Connecticut Gun Laws
2026 Compliance Guide
Connecticut prohibits assault weapons by name and feature test under Public Act 13-3 (passed after Sandy Hook); magazines are limited to 10 rounds; suppressors are legal with federal NFA approval (no state permit required); and a permit or eligibility certificate is required to purchase any firearm.
📅 Last updatedConnecticut Firearm Laws at a Glance
The table below summarizes Connecticut's key firearm regulations for 2026. Each item links to the relevant statute in the section below.
| Assault Weapons Ban | YES — restricted |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 10 rounds |
| Suppressors (NFA) | Legal with NFA |
| Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Legal with NFA |
| Permit Required to Purchase | Yes |
| Background Check on Private Sales | Required |
| Ghost Guns / Unserialized | Prohibited |
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Run a Free CT Compliance Check →Assault Weapons Ban in Connecticut
Connecticut General Statutes § 53-202a defines 'assault weapon' to include named models (AR-15, AK-47 variants, and a list of specific rifles, shotguns, and pistols) and applies separate feature tests for semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns. A semi-auto pistol with a fixed magazine over 10 rounds is also an assault weapon. The compliance checker applies the full statutory feature test for your specific firearm.
Practical impact: Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles sold in most states are typically prohibited in Connecticut. Compliant configurations exist (featureless builds, fixed-magazine variants) but selection is limited. If you are buying a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, run it through the compliance checker before purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Connecticut
Connecticut prohibits the sale, transfer, or manufacture of magazines holding more than 10 rounds (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202w). Pre-ban magazines must be declared and registered with the state.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
Suppressors
Suppressors are legal for civilian ownership in Connecticut following federal NFA approval. State law does not separately prohibit possession.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled rifles are legal in Connecticut following federal NFA approval. State law does not separately prohibit possession.
Machine Guns and Other NFA Items
Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are restricted under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act and require ATF Form 4 approval. Connecticut separately prohibits civilian machine gun ownership.
Permits and Licensing Requirements
Connecticut requires a Permit to Purchase (handguns) or a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate (rifles and shotguns) before any firearm transfer. Both require fingerprinting, a background check, and completion of an approved firearms safety course.
Carry Laws
May-issue concealed carry permit. Open carry is permitted with a valid carry permit but uncommon in practice.
Private Sales and Background Checks
All firearm sales — including private — require a Permit to Purchase or Eligibility Certificate, effectively requiring a background check on every transfer.
Ghost Guns and Unserialized Firearms
Connecticut prohibits the manufacture or assembly of any firearm that does not have a unique serial number obtained through the state (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37j).
Federally, ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. State law in Connecticut adds additional requirements on top of the federal rule.
Key Connecticut Firearm Statutes
The following statutes form the legal basis for Connecticut's firearm regulations. Citations are kept current with the official state code.
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202a — Assault weapon definition
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202w — Large-capacity magazine prohibition
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-36f — Permit to Purchase (handguns)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37p — Long Gun Eligibility Certificate
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37j — Serialization requirement (ghost guns)
Frequently Asked Questions: Connecticut Gun Laws
Is the AR-15 legal in Connecticut?
AR-15 rifles classified as 'assault weapons' under Connecticut law are prohibited unless registered with the state before the registration deadline. Featureless builds and post-ban compliant configurations remain legal but must meet strict feature-test requirements.
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Connecticut?
Yes. A Permit to Purchase is required for handguns and a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is required for rifles and shotguns. Both involve fingerprinting, a background check, and a state-approved firearms safety course.
Are suppressors legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Civilian ownership of suppressors is legal in Connecticut following federal NFA Form 4 approval and payment of the federal tax stamp ($0 as of January 1, 2026 under the OBBBA).
Are private gun sales legal without a background check in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut requires a valid permit or eligibility certificate for the recipient on every firearm transfer, which requires a background check.
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Run a Free Compliance Check →Compare Connecticut to Other States
Connecticut's firearm laws differ significantly from neighboring states. View laws for any U.S. state below.