AR Rifle, AR-15 Basics

State Restrictions on Firearm Sales – What You Need to Know

Posted on by
15
May

Welcome to the AR15Discounts.com State Restrictions page. While this page does not count as your online lawyer, we wanted to try to put some of the most important info out there for you all in one place. We will make every effort to keep this page updated as new information arises. The bottom line is that his resource page details the legality of AR-15 rifles, lowers, uppers, magazines, and accessories across various states, alongside federal compliance requirements and shipping policies. We aim to help you purchase confidently while staying compliant with all applicable laws. That said, we have to put in this official disclaimer:

This information is for general reference only and is not legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently, often without notice. You must verify compliance with federal, state, and local authorities before purchasing. AR15Discounts.com is not liable for misuse or misinterpretation of this information. Consult primary sources, such as your state’s Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), for the most current regulations.

Table of contents

State-by-State Breakdown

Below is a detailed summary of restrictions on AR-15 rifles, parts, and magazines in states with significant regulations, listed alphabetically: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

California

  • AR-15 Rifles: Prohibited as “assault weapons” under Penal Code §30510 if semi-automatic with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips, flash suppressors, folding stocks, or forward grips. Compliant options:
    • Featureless Rifles: Fixed stock, no pistol grip (e.g., Thordsen stock, fin grip), no flash suppressor.
    • Fixed-Magazine Rifles: Magazines ≤10 rounds, requiring disassembly to reload (e.g., CompMag, AR Maglock).
  • Magazines: High-capacity magazines (>10 rounds) banned per Proposition 63 (2016). Grandfathered magazines registered before July 1, 2017, are exempt. Litigation (Duncan v. Bonta) may affect enforcement; verify status.
  • 80% Lowers: Must be serialized through the California DOJ before completion Penal Code §29180. Requires Personal Firearm Eligibility Check and Unique Serial Number Application.
  • Shipping: Rifles, lowers, and frames/receivers ship only to licensed Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Local Laws: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland may ban featureless rifles or impose stricter magazine limits.
  • Source for Verification: California DOJ Firearms Bureau

Colorado

  • AR-15 Rifles: Senate Bill 3 (2025) bans the manufacture, sale, and purchase of semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, including AR-15 rifles, effective August 2026. Compliant options:
    • Fixed-magazine firearms (≤15 rounds) that are welded, epoxied, or soldered (rare).
    • Current owners may keep existing firearms; possession is not restricted.
  • Magazines: High-capacity magazines (>15 rounds) banned since 2013 (HB 13-1224). Grandfathered magazines owned before July 1, 2013, are exempt.
  • 80% Lowers: Not explicitly banned, but serialization may be required post-2026 if completed into a restricted firearm; FFL transfer recommended.
  • Shipping: No banned firearms or high-capacity magazines shipped after August 2026. Out-of-state dealers must comply with Colorado law.
  • Exemptions: Military, law enforcement, prison guards, or armored-vehicle businesses may purchase banned firearms. A “firearms safety course eligibility card” (sheriff vetting, up to 12 hours of training) allows purchase of fixed-magazine firearms.
  • Local Laws: Denver and Boulder ban “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines (>10 rounds).
  • Source for Verification: Colorado General Assembly or Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Connecticut

  • AR-15 Rifles: Banned as “assault weapons” if semi-automatic with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips or folding stocks Conn. Gen. Stat. §53-202a. Compliant options: featureless or fixed-magazine rifles (≤10 rounds).
  • Magazines: >10 rounds prohibited; pre-ban magazines must be registered with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) by January 1, 2014.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization required; FFL transfer mandatory.
  • Shipping: Firearms and restricted parts ship to FFLs only. No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Source for Verification: Connecticut DESPP or CT Firearms Laws

Delaware

  • AR-15 Rifles: Sale or shipment of AR-15 rifles, pistols, or completed lowers prohibited as “assault weapons” 11 Del. C. §1463. No featureless or fixed-magazine exemptions.
  • Magazines: Limited to 17 rounds; .22 caliber tubular magazines exempt.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization and FFL transfer required.
  • Shipping: No restricted firearms or high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Exemptions: Law enforcement, military, and concealed-carry permit holders may be exempt; verify eligibility.
  • Source for Verification: Delaware DOJ or Delaware Code Title 11

