State Law Background

Among other things, Connecticut:

• Requires a background check prior to the transfer of a handgun or a long gun between individuals other than licensed firearms dealers;
• Requires a background check for all firearm transfers at gun shows;
• Requires firearms dealers to obtain a license, and handgun, long gun and ammunition purchasers to first obtain an eligibility certificate;
• Prohibits the transfer or possession of assault weapons, large capacity ammunition magazines (capable of accepting more than 10 rounds), and certain .50 caliber rifles;
• Imposes a two-week waiting period on long gun transfers from licensed dealers;
• Acts as a “point of contact” state, conducting its own background checks, rather than relying on the FBI;
• Requires the reporting of all individuals prohibited from possessing firearms to the database used for firearm purchaser background checks;
• Requires firearm owners to report the loss or theft of their firearms;
• Allows local governments to regulate firearms and ammunition; and
• Allows local governments discretion to deny a concealed weapons permit.

Connecticut does not, however,

• Always require guns to be stored safely;
• Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time; or
• Impose design safety standards or microstamping requirements on handguns.

In 2016, Connecticut had the fifth-lowest rate of gun deaths per capita among the states. Even with this relatively low ranking, 172 people still died from firearm-related injuries in Connecticut that year. With its strong gun laws, Connecticut exports crime guns to other states at a very low rate. As of 2016, Connecticut had the sixth-lowest rate of crime gun exports.

Connecticut Firearms Laws

For details about specific firearms laws in Connecticut, choose a topic below, or see all of the firearms laws in this state.