What Guns Are Legal to Own in the United States? A Federal and State Guide

Understanding what firearms are legal to own in the United States requires navigating a complex framework of federal regulations and widely varying state laws. At the federal level, most conventional firearms including handguns, rifles, and shotguns are legal for lawful buyers to own, subject to background checks and other requirements.

However, specific categories of weapons are heavily regulated or prohibited under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and subsequent amendments. Beyond federal law, individual states impose their own restrictions, creating a patchwork of regulations that can differ dramatically from one jurisdiction to another.

The importance of knowing both federal and local laws to ensure compliant and safe firearm ownership. This guide breaks down the legal landscape, explaining which guns are generally legal, which are restricted, and how state-level variations can affect your ownership rights.

Federal Firearm Regulations: The National Firearms Act (NFA)

Central to federal firearm regulation in the United States is the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which imposes strict controls on certain categories of weapons deemed to have particularly dangerous or concealable characteristics. The NFA does not ban these items outright but subjects them to a rigorous registration and taxation process.

Key categories regulated under the NFA include: machine guns (fully automatic firearms), short-barreled rifles (SBRs) with barrels less than 16 inches, short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) with barrels less than 18 inches, suppressors (silencers), destructive devices (such as grenades, mortars, and certain large-caliber firearms), and "any other weapons" (AOWs) like disguised firearms.

To legally possess an NFA item, an individual must submit an application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), pay a one-time NFA tax (currently $0 for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and "any other weapons" (AOWs) following H.R.1, the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law July 4, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, transferable machine guns and destructive devices), undergo an extensive background check, and receive approval before taking possession. Additionally, the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986 effectively banned the transfer or manufacture of new machine guns for civilian ownership, making only those registered before May 19, 1986, legally transferable. These federal regulations create a distinct class of heavily controlled firearms.

NFA-Regulated Firearms: Machine Guns, SBRs, and Suppressors

The National Firearms Act (NFA) specifically regulates several distinct categories of firearms that require special registration and taxation.

Machine guns are firearms that can fire more than one round with a single function of the trigger. Since the 1986 ban, only pre-1986 registered machine guns can be legally transferred to civilians, making them exceptionally rare and expensive collector's items.

Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) are rifles with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches. Similarly, short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) have a barrel length of less than 18 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches. These compact firearms are regulated due to their concealability.

Suppressors (often called silencers) are devices attached to or part of the barrel of a firearm to reduce the noise and muzzle flash generated by firing. Contrary to popular media portrayal, they do not make guns "silent" but significantly reduce hearing damage risk and noise pollution.

Each of these NFA items requires the owner to file ATF Form 4 (for a transfer), undergo a background check that includes fingerprinting and a passport photo, and wait for ATF approval, which can take several months. The tax stamp itself is now $0 for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs (effective January 1, 2026 per the One Big Beautiful Bill). The Form 4 paperwork and registration requirements remain unchanged, so plan for the wait even though the fee is gone for most NFA purchases. Legal ownership is possible but involves significant paperwork, cost, and patience.

Practice in the meantime. While you wait for an ATF approval, structured dry-fire training keeps your skills current without using ammunition. The Mantis BlackbeardX drops into your AR-15 in place of the bolt-carrier-group and resets the trigger for unlimited dry-fire reps with shot-by-shot feedback, and the Mantis Laser Academy kit covers pistol-platform dry-fire with laser-target feedback.

The 1986 Machine Gun Ban and Its Impact

The Firearm Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986 included a provision, known as the Hughes Amendment, that had a profound impact on civilian machine gun ownership in the United States. This amendment effectively banned the manufacture and transfer of new machine guns for civilian ownership after May 19, 1986. As a result, the only machine guns that can be legally transferred to civilians today are those that were already registered with the ATF before that cutoff date. This created a finite, closed market for transferable machine guns.

