Is the AR-15 legal in Minnesota?

Minnesota has partial restrictions on assault weapons (Partial (permit required)). Many standard AR-15 configurations remain legal, but specific features may be prohibited. Verify your build against current state law.

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. Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.

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.

All States

Minnesota Gun Laws

moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Partial (permit required)

Mag Capacity Limit

Permit to Purchase

Yes (handguns + pistol-grip long guns)

Firearm Registration

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue

Open Carry

Yes (with permit)

Red Flag Law

Background Check (Private)

Yes (handguns + pistol-grip)

NFA Weapons

Machine guns / SBS banned

State Preemption

Yes

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 (permit required) Assault Weapon Ban — Minnesota does not fully ban assault weapons, but semi-auto rifles with pistol grips require a permit to purchase (the 'transferee permit' or carry permit).
•Machine guns / SBS banned (NFA) — Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns are prohibited unless classified as Curio & Relic items. SBRs and suppressors are legal with the federal tax stamp.
•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.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Minnesota Law Affects Your AR-15 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 not be available even with a federal tax stamp. Verify before buying a 14.5" barrel or pinned muzzle device intended for SBR conversion.

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.

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