New Hampshire Gun Laws
NHFirearm Regulations
Key Notes
Permitless carry since February 2017. Issues permits to non-US citizens outside the country — one of few states to do so. Loaded long guns prohibited in motor vehicles.
- •Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without a permit since February 2017.
- •Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry is legal without any permit. However, loaded long guns are prohibited in motor vehicles.
- •Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) are legal with the federal tax stamp.
- •State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot enact their own firearm regulations.
- •Non-Resident Permits — New Hampshire is one of the few states that issues concealed carry permits to non-US citizens residing outside the country.
- •No Background Check (Private) — Private sales between individuals do not require a background check.
Last updated January 15, 2026
How New Hampshire Law Affects Your AR-15 Build
Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.
Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
NFA Items Permitted
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the AR-15 legal in New Hampshire?
- Yes. New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
- Does New Hampshire require a permit to buy a firearm?
- No. New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire concealed carry status: Permitless (18+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.
- Is open carry legal in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
- Are suppressors and SBRs legal in New Hampshire?
- Yes. New Hampshire allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns — with the proper ATF tax stamp.
- Does New Hampshire require background checks for private sales?
- No. New Hampshire does not require background checks for private (non-dealer) firearm transfers, though federal law still requires checks for all licensed-dealer sales.
Sources & Further Reading
Verify current New Hampshire 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.
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.