Hawaii

  • AR-15 Rifles: Banned as “assault weapons” if semi-automatic with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips or folding stocks HRS §134-1. No featureless or fixed-magazine exemptions.
  • Magazines: >10 rounds prohibited for rifles; no grandfathering.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization and FFL transfer required.
  • Shipping: No restricted firearms or high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Local Laws: Honolulu imposes additional restrictions.
  • Source for Verification: Hawaii Attorney General or HI Revised Statutes

Illinois

  • AR-15 Rifles: The Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA, 2023) bans “assault weapons,” including semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips or threaded barrels 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9. Pre-ban owners must submit an endorsement affidavit by January 1, 2024. Compliant options: featureless or fixed-magazine rifles.
  • Magazines: >10 rounds for rifles, >15 rounds for handguns prohibited.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization required; must be transferred through an FFL.
  • Shipping: No non-compliant rifles, parts, or magazines shipped. Ammunition requires a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card.
  • Local Laws: Chicago and Cook County ban all “assault weapons.”
  • Source for Verification: Illinois State Police or PICA Guidelines

Maryland

  • AR-15 Rifles: Banned as “assault weapons” if semi-automatic with detachable magazines and features like folding stocks or flash suppressors MD Code, Criminal Law §4-301. Compliant options: featureless rifles or heavy-barreled rifles (e.g., HBAR AR-15s).
  • Magazines: >10 rounds prohibited; pre-ban magazines exempt.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization required; FFL transfer mandatory.
  • Shipping: Firearms and restricted parts ship to FFLs only. No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Source for Verification: Maryland Attorney General or MD Firearms Laws

Massachusetts

  • AR-15 Rifles: Banned as “assault weapons” if semi-automatic with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips or folding stocks M.G.L. c. 140, §121. Compliant options: featureless or fixed-magazine rifles (≤10 rounds).
  • Magazines: >10 rounds prohibited; pre-ban magazines (before September 13, 1994) exempt if registered.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization required; FFL transfer mandatory.
  • Shipping: Firearms and restricted parts ship to FFLs only. No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Local Laws: Boston and other cities may impose additional restrictions.
  • Source for Verification: Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety

New Jersey

  • AR-15 Rifles: Banned as “assault firearms” if semi-automatic with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips or flash suppressors N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1. Compliant options: featureless or fixed-magazine rifles (≤10 rounds). A 2024 ruling (Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs v. Attorney Gen. New Jersey) declared the Colt AR-15 ban unconstitutional, but restrictions remain pending appeal; verify status.
  • Magazines: Limited to 10 rounds; .22 caliber tubular magazines exempt.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization and FFL transfer required.
  • Shipping: Firearms and restricted parts ship to FFLs only. No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Exemptions: Law enforcement and military may qualify with documentation.
  • Source for Verification: New Jersey DOJ or NJ State Police Firearms Unit

New York

  • AR-15 Rifles: The NY SAFE Act (2013) bans semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips, bayonet mounts, or flash suppressors. Compliant options:
    • Featureless rifles (e.g., fixed stock, no pistol grip, muzzle brake).
    • Fixed-magazine rifles (≤10 rounds).
  • Magazines: Magazines >10 rounds prohibited; no grandfathering.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization required; completed lowers ship to an FFL.
  • Shipping: Firearms, lowers, and restricted parts ship to FFLs only. No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Local Laws: New York City requires a rifle permit and bans most AR-15 configurations.
  • Source for Verification: New York Attorney General or NY SAFE Act Guidelines

Oregon

  • AR-15 Rifles: Ballot Measure 114 (2022) restricts semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and certain features; enforcement varies due to litigation (Oregon Firearms Federation v. Brown). Verify status; featureless or fixed-magazine rifles may be compliant.
  • Magazines: >10 rounds prohibited; exemptions for law enforcement and pre-ban magazines.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization required; FFL transfer recommended.
  • Shipping: No non-compliant rifles or high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Source for Verification: Oregon State Police or Oregon DOJ

