Gun Laws in Connecticut
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Connecticut's low score of 28 reflects the state's restrictive gun control measures, including permit requirements for purchase and possession, magazine capacity limits, assault weapons ban, and extensive background check requirements.
Connecticut Gun Laws Summary
Connecticut has established itself as one of the more restrictive states when it comes to gun ownership and carry rights. The state imposes significant regulations on firearms and ammunition, going beyond federal requirements with additional state-level restrictions.
Connecticut is a may-issue state for concealed weapons permits. Local authorities and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection handle permit issuance, and while the system has become more streamlined over time, officials still maintain discretion to deny permits based on suitability assessments. Permits are mandatory for both purchase and possession of handguns, as well as for carrying concealed weapons.
Since the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012, Connecticut has enacted some of the most comprehensive gun control measures in the country. The Gun Violence Prevention and Children's Safety Act of 2013 expanded the state's assault weapons ban, limited magazine capacity to 10 rounds, and implemented universal background checks for all firearms and ammunition purchases. These measures have further positioned Connecticut as a state with significant restrictions on Second Amendment rights.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
Permits are required to purchase firearms and ammunition in Connecticut. All firearms transfers, including private sales, require a background check. To purchase any firearm in Connecticut, a person must either have a pistol permit, an eligibility certificate for handguns, a long gun eligibility certificate, or a hunting license (for long guns only).
Connecticut maintains records of all handgun sales and has a de facto registry through its permit system. Background checks are more extensive than the federal NICS system, with additional state-level screening for all purchases. There is a 14-day waiting period for long gun purchases unless the buyer has a valid permit.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Connecticut requires a permit to carry pistols or revolvers, whether openly or concealed. The state issues pistol permits to qualified applicants who are at least 21 years old and have completed a state-approved firearms safety course. The permit process involves extensive background checks, fingerprinting, and an assessment of suitability by local authorities.
Open carry is technically legal with a valid pistol permit, but it is uncommon and often discouraged in practice. Connecticut prohibits carry in numerous locations, including schools, state buildings, and private properties where owners have prohibited firearms. The state has a duty to inform law enforcement of permit status when interacting with officers. Connecticut recognizes permits from relatively few other states, and non-residents face significant hurdles in obtaining Connecticut permits.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Connecticut has an extensive ban on what it classifies as "assault weapons," including many common semi-automatic rifles with certain features. The state prohibits magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. While possession of pre-ban items may be grandfathered with proper registration, new purchases are prohibited. Some NFA items (suppressors for certain purposes, short-barreled rifles with appropriate federal permits) are legal, but machine guns and other destructive devices face severe restrictions. The state also maintains a roster of handguns approved for sale based on safety and design criteria.
Local Laws
Connecticut has limited state preemption of firearms laws. While municipalities cannot regulate the transfer, possession, carrying, or transportation of firearms, they may enact certain local ordinances regarding the discharge of firearms. This creates a patchwork of regulations that may vary between different towns and cities, requiring gun owners to be aware of local restrictions when traveling within the state. Local authorities also play a significant role in the permitting process, as the initial application for a pistol permit begins at the municipal level.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Connecticut Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
This piece addresses the firearms and ammunition laws in the state of Connecticut. It is one of the stricter states in terms of buying, possessing, and carrying firearms. To help work through the relatively complex laws of the state, this piece begins with the ammunition laws of the state to help folks purchase ammunition in the state. From there, we outline the relevant firearms laws involved with purchasing and carrying guns in the state. Having done that, the piece wraps up with some resources that are likely to people interested in gun ownership in Connecticut.
Nothing in this piece is intended as legal advice. We do hope, however, that you find it an informative starting point for your understanding of the firearms and ammunition laws in the state.
Many states have preemption written into their statutes, which means that the state prevents smaller localities like counties and cities from making gun laws that are stricter than those on the state level. This is where the laws in Connecticut get complex. While there is no statute that lays out preemption, the state’s highest court has ruled that localities cannot make laws that contradict those at the state level, when the state legislature intended their laws to cover the whole state.
In practical terms, this means that Connecticut has preemption as of now, until either the US Supreme Court or Connecticut statutes rule otherwise. That means that the laws described in this piece should, at the time of this writing, cover the state as a whole.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Connecticut
First, we will cover the ammo laws of the state.
The ammo laws in Connecticut are some of the most strict in the nation. Before purchasing any ammunition at all, the state requires an “ammunition certificate” based on a background check done by the state. There is an associated $35 fee, before even beginning the ammo-buying process.
