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;
- 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.
People Prohibited from Firearm Possession
Prohibited Purchasers Generally
Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess
Domestic Violence & Firearms
Disarming Prohibited Persons
Sales & Transfers
Background Checks
Mental Health Reporting
Multiple Purchases & Sales of Firearms
Retention of Sales & Background Check Records
Waiting Periods
Gun Dealers & Other Sales
Dealer Regulations
Private Sales
Gun Shows
Gun Owner Responsibilities
Licensing of Gun Owners & Purchasers
Registration of Firearms
Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms
Firearms in Public Places
Concealed Weapons Permitting
Open Carrying
Guns in Vehicles
Guns in Schools
Other Location Restrictions
Consumer & Child Safety
Design Safety Standards for Handguns
Locking Devices
Personalized & Owner-Authorized Firearms
Child Access Prevention
Classes of Weapons & Ammunition
Assault Weapons
Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines
Fifty Caliber Rifles
Machine Guns & Automatic Firearms
Non-Powder Guns
Ammunition Regulation
Investigating Gun Crimes
Microstamping & Ballistic Identification
Trafficking
Other Laws
State “Right to Bear Arms”
Local Authority to Regulate Firearms
Immunity Statutes
Local Intervention Strategies