Connecticut

Key Notes

Open carry banned since October 2023. Requires Certificate of Eligibility to purchase. Registered assault weapons may only be transferred to dealers or out-of-state.

• •Illegal (since Oct 2023) Open Carry — Open carry of all firearms was banned in October 2023. Only concealed carry with a valid permit is allowed.
• •Yes (Permit to Purchase) — A Certificate of Eligibility is required before purchasing any firearm. This involves a background check, safety course, and application process.
• •Shall Issue (limited discretion) — Connecticut must issue a concealed carry permit if you meet the requirements, but authorities retain some discretion in evaluating 'suitability.'
• •SBR/SBS/Suppressor OK (NFA) — Short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors are legal with the federal tax stamp. Machine guns have been banned since 2014.
• •10 rounds (Mag Limit) — Magazines holding more than 10 rounds cannot be purchased or sold. Pre-ban magazines (manufactured before April 4, 2013) are grandfathered.
• •Yes (Assault Weapon Ban) — Named semi-auto rifles and copies are banned. Pre-ban assault weapons registered before April 2013 may be kept but can only be transferred to dealers or out-of-state buyers.