With a certificate in hand and presented at an FFL, the state further regulates ammunition, having a prohibition on armor-piercing rounds.
Because of the need for a certificate for purchase, online retailers are generally unwilling to ship to the state, which limits the shopping choices of people in the state to those that they can reach in person.
Once a buyer does get the certificate and purchases approved ammunition in-person from an FFL, Connecticut also has a ban on magazines over ten rounds in capacity. As is often the case in legally strict states, all of the statutes linked in this section do carve out exceptions for law enforcement within the state: the limits on rights here are placed on law-abiding citizens alone.
There are also federal limitations to think about here. According to the ATF, people have to be eighteen to buy rifle or shotgun ammo, and twenty-one to buy pistol ammunition. Prohibited persons, such as those convicted of felonies or who have been involuntarily admitted into a mental health facility, cannot purchase ammunition.
Because it has a permit requirement before purchasing ammunition, bans on certain ammunition types, and a magazine ban, the ammunition laws in Connecticut rival the most strict in the nation.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Connecticut
Next, we will do the same exercise for CT gun laws.
Much like the ammunition laws in the state, purchasing a firearm in Connecticut is a process that has quite a bit of legal paperwork to it. Before getting to that paperwork, however, there are some firearms that are outright banned.
The state has an assault weapons ban that bans many semi-automatic pistols, rifles, and shotguns by both name and via sets of features: it is one of the strictest assault weapons bans in the nation.
Assuming the buyer wants a rifle or shotgun that is not on the banned list, the gun buying process is like much more lax states: the buyer has to fill out a Form 4473, pay for the item, and can leave with the firearm the same day, assuming that the background check goes according to plan.
For pistols, Connecticut requires that people have a permit to make the purchase. This adds an additional $70 in fees for the permit itself, as well as the associated costs of an approved training course. With a permit in hand, the state mandates that holders notify them within forty-eight hours if they move to a different address within the state. It is an exceptionally onerous process. Luckily, it appears as though the state considers this permit as equal to the separate ammunition permit, and thus if one only plans to purchase a pistol and its ammunition, a pistol license alone is sufficient. Once the buyer has the permit in hand, they can go to the gun store and follow the normal 4473 process to purchase a pistol.
The state also mandates that all private party gun sales have a background check. For pistols, the state mandates the seller keep records of the transaction for twenty years, effectively treating everyday people with the same standards as FFLs.
Carrying a firearm in the state has its own challenges. In terms of purchasing, things are simpler for pistol owners here: the same pistol permit that is required for buying a handgun in Connecticut is also the state’s concealed carry permit. Some states honor this permit, but CT Pistol Licence holders cannot carry a pistol in many states, and no neighboring states honor the permit.
Even with a permit, there are some places that the state deems totally off-limits, including:
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Schools
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Legislative buildings
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Hospitals
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Bars
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Churches
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Near flammable materials
This list is not unusual, though some of the provisions have ranges, such as being 500 feet from the storage of flammable materials, which might open up otherwise unaware people to prosecution.
Carrying long guns is, effectively, only legal on private property and in state or national lands designated for hunting and shooting. There are no state provisions for the concealed carry of long guns, and open carry is forbidden.
Despite the relatively hostile legal environment, Charter Arms manufacturers revolvers in the state.
Connecticut makes both buying and carrying firearms in the state legally challenging: it is entirely possible to be over $100 into the purchase of a firearm before even walking into a gun store. Buying pistols requires an onerous permit, and the carriage of long guns is basically forbidden. CT is one of the strictest states in the United States when it comes to firearms laws.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Connecticut
The general sales tax in Connecticut is 6.35%. At the moment, the state does not impose additional taxes on firearms and ammunition. With that said, the fees for required permits are, in effect, taxes on the exercise of the right to purchase and carry firearms.
There is also a proposed bill in the state that would place a per-round tax on ammunition of two cents on calibers .22LR and smaller and five cents on larger calibers.
More Resources:
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The ATF maintains a list of every FFL in the country, including in Connecticut. This list is kept well up to date: generally, gun stores are either Type 1 or Type 2 FFLs.
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The state maintains a number of publicly accessible ranges for people to engage in shooting sports.
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The well-rated gun shops in the state can likely help people navigate the legal landscape in CT.
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There is a reasonably active subreddit dedicated to gun ownership in CT, and it has quite a few informative threads about local classes, FFLs, and events.