🛡️ Navigate State Gun Laws with Confidence
Gun laws vary dramatically across the United States. This comprehensive guide provides current information on firearm regulations, online purchase rules, AR parts legality, ammunition laws, and ownership requirements for all 50 states plus Washington DC.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult with qualified legal counsel and local authorities before making firearm-related decisions.
📊 State Classification Legend
⚖️ Key Legal Categories Explained
🖥️ Online Firearm Purchases
Federal law allows online gun purchases but requires FFL transfer. State variations include:
- Permit requirements before purchase
- Waiting periods after background check
- Age restrictions beyond federal minimums
- Prohibited persons definitions
- Registration requirements
🔧 AR Parts & Accessories
AR-15 parts legality varies significantly by state:
- Pistol grips and adjustable stocks
- Flash hiders and muzzle devices
- High-capacity magazines
- Complete upper receivers
- Trigger components and modifications
📦 Ammunition & Components
Ammo purchase laws have evolved rapidly since 2020:
- Background checks for ammunition
- ID requirements and age verification
- Quantity limits and purchase tracking
- Prohibited ammunition types
- Online shipping restrictions
🚶 Carry & Transport
Concealed and open carry laws vary dramatically:
- Constitutional carry states (25 as of 2025)
- Shall-issue vs may-issue permits
- Reciprocity agreements
- Prohibited locations and venues
- Vehicle transport regulations
🗺️ Complete State-by-State Guide
Alabama
Gun-Friendly🖥️ Online Purchases
✅ AllowedStandard FFL transfer required
🔧 AR Parts
✅ LegalNo restrictions on features
📦 Ammunition
✅ No RestrictionsOnline shipping allowed
🚶 Carry
✅ Constitutional CarryNo permit required (2023)
Key Points:
- • Constitutional carry effective January 1, 2023
- • Strong preemption law prevents local gun control
- • No assault weapon or magazine capacity restrictions
- • Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws
California
Highly Restrictive🖥️ Online Purchases
⚠️ ComplexHandgun roster, 10-day wait
🔧 AR Parts
❌ Heavily RestrictedAssault weapon features banned
📦 Ammunition
❌ Background Check RequiredNo online shipping to consumers
🚶 Carry
❌ May-IssueGood cause required
Major Restrictions:
- • Assault weapon ban with feature tests
- • 10-round magazine capacity limit
- • Ammunition background checks (July 2019)
- • Handgun roster limits new models
- • Red flag law (Gun Violence Restraining Orders)
- • Safe storage requirements
Texas
Gun-Friendly🖥️ Online Purchases
✅ AllowedStandard federal requirements
🔧 AR Parts
✅ LegalNo feature restrictions
📦 Ammunition
✅ No RestrictionsOnline shipping allowed
🚶 Carry
✅ Constitutional CarryPermit optional (2021)
Key Points:
- • Constitutional carry effective September 2021
- • Strong preemption law
- • Campus carry allowed with permit
- • No assault weapon or magazine restrictions
- • Enhanced penalties for gun-free zone violations
New York
Highly Restrictive🖥️ Online Purchases
❌ ComplexPermit required to purchase
🔧 AR Parts
❌ SAFE ActAssault weapon features banned
📦 Ammunition
❌ Background CheckDealer verification required
🚶 Carry
❌ Shall-Issue*Post-Bruen changes (2022)
SAFE Act Restrictions:
- • Assault weapon ban with feature tests
- • 10-round magazine limit (7 rounds loaded until 2015)
- • Ammunition background checks
- • Red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Orders)
- • Safe storage requirements
- • Sensitive places restrictions expanded 2022
Florida
Moderate🖥️ Online Purchases
⚠️ 3-Day WaitWaiting period for handguns
🔧 AR Parts
✅ LegalNo feature restrictions
📦 Ammunition
✅ No RestrictionsOnline shipping allowed
🚶 Carry
✅ Constitutional CarryEffective July 2023
Recent Changes:
- • Constitutional carry effective July 1, 2023
- • 3-day waiting period for handguns (exceptions for CCW holders)
- • Strong preemption law
- • Red flag law (Risk Protection Orders)
- • Enhanced penalties for straw purchases
Illinois
Highly Restrictive🖥️ Online Purchases
❌ FOID RequiredFirearm Owner ID mandatory
🔧 AR Parts
❌ Banned 2023Assault weapon ban enacted
📦 Ammunition
❌ FOID RequiredBackground check for ammo
🚶 Carry
⚠️ Shall-IssueCCL required
2023 Changes:
- • Assault weapon and high-capacity magazine ban (Jan 2023)
- • FOID required for all firearm and ammunition purchases
- • Background checks for private sales
- • Red flag law
- • Safe storage requirements
🇺🇸 Federal vs State Law Hierarchy
Federal Minimums (Apply Everywhere)
- 18+ for rifles/shotguns, 21+ for handguns
- Background check through FFL for commercial sales
- Prohibited persons cannot own firearms
- NFA items require tax stamp and ATF approval
- Machine guns: pre-1986 only (civilians)
States Can Add (But Not Remove)
- Higher age requirements
- Permits/licenses to purchase or carry
- Waiting periods
- Assault weapon definitions and bans
- Magazine capacity limits
- Ammunition purchase restrictions
📋 Quick Reference Tables
Constitutional Carry States (25 as of 2025)
Assault Weapon Ban States (8 states + DC)
📰 Recent Significant Changes (2023-2025)
2025 Updates
- • Nebraska: Constitutional carry effective (2024)
- • Federal: Continued ATF rule changes on pistol braces
- • Multiple States: Red flag law expansions
2024 Major Changes
- • Washington: Expanded assault weapon ban
- • Oregon: Measure 114 implementation challenges
- • Multiple States: Enhanced background check requirements
2023 Landmark Changes
- • Illinois: Assault weapon ban enacted
- • Florida: Constitutional carry implemented
- • Alabama: Constitutional carry implemented
- • Federal: ATF pistol brace final rule
✅ Online Purchase Compliance Checklist
Before You Buy
- ☐ Verify you meet age requirements (18/21)
- ☐ Check if your state requires permits/licenses
- ☐ Confirm the firearm/part is legal in your state
- ☐ Find a local FFL dealer for transfers
- ☐ Research waiting period requirements
During Purchase
- ☐ Provide accurate FFL information
- ☐ Ensure seller is licensed dealer
- ☐ Verify shipping restrictions to your state
- ☐ Keep all purchase documentation
- ☐ Plan for transfer fees and background check
🎯 Shop with Legal Confidence
Now that you understand your state's laws, use HighCapDeals to find compliant firearms and accessories from verified dealers nationwide.