Gun Laws/New Jersey/Reviewed October 3, 2026

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Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in New Jersey?

Quick answer

Restricted

New Jersey: Yes (rifle part struck by 3rd Cir. Jul 2026, stayed).

2 of New Jersey's 3 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with assault weapons.

Not legal advice. Source: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w), 2C:39-5(f), checked October 3, 2026

Assault weapon bans by state

Alabama: No banAlaska: No banArizona: No banColorado: PartialFlorida: No banGeorgia: No banIndiana: No banKansas: No banMaine: No banMassachusetts: BanMinnesota: PartialNew Jersey: BanNorth Carolina: No banNorth Dakota: No banOklahoma: No banPennsylvania: No banSouth Dakota: No banTexas: No banWyoming: No banConnecticut: BanMissouri: No banWest Virginia: No banIllinois: BanNew Mexico: No banArkansas: No banCalifornia: BanDelaware: BanHawaii: PartialIowa: No banKentucky: No banMaryland: BanMichigan: No banMississippi: No banMontana: No banNew Hampshire: No banNew York: BanOhio: No banOregon: No banTennessee: No banUtah: No banVirginia: Ban blocked in courtWashington: BanWisconsin: No banNebraska: No banSouth Carolina: No banIdaho: No banNevada: No banVermont: No banLouisiana: No banRhode Island: BanALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
No ban (36)Partial or local (4)Ban in effect (10)Assault weapon bans by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means No ban; caution means Partial or local; restricted means Ban in effect

AR-15 parts in New Jersey

New Jersey bans the AR-15 by name and covers copies of it, so a featureless build does not avoid the ban. Removing a pistol grip or a flash hider does not make an AR-15 legal to buy or build there, so we do not recommend parts for one.

Not legal advice. Confirm your own configuration before you buy. All New Jersey gun laws

What the New Jersey statute says

New Jersey's assault firearm list

N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w), 2C:39-5(f)

“Any firearm manufactured under any designation which is substantially identical to any of the firearms listed above.”

New Jersey bans a named list that includes the Colt AR-15, plus anything substantially identical. On July 17, 2026 the full Third Circuit held the ban unconstitutional for semiautomatic rifles (ANJRPC v. Attorney General, No. 24-2415), but on August 4 it stayed its own ruling while the state seeks Supreme Court review, so the ban is still enforced.

Statute text checked October 3, 2026. Quotes are the statute's own words.

New Jersey law in detail

  • 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.
  • Litigation — On July 17, 2026 the full Third Circuit held the assault firearm and 10 round magazine bans unconstitutional, but stayed its ruling pending Supreme Court review; both bans remain enforced.

The federal rule

There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.

Assault weapons in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in New Jersey?

Restricted. New Jersey: Yes (rifle part struck by 3rd Cir. Jul 2026, stayed). The statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w), 2C:39-5(f). Reviewed October 3, 2026.

What is the federal rule on assault weapons?

There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.

How many states restrict assault weapons?

Nationwide by our review: 36 states: no ban; 4: partial or local; 10: ban in effect.

More New Jersey gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the New Jersey statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.