The supply is limited to these pre-1986 registered weapons, which has driven their prices into the tens of thousands of dollars, making them luxury items for serious collectors rather than practical firearms for most owners. The ban does not apply to machine guns owned by government agencies, law enforcement, or military entities, nor does it affect individuals who hold a Federal Firearms License (FFL) with a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) status for dealing in or manufacturing NFA items for government clients. For the average citizen, this means owning a fully automatic firearm is legally possible but prohibitively expensive and limited to historical models, fundamentally shaping the landscape of legal firearm ownership in this category.

For the vast majority of American firearm owners, legal ownership centers on conventional firearms that are not regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). These include a wide array of handguns, rifles, and shotguns that are commercially available through licensed dealers.

  • Handguns, which include revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, are popular for personal defense, sport shooting, and concealed carry (where permitted by state law).
  • Rifles, such as bolt-action, lever-action, and semi-automatic models like the ubiquitous AR-15 platform (in its semi-automatic configuration), are commonly used for hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
  • Shotguns, including pump-action and semi-automatic varieties, are favored for hunting game birds, sport shooting (clay pigeons), and home security.

Ownership of these firearms typically requires passing a background check when purchasing from a licensed dealer, and in some states, additional permits or registrations. They represent the core of the civilian firearm market and are legal to own in all 50 states, though specific models or features may be restricted in certain jurisdictions. These are the firearms most people reference when discussing legal gun ownership in America.

Handguns: Revolvers and Semi-Automatic Pistols

Handguns are among the most commonly owned firearms in the United States and are generally legal for eligible adults to purchase and possess, subject to state-specific age restrictions and regulations. They fall into two primary mechanical categories: revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Revolvers feature a rotating cylinder that holds multiple rounds (typically 5-8); each pull of the trigger rotates the cylinder to align a new round with the barrel and fires it.

They are known for simplicity and reliability. Semi-automatic pistols use a removable box magazine to feed ammunition; after each shot, the energy from firing automatically cycles the action to eject the spent casing and load a new round from the magazine into the chamber, readying the firearm for the next trigger pull. They typically offer higher ammunition capacity (often 10-20 rounds) and faster reloading. Both types are widely available from licensed dealers.

Federal law sets the minimum age to purchase a handgun from an FFL at 21, though some states allow possession at 18. While generally legal nationwide, states like California, New York, and Massachusetts maintain approved handgun rosters or feature bans that restrict which specific models can be sold. Always check local laws regarding magazine capacity limits, safety feature requirements, and concealed carry permits.

Rifles and Shotguns: Bolt-Action, Lever-Action, and Semi-Auto

Rifles and shotguns constitute the other major categories of commonly owned and generally legal firearms in the United States, used extensively for hunting, sport, and defense. Rifles are characterized by a rifled barrel (spiral grooves that spin the bullet for accuracy) and are typically fired from the shoulder. Common actions include;

  • bolt-action (manually operated by lifting and pulling a bolt handle), prized for precision;
  • lever-action (operated by a lever near the trigger guard), iconic in American history; and
  • semi-automatic (self-loading after each trigger pull), popular for versatility and used in platforms like the AR-15.

Shotguns have smoothbore barrels designed to fire shells containing multiple pellets (shot) or a single slug. They are commonly pump-action (manually cycled by sliding a fore-end back and forth) or semi-automatic. Federal law sets the minimum age to purchase rifles and shotguns from an FFL at 18.

While generally legal, many states impose restrictions on semi-automatic rifles they classify as "assault weapons," often based on cosmetic features like pistol grips, folding stocks, or muzzle devices. Shotguns may face restrictions based on magazine capacity or barrel length. Hunting regulations also dictate specific caliber and gauge requirements during season. Understanding these distinctions and your state's specific laws is key to legal ownership of long guns.

State-Level Variations in Firearm Legality

While federal law establishes a baseline, the legality of specific firearms in the United States is profoundly shaped by state-level legislation, creating a complex patchwork of regulations. What is perfectly legal in one state may be heavily restricted or entirely banned in a neighboring state.

