In what states is it illegal to own an AR-15?
Asked by: Brad Graham V | Last update: February 5, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (66 votes)
It is illegal to own an AR-15 style rifle in states with broad "assault weapon" bans, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, along with the District of Columbia, though specifics vary by state and often depend on features or registration requirements. Some states like Minnesota and Virginia have stricter regulations but not outright bans, while other states permit them with fewer restrictions.
What states are AR-15s illegal in?
AR-15 style rifles are banned for sale, manufacture, or possession in several states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, plus Washington D.C., though specific regulations vary by state, with some allowing prior purchases. These bans often target "assault weapons" and large-capacity magazines, restricting their purchase and sometimes banning possession outright for new buyers.
Can you own an AR in the USA?
Though the US House of Representatives passed legislation in 2022 to renew and strengthen this assault weapons law, that legislation has not passed the US Senate and there is currently no federal law restricting the sale, manufacture, or possession of assault weapons.
What states have banned guns?
Forty-four states have a provision in their state constitutions similar to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. The exceptions are California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
When did AR-15 become illegal?
The 10-year ban was passed by the U.S. Congress on August 25, 1994, and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994. The ban applied only to weapons manufactured after the date of the ban's enactment. It expired on September 13, 2004, following its sunset provision.
Can you own an AR15 in NY?
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.
Are AK-47 legal in the US?
Yes, AK-47s are legal to own in most of the U.S. at the federal level, but legality hinges on whether it's a semi-automatic (legal for civilians) or fully automatic (heavily restricted), and state/local laws often ban certain features or entire models, with stricter rules in places like California, New York, or Illinois compared to more permissive states like Texas or Florida. You can buy civilian semi-automatic versions and even rare, pre-1986 fully automatic ones, but modern machine guns are generally banned for civilians, while state laws restrict semi-automatic "assault weapons" based on features like pistol grips or flash suppressors.
What state is the hardest 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.
Who has the strictest gun laws in the US?
California consistently ranks as the state with the strictest gun laws, leading in comprehensive safety regulations like assault weapon bans, universal background checks, and red flag laws, followed closely by states like Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. These states generally implement strong universal background checks, waiting periods, permits to purchase, and restrictions on certain types of firearms, leading to lower gun death rates compared to less regulated states.
What country has the loosest gun laws?
Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.
Are AR-15s legal in New York?
Is Ownership of an AR-15 Illegal in NY? Ownership of an AR-15 could be considered illegal in New York if the firearm does not comply with the SAFE Act, which bans specific assault weapon features like pistol grips, detachable magazines, and folding stocks.
Can I carry a gun in AR?
Open carry is legal without a permit. Arkansas honors the carry licenses/permits of every other state. Permitless carry is legal in Arkansas provided the firearm is not being carried “for use with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ the handgun, knife, or club as a weapon against a person.”
Can an 18 year old buy an AR-15 lower?
No, generally you cannot buy an AR-15 lower receiver at 18 from a licensed dealer because federal law (and many state laws) classify the receiver as a firearm, requiring you to be 21 to purchase it from a dealer, just like a handgun, even if it's for a rifle build; you can buy other parts, but the lower receiver needs an FFL transfer and background check, making the age limit 21 for FFL purchases, though you might find ways to acquire one through private sale in some states if you're 18, but state laws vary significantly.
Can I buy an M4 as a civilian?
Yes, you can legally own an M4 rifle in the US, but there are certain conditions and restrictions. A civilian cannot own a genuine military specification M4 carbine in a select-fire or fully automatic configuration.
Can I have an AR-15 in Texas?
Texas has no law restricting assault weapons.
Are AR pistols legal again?
At the federal level, the 2023 pistol-brace rule has been vacated and is not being enforced, which means braces no longer convert pistols into NFA short-barreled rifles simply by attachment. That federal clarity makes it straightforward to build and use braced pistols, but state and local rules still matter.
What is the most gun-friendly state?
There isn't one single "most" gun-friendly state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, Arkansas, and South Dakota consistently appear at the top for lenient laws, permitless carry (constitutional carry), and lack of sales tax on firearms, with strong protections like "stand-your-ground" laws. These states offer broad rights for lawful gun owners, with New Hampshire often cited as #1 due to its combination of permitless carry for ages 18+, no sales tax, and self-defense protections.
Which US state has the most strict laws?
Top Five Most Regulated States by Number of Restrictions (2022)
- California – 403,774.
- New York – 298,804.
- New Jersey – 286,933.
- Illinois – 279,147.
- Texas – 273,106.
Which states don't allow guns?
Currently, 46 states allow open carry in some form. The remaining four states — California, Florida, Illinois and New York (plus Washington D.C.) — generally prohibit it. Among those that allow it, laws differ: some states allow open carry without a permit, while others require a license or have local restrictions.
Which US state is the easiest to buy a gun?
Easiest States to Buy a Gun: The Best States for Gun Buyers in...
- Montana, West Virginia, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky are the easiest states in which to buy a gun.
- Montana, New Hampshire, and West Virginia do not apply sales tax to firearms.
What is the least armed state in the US?
Wyoming has the highest rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 66 firearms per 100 residents. Massachusetts and New Jersey share the lowest rate at 14.7 firearms for every 100 residents. The state-level ownership may be lower due to data restraints.
Is an AK-47 better than an AR-15?
Neither the AR-15 nor the AK-47 is universally "better"; they excel in different areas, with the AR-15 generally favored for accuracy, modularity, and ergonomics, while the AK-47 excels in extreme reliability, simpler operation, and durability in harsh conditions. The AR-15 (chambered in 5.56mm) offers tighter tolerances, easier customization, lighter weight, and better ergonomics, making it popular for precision and versatility, but potentially more sensitive to fouling. The AK-47 (typically 7.62x39mm) uses looser tolerances, a robust gas piston system, and larger parts, allowing it to function flawlessly in mud, sand, and extreme cold, but with lower intrinsic accuracy and less ergonomic controls.
Why is 25 caliber prohibited?
The .25 caliber isn't universally prohibited, but many specific .25 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) firearms, like certain Glocks and older "Saturday Night Specials," were banned from civilian import into the U.S. due to the Gun Control Act of 1968's points system, which penalizes small, cheap, non-sporting handguns for poor features, and also because the caliber is considered underpowered for reliable self-defense, failing ballistic tests for adequate penetration and incapacitation.
Can you get a Russian AK in the US?
Models with semi-automatic settings are available and legal in the U.S. Manufacturers cannot make or import fully automatic weapons for the civilian market. But you can still legally buy a fully automatic AK-47.