Rhode Island

  • AR-15 Rifles: No statewide “assault weapon” ban, but semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines are subject to magazine capacity restrictions.
  • Magazines: >10 rounds prohibited (2022 legislation); no grandfathering.
  • 80% Lowers: FFL transfer recommended; serialization may be required.
  • Shipping: No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Local Laws: Providence and other cities may impose stricter rules.
  • Source for Verification: Rhode Island Attorney General or RI General Laws

Vermont

  • AR-15 Rifles: No “assault weapon” ban, but semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines are subject to magazine capacity limits (2018 legislation).
  • Magazines: >10 rounds for rifles, >15 rounds for handguns prohibited; no grandfathering.
  • 80% Lowers: FFL transfer recommended; no serialization requirement.
  • Shipping: No high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Source for Verification: Vermont Attorney General or VT Statutes

Virginia

  • AR-15 Rifles: No statewide “assault weapon” ban, but local ordinances and 2020 laws restrict certain firearms and accessories.
  • Magazines: No statewide capacity limit, but cities like Alexandria and Fairfax may impose >10-round bans.
  • 80% Lowers: FFL transfer recommended; no serialization requirement.
  • Shipping: Verify local restrictions before shipping magazines or parts.
  • Local Laws: Northern Virginia cities have stricter rules.
  • Source for Verification: Virginia Attorney General or VA Code

Washington

  • AR-15 Rifles: Banned as “assault weapons” if semi-automatic with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips or flash suppressors (RCW 9.41.010, amended 2023). Fixed-magazine rifles may be compliant.
  • Magazines: >10 rounds prohibited (SB 5078, 2022); no grandfathering.
  • 80% Lowers: Serialization required; FFL transfer mandatory.
  • Shipping: No non-compliant rifles or high-capacity magazines shipped.
  • Source for Verification: Washington State Attorney General or WA Firearms Laws

Verification Note: Triple-check all state laws, recent court rulings (e.g., Duncan v. Bonta, NJ AR-15 case, Oregon litigation), and local ordinances using primary sources like state DOJ websites, ATF guidelines, and legislative updates. Add states like New Mexico or Minnesota if further expansion is needed.

Federal Compliance

All products sold by AR15Discounts.com comply with federal regulations under the Gun Control Act (GCA) and National Firearms Act (NFA), enforced by the ATF:

  • Age Restrictions: Minimum 18 for rifles and parts; 21 for certain firearms in states like California or for handguns.
  • Background Checks: Completed firearms and lowers require a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) via ATF Form 4473, conducted by an FFL.
  • 80% Receivers: Not firearms per ATF; ship directly unless state law requires serialization (e.g., CA, NY, NJ). Recent ATF “frame or receiver” rule (Bondi v. VanDerStok, 2025) may affect classification; verify status.
  • Prohibited Items: Automatic firearms, bump stocks, auto-sears, and short-barreled rifles (SBRs) without NFA registration are banned.
  • Multiple Sales Reporting: In states like California, FFLs report multiple sales of semi-automatic rifles >.22 caliber with detachable magazines on ATF Form 3310.12 if ≥2 sold within five business days.
  • Military/Law Enforcement: Active-duty military may purchase in their state of residence or duty station, with both addresses on Form 4473.
Understanding the Legality of Vertical Foregrips on the AR-15

Shipping Restrictions

AR15Discounts.com enforces strict shipping policies:

  • Firearms and Lowers: Ship only to licensed FFLs, validated via ATF’s FFL EZ Check. Shipping address must match FFL premise address unless specified.
  • 80% Lowers: Ship directly in unrestricted states (e.g., TX, AZ). In restricted states (e.g., CA, NY, NJ), serialization or FFL transfer required.
  • Magazines: No high-capacity magazines shipped to states with bans (e.g., CA, NY, NJ, CT: ≤10 rounds; DE: ≤17 rounds; IL: ≤10 for rifles, ≤15 for handguns).
  • Ammunition: No shipments to P.O. boxes, restricted states (e.g., IL without FOID), or Alaska/Hawaii without freight forwarding.
  • Restricted States: No prohibited items shipped to states like Delaware, Connecticut, or Illinois for non-compliant products.
  • Order Cancellations: Orders with restricted items are canceled or partially refunded, with customer notification.
  • Special Cases: Alaska/Hawaii require freight forwarding; military APO/FPO addresses may have restrictions.