These variations often focus on specific firearm types, magazine capacity limits, feature bans, and additional registration or permit requirements. For instance, states like California, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have some of the most restrictive laws, banning or heavily regulating many semi-automatic rifles and standard-capacity magazines. Conversely, states like Texas, Arizona, and Alaska have far more permissive laws, with few restrictions beyond federal requirements. This means answering "what guns are legal to own?" is inherently location-specific.

A firearm owner moving from a permissive state to a restrictive one may find themselves in possession of illegal contraband unless they modify or dispose of certain firearms or components. It is the responsibility of every gun owner to know and comply with the laws of their state of residence and any state they travel through with firearms.

"Assault Weapon" Bans and Feature Restrictions

Many states have enacted laws banning or restricting firearms they categorize as "assault weapons," though this term has no consistent technical definition and is primarily a political and legal construct. These bans typically target semi-automatic rifles (and sometimes pistols and shotguns) that possess certain combinations of features.

Note: states that restrict AR-15-class rifles by feature do not generally restrict standard furniture and accessory upgrades. See our AR-15 accessories lineup for compatible parts.

Common features that can trigger a ban include: a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action, a folding or telescoping stock, a bayonet mount, a flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one, a grenade launcher (extremely rare for civilians), and a barrel shroud. Some laws, like California's, use a features-based test: if a semi-automatic, centerfire rifle has one feature from a list (like a pistol grip), it may be legal, but if it has two or more, it may be banned. Other states maintain specific lists of banned makes and models.

These laws do not ban all semi-automatic firearms; they aim to restrict those with military-style cosmetic features. The practical effect is that otherwise legal firearms like the AR-15 may be illegal in some states unless purchased in a modified, "featureless" configuration that complies with that state's specific law. Navigating these feature restrictions is a major consideration for owners in restrictive states.

Magazine Capacity Limits Across States

A significant area of state-level variation in firearm legality involves restrictions on magazine capacity. Several states limit the number of rounds a firearm magazine can legally hold. These limits typically range from 10 to 15 rounds. For example, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. have laws limiting magazine capacity to 10 rounds or less for most civilians. Other states, like Hawaii and Vermont, have 15-round limits for handguns.

These laws generally apply to the possession of the magazines themselves, not just their use. In states with capacity limits, purchasing, selling, or possessing a magazine that exceeds the legal limit is a crime, often a misdemeanor or felony. Some of these laws have "grandfather" clauses allowing possession of previously owned high-capacity magazines, but prohibit new acquisitions. For firearm owners, this means a standard 17-round Glock magazine that is legal in Texas could be illegal contraband in New York. When traveling or moving between states, it is critical to ensure your magazines comply with the laws of your destination. Magazine capacity laws are among the most common and strictly enforced state-level firearm restrictions, directly impacting what accessories are legal to own alongside your firearm.

How to Verify Legality Before Purchasing a Firearm

Given the complex interplay of federal and state laws, verifying the legality of a specific firearm before purchase is a critical step for any gun owner. Relying on general information is insufficient; you must conduct research specific to your location and the exact firearm model you intend to buy.

Start by consulting the official website of your state's attorney general or legislative information system to review current statutes regarding firearm ownership. Look for terms like "assault weapon," "large capacity magazine," "permit to purchase," and "registration."

Additionally, utilize resources from reputable national organizations that track state laws, but always cross-reference with primary legal sources. Perhaps the most reliable method is to consult with a knowledgeable Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your area. They are required to be familiar with the laws governing their business and can advise on what is legal to transfer in your state. Before completing any online purchase, confirm with your chosen FFL that they will accept the transfer of that specific firearm model. Taking these verification steps prevents costly mistakes, ensures compliance, and upholds the principles of safe firearm ownership.

