All States

Maine Gun Laws

ME
permissive

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
No
Mag Capacity Limit
No
Permit to Purchase
No
Firearm Registration
No
Concealed Carry
Permitless (18+)
Open Carry
Yes, no permit
Red Flag Law
Yes
Background Check (Private)
Gun shows only
NFA Weapons
Unrestricted
State Preemption
Yes

Key Notes

Permitless carry since October 2015. Background checks required at gun shows and for advertised sales. No assault weapon or magazine restrictions.

  • •Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without a permit since October 2015.
  • •Gun shows only (Background Check Private) — Private sales generally do not require a background check, but sales at gun shows and advertised sales must go through a background check.
  • •Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) are legal with the federal tax stamp.
  • •Yes (Red Flag Law) — Maine enacted a 'yellow flag' variant where law enforcement must first obtain a medical evaluation before petitioning for temporary firearm removal.
  • •State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot enact their own firearm regulations.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Maine Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Maine does not restrict semi-automatic rifles by feature. Standard AR-15 configurations — including pistol grips, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders — are legal for sale and ownership.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Maine.

NFA Items Permitted

Maine allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS) — with the appropriate ATF tax stamp.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Maine Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Maine?
Yes. Maine does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Maine?
Maine has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Maine require a permit to buy a firearm?
No. Maine does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.
Can I conceal carry in Maine?
Maine concealed carry status: Permitless (18+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.
Is open carry legal in Maine?
Maine open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Maine?
Yes. Maine allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns — with the proper ATF tax stamp.
Does Maine require background checks for private sales?
Gun shows only. Background-check requirements in Maine extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Maine firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

LAMD

Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.