Are 100 round mags legal?

Asked by: Pauline Mayert  |  Last update: March 6, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (24 votes)

100-round magazines are legal federally in the U.S. because the federal ban expired in 2004, but their legality depends entirely on your state and local laws, with many states (like CA, NY, MA, NJ, etc.) banning them, while others allow them if manufactured before the ban or not at all, so you must check your specific jurisdiction's regulations.

Will I get in trouble for having more than a 10 round mag?

Yes, you can get in trouble for possessing a magazine over 10 rounds, as it depends heavily on your state and local laws, with many states like California, New York, and others banning them, while federal law doesn't have a universal ban, but some states have ongoing legal challenges to their bans. Penalties vary from fines (infractions) to jail time (misdemeanor or felony), and can include confiscation, so it's crucial to check your specific jurisdiction's laws regarding possession, sale, and manufacturing. 

What is the maximum legal magazine capacity?

Federal law

It prohibited new magazines over 10 rounds in the United States. After the expiration of the ban, there is no nationwide prohibition against the possession of high-capacity magazines, which are considered an unregulated firearm accessory.

What states ban high-capacity magazines?

The following states currently have restrictions on high-capacity magazines:

  • California: Prohibits magazines over 10 rounds.
  • Colorado: Prohibits magazines over 15 rounds.
  • Connecticut: Prohibits magazines over 10 rounds; requires registration of large-capacity magazines owned before 2013.

Are there magazine restrictions in VA?

Large Capacity Magazines in Virginia

Virginia has no law restricting large capacity ammunition magazines. Virginia law does prohibit the carrying of certain loaded high-powered firearms in public places in certain cities. See the Other Location Restrictions section above for further information.

How Long Can You Leave Magazines Loaded?

33 related questions found

Can I buy three guns at once?

Yes, you can generally buy three guns at once, as federal law doesn't limit the number of firearms in a single transaction, but state laws vary, and some (like California's previous one-per-30-day rule, now facing legal challenges) have restrictions, plus federal law requires dealers to report multiple handgun sales to the ATF, potentially flagging buyers, so always check your specific state and local laws. 

Is it illegal to own 30 round mags?

The following states have implemented capacity-based magazine bans: California – 10 rounds, Colorado – 15 rounds, Connecticut – 10 rounds, Hawaii – 10 rounds, Massachusetts – 10 rounds, New York – 10 rounds; New Jersey – 10 rounds (previously restricted to 15 rounds); Vermont – 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for ...

What is the freest gun state?

There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
 

What happens if caught with extended mag ca?

32310 PC Penalties

Possessing a large-capacity magazine in California is a wobblette, meaning that the District Attorney can choose to prosecute it as either: an infraction carrying up to $100 in fines per magazine; or. a misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $100 in fines per magazine.

What is the largest magazine for a handgun?

The standard STANAG magazines are 20, 30, and 40 round box magazines, but there are many other designs available with capacities ranging from one round to 60 and 100 round casket magazines, 90 round snail-drum magazines, and 100 round and 150 round double-drum magazines.

How many magazines should I own per gun?

You should have a minimum of three magazines per handgun (one in the gun, two spares) for defense and training, but five or more is better for concealed carry or frequent practice to maximize shooting time. For rifles (like ARs/AKs), aim for five to ten or more, especially for training or potential emergencies, as more magazines allow for longer practice sessions without constant reloading and provide backups for malfunctions or loss. The ideal number depends on usage (defense, sport, training), but generally, "more is better" due to eventual wear and tear.
 

Is a 44 or 45 more powerful?

Generally, a .44 Magnum is significantly more powerful than common .45 caliber cartridges like the .45 ACP or standard .45 Colt, offering much higher velocity and energy, making it suitable for big game hunting; however, high-pressure loads for modern .45 Colt firearms can approach .44 Magnum power, and other .45s like the .454 Casull far exceed it. The power difference stems from the .44 Mag's larger case capacity for more powder and higher operating pressures, compared to the .45 ACP's focus on self-defense and the .45 Colt's traditional lower pressures.
 

What is the 26 inch rule?

The "26-inch rule" in firearms refers to a key measurement that determines if a firearm, especially a pistol-like build with a stabilizing brace, falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA) as an "Any Other Weapon" (AOW) or short-barreled rifle (SBR), with firearms under 26 inches generally considered concealable and potentially regulated, while those over 26 inches might escape AOW classification if they also have barrels 16 inches or longer, creating complex NFA loopholes and compliance issues, though recent court challenges have created legal uncertainty around ATF's brace rules.
 

Is a 40 round mag illegal?

California. The Golden State doesn't allow more than 10 rounds.

How many rounds can an AR-10 hold?

The AR10 fires the NATO standardized 7.62x51mm cartridge in detachable box magazines that hold 20 rounds each.

How much ammo can I legally own in California?

A: Prop 63 does NOT restrict the amount or type of ammunition you can buy. There are restrictions on how much a person can SELL in a 30 day period without being a licensed vendor. As for the DOJ restricting your purchase to only calibers you have registered: this is a myth.

Is possession of a high capacity magazine a felony?

Simple possession of a large-capacity magazine is a "wobblette" offense under PC 32310(c), meaning it could be charged as an infraction or a misdemeanor crime; An infraction carries a fine of $100 per magazine you possess; A misdemeanor has the same fine and up to one year in county jail.

Is it illegal to carry a loaded gun in your car in California?

California Penal Code § 25850 PC makes it a crime to carry a loaded firearm in a public place, on a public street, or in a motor vehicle. This is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or $1,000, though it can be a felony if there are aggravated circumstances.

What is the hardest state to own a gun in?

Report Highlights:

  • Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry.
  • Massachusetts is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.

What states are stand your ground in 2025?

Thirty-eight states are stand-your-ground states, all but eight by statutes providing "that there is no duty to retreat from an attacker in any place in which one is lawfully present": Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, ...

Which US state is the most heavily armed?

Texas consistently has the most guns by total number, often exceeding a million registered firearms, followed by Florida, Virginia, and California, largely due to their large populations; however, states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska lead in gun ownership rates (percentage of households owning guns). Data varies slightly by year and source (e.g., registered firearms vs. sales vs. household ownership), but Texas remains the top state for total gun numbers.
 

How many rounds of ammo can you own?

There are no federal limits on how much ammunition you can possess, but state and local laws vary significantly, with some states like California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois having permits for purchase, background checks, or restrictions on large-capacity magazines, so it's crucial to check your specific location's rules for buying, storing, and transporting ammo. 

Is it legal to have a round chambered?

The legality of carrying a concealed firearm with a round in the chamber depends on state laws. In most U.S. states, if you have a valid concealed carry permit (or if your state allows permitless carry), you can legally carry with a round in the chamber.

Are 33 round Glock mags legal?

33-round Glock magazines (often called "happy sticks") are legal federally but are banned or restricted in many states and localities, with legality depending entirely on your specific location's laws, which often cap capacity at 10 or 15 rounds; always check your state and local laws before buying or possessing one.