

You can legally purchase a SIG Sauer P365 in Texas with a standard background check, but try to buy that same 9mm pistol in New York City and you’ll need a permit that can take over six months to acquire. This is the reality of navigating state firearms laws. Ignorance isn’t an excuse, and a violation can mean felony charges. This guide breaks down the critical differences you need to know before you buy, own, or travel with a firearm.

Permitless Carry vs. May-Issue: The Divide

As of early 2026, over 30 states have adopted permitless or “constitutional” carry laws. This means if you’re a legal resident and can legally possess a firearm, you can carry a concealed handgun without a state-issued permit. States like Tennessee, Arizona, and Ohio fall into this category. The other end of the spectrum features “may-issue” states like California, New York, and New Jersey. Here, local authorities have broad discretion to deny a concealed carry permit, even if you meet all objective criteria. In these states, simply owning a handgun often requires a separate permit or license. Before you consider a Compact Pistols collection for carry, verifying your state’s classification is the first and most crucial step.

Assault Weapon Bans & Magazine Capacity Limits

This is where state laws diverge most dramatically. A standard AR-15 rifle is freely sold in Texas but is classified as an “assault weapon” and banned in states like California, New York, and Washington. These bans often hinge on specific features like pistol grips, adjustable stocks, or muzzle devices. Magazine capacity is another major flashpoint. Colorado and Vermont limit magazines to 15 rounds, while Maryland and New Jersey cap them at 10 rounds. Purchasing a standard 17-round magazine for a Glock 17 is a routine transaction at Conwayhuntingsupply for customers in free states, but it’s a felony to import one into a restrictive state. Always check local definitions before purchasing any semi-automatic rifle or standard-capacity magazine.

NFA Items: State-Level Restrictions

Federal law regulates items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and machine guns under the National Firearms Act (NFA). However, states can impose further restrictions. While an NFA trust and a $200 tax stamp allow you to own a suppressor federally, states like Illinois, California, and New York prohibit civilian ownership entirely. Similarly, SBRs are illegal in several states. This directly impacts the functionality of platforms. For example, configuring a rifle with a barrel under 16 inches requires an SBR stamp, which is impossible if your state bans them. It’s critical to understand both federal NFA rules and your state’s specific prohibitions before pursuing such items.

Transporting Firearms Across State Lines

The Firearm Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) provides limited federal protection for transporting firearms through states where they are illegal, provided they are unloaded, locked in a case, and inaccessible from the passenger compartment. However, FOPA is not a guarantee against arrest, especially in states with aggressive enforcement. Never assume your home state’s laws apply elsewhere. For example, driving from Pennsylvania to Maine with a handgun requires careful planning to avoid New York. Your best resource is the specific Attorney General website for each state you’ll travel through. Planning your route and understanding “peaceable journey” laws is as important as packing your ammunition.

Private Sales & Background Check Requirements

Federal law requires licensed dealers (FFLs) to conduct a background check on every sale. Private sales between individuals are a different matter. In “universal background check” states like Colorado, Oregon, and Virginia, all firearm transfers, even private ones, must go through an FFL. In other states, private sales between residents are permitted without a check. This is a major point of compliance. If you’re selling a Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 to a friend in a universal background check state, you must meet at a local FFL to process the transfer. Conwayhuntingsupply always conducts the required NICS check, but the onus is on you to know the law for private transactions in your jurisdiction.

Can I buy a firearm online if I live in a restrictive state?

Yes, but with major caveats. You can purchase the firearm from an online retailer like Conwayhuntingsupply, but it must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. That local FFL is required to complete the transfer and must comply with all state laws. If the firearm is banned in your state (e.g., a standard-capacity magazine or a named “assault weapon”), the FFL will refuse the transfer. You are only paying for the item; the final legality is determined at the point of pickup under your local laws.

Does my state’s concealed carry permit work in other states?

It depends on reciprocity agreements. Many states have agreements to recognize each other’s permits, but many do not. A permit from Florida has broad recognition, while a permit from California is rarely recognized elsewhere. You must check the specific reciprocity map for your home state’s permit. Relying on a general online map is not enough; consult your state’s Attorney General website for the official, current agreements. When in doubt, assume your permit is not valid and research the carry laws of the state you are entering.

Are “pre-ban” firearms or magazines grandfathered in banned states?

>Sometimes, but the rules are extremely specific and risky. Some states, like Massachusetts, have a cutoff date for “pre-ban” firearms and magazines that are legal to own. However, you must have definitive proof of manufacture date, and the burden of proof is on you. In other states, like New York’s SAFE Act, previously owned “large capacity” magazines had to be permanently modified or surrendered; there is no grandfathering. Never assume an item is grandfathered. Always consult the exact statute or an attorney specializing in firearms law in that state.

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Last updated: March 27, 2026