Minnesota Gun Laws
MNMinnesota at a glance
Neighboring states: Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Firearm Regulations
Key Notes
Permit to purchase required for handguns and assault-style rifles with pistol grips. Open carry requires a permit to carry pistol. Machine guns and SBS prohibited unless C&R.
- •Yes (handguns + pistol-grip long guns) Permit to Purchase — A permit or background check is required before purchasing handguns and semi-auto long guns with pistol grips.
- •Partial Assault Weapon Rules: Minnesota does not ban assault weapons. Rifles on its named semiautomatic military-style assault weapon list, AR-15 and AK types among them, transfer like handguns: a transferee permit from the police chief or sheriff, or a report of transfer and up to a 30 day wait (Minn. Stat. 624.7131 and 624.7132).
- •Machine guns / SBS banned (NFA) — Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns are prohibited unless classified as Curio & Relic items. SBRs and suppressors 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.
- •Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — The state must issue a Permit to Carry a Pistol to qualified applicants. Training is required.
- •Yes (with permit) Open Carry — Open carry is legal but requires a valid Permit to Carry a Pistol. You cannot open carry without the permit.
- •Yes (handguns + pistol-grip) Background Check Private — Private sales of handguns and pistol-grip long guns require a background check or transferee permit.
- •Yes (Red Flag Law) — Extreme Risk Protection Orders have been available since January 1, 2024.
Last updated October 10, 2026
Most Popular AR-15 Parts in Minnesota
Ranked by how often builders in Minnesota picked each brand, from real builds on GunPartPicker over the last year. One core slot per row.
- Charging HandleRadian54%
- TriggerRise Armament38%
- Lower ReceiverPalmetto State Armory24%
- Bolt Carrier GroupBravo Company21%
- Pistol GripFeature restrictedWilson Combat21%
- Upper ReceiverPalmetto State Armory19%
Flagged slots are covered by Minnesota restrictions. See How Minnesota Law Affects Your Build below, and confirm current law before you buy.
Build yours in the AR Builder and compare live prices across retailers.
How Minnesota Law Affects Your Build
Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.
No Magazine Capacity Limit
Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Minnesota.
NFA Restrictions Apply
Minnesota restricts some or all NFA items (Machine guns / SBS banned). Suppressors, SBRs, or other regulated items may be banned under state law whatever ATF enforces federally. Verify before buying a 14.5" barrel or pinned muzzle device intended for SBR conversion. 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.
Permit Required to Purchase
Minnesota requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (handguns + pistol-grip long guns)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.
Background Checks on Private Transfers
Minnesota extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes (handguns + pistol-grip)). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.
Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.
Minnesota Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the AR-15 legal in Minnesota?
- Minnesota has partial restrictions on assault weapons (Partial (permit or 30 day wait)). Many standard AR-15 configurations remain legal, but specific features may be prohibited. Verify your build against current state law.
- What is the magazine capacity limit in Minnesota?
- Minnesota has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
- Does Minnesota require a permit to buy a firearm?
- Yes (handguns + pistol-grip long guns). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Minnesota before purchasing a firearm.
- Can I conceal carry in Minnesota?
- Minnesota concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
- Is open carry legal in Minnesota?
- Minnesota open carry: Yes (with permit). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
- Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Minnesota?
- NFA item status in Minnesota: Machine guns / SBS banned. State law can restrict these items whatever ATF enforces 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. 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 Minnesota require background checks for private sales?
- Yes (handguns + pistol-grip). Background-check requirements in Minnesota extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.
Sources & Further Reading
Verify current Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota →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.