State Law Background

Among other things, Connecticut:

State of Gun Violence Factsheet

• 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;
• Invests state funds in supporting the implementation of evidence-based, community-driven violence intervention strategies in disproportionately impacted communities;
• 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 2017, Connecticut had the fifth lowest gun death rate among the states. Even with this relatively low ranking, 188 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 2017, Connecticut had the seventh 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.