Maine Gun Laws
MEMaine at a glance
Neighboring states: New Hampshire
Firearm Regulations
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 under state law. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
- •Yes (Red Flag Law) — Since February 21, 2026, family members or law enforcement can petition a court directly for an extreme risk protection order (2025 Question 2). The older yellow flag process, which needs a medical evaluation first, still exists.
- •State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot enact their own firearm regulations.
- •72 Hour Waiting Period — In force after the First Circuit lifted the injunction on April 3, 2026; a Supreme Court petition is pending.
Last updated October 10, 2026
How Maine Law Affects Your 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 NFA items under state law, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS); machine guns still need an approved ATF transfer. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
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 suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns under state law. Taking an SBR or SBS across state lines still needs an approved ATF Form 5320.20. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
- 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.
- Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
- NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
- Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
- ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.
Traveling to Maine with a gun?
Pick what you are bringing and where you start, and the Gun Travel Checker applies these rules to every state on the route, with what to do before each state line.
Check a trip to Maine →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.