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Wisconsin Gun Laws

WI
moderate

Wisconsin at a glance

Alabama: PermissiveAlaska: PermissiveArizona: PermissiveColorado: ModerateFlorida: PermissiveGeorgia: PermissiveIndiana: PermissiveKansas: PermissiveMaine: PermissiveMassachusetts: StrictMinnesota: ModerateNew Jersey: StrictNorth Carolina: PermissiveNorth Dakota: PermissiveOklahoma: PermissivePennsylvania: ModerateSouth Dakota: PermissiveTexas: PermissiveWyoming: PermissiveConnecticut: StrictMissouri: PermissiveWest Virginia: PermissiveIllinois: StrictNew Mexico: ModerateArkansas: PermissiveCalifornia: StrictDelaware: StrictHawaii: StrictIowa: PermissiveKentucky: PermissiveMaryland: StrictMichigan: ModerateMississippi: PermissiveMontana: PermissiveNew Hampshire: PermissiveNew York: StrictOhio: PermissiveOregon: ModerateTennessee: PermissiveUtah: PermissiveVirginia: ModerateWashington: StrictWisconsin: ModerateNebraska: ModerateSouth Carolina: PermissiveIdaho: PermissiveNevada: ModerateVermont: ModerateLouisiana: PermissiveRhode Island: ModerateALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
Permissive (28)Moderate (12)Strict (10)Overall restriction level
Map legend: clear means Permissive; caution means Moderate; restricted means Strict

Neighboring states: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
No
Mag Capacity Limit
No
Permit to Purchase
No
Firearm Registration
No
Concealed Carry
Shall Issue (21+)
Open Carry
Yes, no permit
Red Flag Law
No
Background Check (Private)
No
NFA Weapons
Machine guns restricted
State Preemption
Yes

Key Notes

Handgun purchases require state background check fee via DOJ (in addition to federal). Machine guns may not shoot pistol cartridges or be possessed aggressively/offensively.

  • •Shall Issue (21+) Concealed Carry — Wisconsin must issue a Concealed Carry Weapon license to qualified applicants 21 and older. Training is required.
  • •Machine guns restricted (NFA) — Machine guns may not shoot pistol cartridges and cannot be possessed 'aggressively or offensively.' SBRs, SBS, 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.
  • •Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry of handguns and long guns is legal without any permit.
  • •State Background Check Fee — Handgun purchases require a state background check through the Wisconsin DOJ in addition to the federal NICS check. A fee is charged for this service.
  • •State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot enact their own firearm regulations.
  • •No Background Check (Private) — Private sales between individuals do not require a state background check.

Last updated October 10, 2026

Most Popular AR-15 Parts in Wisconsin

Ranked by how often builders in Wisconsin picked each brand, from real builds on GunPartPicker over the last year. One core slot per row.

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How Wisconsin Law Affects Your Build

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

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.

NFA Restrictions Apply

Wisconsin restricts some or all NFA items (Machine guns restricted). 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.

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Wisconsin Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Wisconsin require a permit to buy a firearm?
No. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin concealed carry status: Shall Issue (21+). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Wisconsin?
NFA item status in Wisconsin: Machine guns restricted. 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 Wisconsin require background checks for private sales?
No. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

WVWY

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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.