How to Purchase in a Restricted State

If you live in a restricted state, follow these steps:

  1. Select Featureless Parts: Choose fixed stocks, featureless grips (e.g., Thordsen, fin grip), or muzzle brakes for states like CA, NY, NJ, or CT. [Insert product link to featureless parts.]
  2. Choose Compliant Magazines: Select ≤10-round magazines (or ≤17 for DE) for restricted states.
  3. Use an FFL Dealer: Firearms, lowers, and frames/receivers ship to a licensed FFL for transfer. Provide FFL contact at checkout.
  4. Verify Local Laws: Check city/county ordinances (e.g., Chicago, Los Angeles) for stricter rules.
  5. Submit Exemptions: Law enforcement/military in states like NJ or DE may qualify; submit verified credentials (e.g., department letter, military ID).
  6. Contact Us: Reach out for guidance if unsure about compliance.

Example: In California, purchase a featureless AR-15 upper with a fixed stock and 10-round magazine, shipped to an FFL after a background check.

Verification Note: Triple-check compliant product availability and exemption processes with state DOJs.

Stay informed with these resources, triple-checked for accuracy:

Legal Disclaimer: AR15Discounts.com provides this information as a courtesy. We are not responsible for changes in laws or customer misinterpretation. Verify all regulations with local authorities before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which states have restrictions on AR-15 rifles and parts?
    CA, NY, NJ, IL, DE, CT, and others ban or restrict AR-15s with certain features or detachable magazines. See “State-by-State Breakdown.”
  2. Can you ship AR-15 lowers or 80% lowers to my state?
    Completed lowers ship to FFLs in most states. 80% lowers ship directly unless serialization is required (e.g., CA, NY, NJ). Verify state laws.
  3. Are magazines over 10 rounds legal in my state?
    Banned in CA, NY, NJ, CT (≤10 rounds), IL (≤10 for rifles, ≤15 for handguns), DE (≤17 rounds). Unrestricted in TX, AZ. Check state DOJ.
  4. How do I know if a part is compliant in my state?
    Review state laws for banned features (e.g., pistol grips, flash suppressors). Contact us or consult your state DOJ.
  5. What is a “featureless” rifle, and do you sell featureless parts?
    A featureless rifle lacks prohibited features (e.g., pistol grip, folding stock) for compliance in CA, NY, NJ, CT. We offer featureless grips, fixed stocks, and muzzle brakes.
  6. Can you ship to FFL dealers in restricted states?
    Yes, firearms and lowers ship to FFLs in compliance with state and federal laws. Provide FFL details at checkout.
  7. Why was my order canceled or partially refunded?
    Orders with restricted items (e.g., high-capacity magazines, non-compliant rifles) are canceled or partially refunded. You’ll be notified.
  8. Do you provide documentation for compliance (e.g., Certificates, Serial Numbers)?
    We provide documentation for FFL transfers. For serialized 80% lowers (e.g., CA), follow state DOJ procedures.
  9. Are compliance laws different by city or county?
    Yes, cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and NYC impose stricter rules. Check local ordinances via city websites or law enforcement.
  10. Can I purchase for law enforcement or military use?
    Some states (e.g., NJ, DE) allow exemptions. Submit verified credentials (e.g., department letter, military ID) to [insert contact link].
  11. How often do laws change, and how do you keep your listings updated?
    Laws change via legislation, court rulings, or executive actions. We monitor ATF, state DOJs, FPC, and NRA-ILA to update policies and listings.
  12. What should I do if I’m not sure what’s legal in my area?
    Consult your state DOJ, local law enforcement, or a firearms attorney. Contact us for help [insert contact link].