Is the AR-15 legal in New Jersey?

New Jersey has an assault weapon ban (Yes). Standard AR-15 configurations are restricted, but compliant "featureless" or otherwise-modified builds are typically legal. Always verify your specific configuration against current New Jersey statute before purchasing.

What is the magazine capacity limit in New Jersey?

10 rounds (rifles/pistols) / 6 rounds (shotguns). Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.

Does New Jersey require a permit to buy a firearm?

Yes. A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in New Jersey before purchasing a firearm.

Can I conceal carry in New Jersey?

New Jersey concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in New Jersey?

New Jersey open carry: Restricted. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Are suppressors and SBRs legal in New Jersey?

NFA item status in New Jersey: SBR, SBS, DD, Suppressors banned. Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.

Does New Jersey require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Background-check requirements in New Jersey extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

New Jersey Gun Laws

strict

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Yes

Mag Capacity Limit

10 rounds (rifles/pistols) / 6 rounds (shotguns)

Permit to Purchase

Yes

Firearm Registration

Yes (handguns, de facto)

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue

Open Carry

Restricted

Red Flag Law

Yes

Background Check (Private)

Yes

NFA Weapons

SBR, SBS, DD, Suppressors banned

State Preemption

Key Notes

Purchaser ID card required for all firearms. Separate permit per handgun purchase. 6-round limit for semi-auto shotguns. NFA items heavily restricted.

•Yes (Permit to Purchase) — A Firearms Purchaser Identification Card is required for all firearm purchases. Additionally, a separate Permit to Purchase a Handgun is required for each individual handgun.
•10 rounds (rifles/pistols) / 6 rounds (shotguns) Mag Limit — Rifle and pistol magazines are limited to 10 rounds. Semi-automatic shotgun magazines are limited to 6 rounds.
•Yes (Assault Weapon Ban) — New Jersey bans assault firearms by name and feature. The list is extensive and includes most semi-auto rifles with detachable magazines and certain features.
•SBR, SBS, DD, Suppressors banned (NFA) — Short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, destructive devices, and suppressors are all prohibited. Machine guns require a state license under a may-issue system.
•No (State Preemption) — New Jersey has no preemption law. Municipalities can and do pass their own additional firearm regulations.
•Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — After the Bruen decision, New Jersey became shall-issue, but the process involves extensive requirements and many 'sensitive places' restrictions.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How New Jersey Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

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

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

New Jersey restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons." Standard AR-15 configurations with features like a pistol grip combined with a collapsible stock, threaded barrel, or flash hider may not be sold or transferred in their off-the-shelf form. Many New Jersey builders run "featureless" configurations to remain compliant.

NFA Restrictions Apply

New Jersey restricts some or all NFA items (SBR, SBS, DD, Suppressors 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

New Jersey requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

New Jersey extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

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