Researching Your State's Specific Laws

Researching your state's specific firearm laws is a fundamental responsibility before purchasing any gun. Begin with primary sources: your state's official government website, particularly the pages for the legislature (to find statutes) and the attorney general (for interpretations and enforcement guidelines). Search for terms like "firearms," "weapons," "permit to purchase," "assault weapon," and "magazine capacity."

 Read the actual legal text of the statutes (often found in the state's revised code or penal code) rather than relying solely on summaries. For complex questions, consider consulting with a lawyer specializing in firearm law. Secondary resources can provide helpful overviews; organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA) Institute for Legislative Action and the Gun Owners of America (GOA) maintain state-by-state law summaries.

However, these should be used as a starting point for understanding, not as definitive legal advice, as laws change frequently. Pay special attention to laws regarding: whether your state has an "assault weapon" ban and how it defines such weapons, magazine capacity limits, mandatory waiting periods, registration requirements, and whether a permit is needed to purchase or possess firearms. Thorough research ensures you operate within the legal boundaries of your jurisdiction.

Consulting with Licensed FFL Dealers

Licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers are invaluable resources for verifying the legality of a firearm purchase in your specific location. As professionals who must comply with complex federal, state, and local regulations daily, they possess current, practical knowledge of what is legal to sell and transfer in their area.

Before purchasing a firearm, especially online, contact your chosen FFL dealer. Describe the specific make, model, and features of the firearm you're considering. Ask them directly: "Is this firearm legal to transfer to me in this state/county/city?" A reputable dealer will provide a clear yes or no answer based on their understanding of applicable laws. They can advise on issues like state-specific feature bans, magazine restrictions, and any necessary modifications to make a firearm compliant (e.g., installing a fixed stock or a magazine lock).

Furthermore, they will know if any local ordinances in your city or county impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Establishing a relationship with a knowledgeable FFL dealer provides an ongoing resource for legal questions and ensures that your transactions are processed correctly and compliantly from the start. Their expertise is a critical component of lawful firearm acquisition.

Q: Is the AR-15 rifle legal to own in the United States?

  • A: Yes, the semi-automatic AR-15 rifle is legal to own under federal law and in most states. It is one of the most popular rifles in America. However, several states (including California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and others) have laws that ban or heavily restrict AR-15s and similar rifles they categorize as "assault weapons." In these states, ownership may require the rifle to be in a modified, compliant configuration (often called "featureless") or registered under now-closed registration periods. Always check your specific state's laws before purchasing an AR-15.

Q: Can I legally own a suppressor (silencer)?

  • A: Yes, Suppressors are legal to own under federal law in 42 states as of 2026, but they are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). To own one legally, you must submit an ATF Form 4, pass an extensive background check including fingerprints and a photo, and pay the federal tax stamp fee, which the One Big Beautiful Bill cut to $0 for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs effective 2026-01-01. While the registration and approval process can still take several months for some applicants (such as those filing through a legal trust), the ATF's electronic filing system (eForms) has significantly reduced wait times to just a few days or weeks for many clean individual filings. Some states (including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island) have state laws that prohibit civilian ownership of suppressors regardless of federal approval.

Q: Are there any guns that are completely illegal for civilians to own?

  • A: Under federal law, several categories of weapons are generally prohibited for civilian ownership without special licensure. These include: fully automatic machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986; destructive devices like grenades, rockets, and missiles; firearms with bore over .50 caliber not for sporting purposes; and undetectable firearms (those made of materials that evade metal detectors). Additionally, individual states may ban other specific types of firearms, such as certain semi-automatic rifles or .50 BMG rifles. The legal landscape is defined by both federal prohibitions and state-level bans.

Related Cedar Mill Gear

To put this guide into practice, Cedar Mill Fine Firearms stocks:

Related Resources

Legal firearm marketplaces: For federally compliant purchases through licensed dealers, see Guns.com (nationwide FFL network) or Classic Firearms.

Storage and transport: TSA-Approved MonoShaft Gun Case Lock

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