State firearm laws overview

Firearm ownership and purchasing rules vary significantly by state. This page is a general overview, not legal advice. Always check your state's current laws before buying.

States with waiting periods

Several states impose mandatory waiting periods between purchase and pickup, including California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Waiting periods typically range from 3 to 10 days.

States with magazine restrictions

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia restrict magazine capacity. Typical limits are 10 or 15 rounds. Ensure any firearm or magazine you order ships in a configuration that is legal in your state.

States with "assault weapon" restrictions

California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia restrict certain semiautomatic rifles. Definitions vary — a rifle legal in one state may be illegal in another.

Ammunition shipping

Most states allow ammunition to ship directly to consumers. Exceptions include California (requires in-person delivery to an ammunition vendor), Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York (requires a state-approved FFL), and the District of Columbia.

Before you order

Check with the dealer before completing a purchase if you have any doubt about whether a specific firearm, magazine, or configuration is legal in your state. Reputable dealers will not ship products that are illegal in the destination state.