Understanding Gun Laws In NJ
New Jersey enforces some of the most stringent gun laws in the United States. From strict permitting requirements to limitations on magazine capacity and prohibited features, nearly every aspect of firearm ownership is regulated.
To purchase a firearm, residents must first obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification (FPIC) card for rifles and shotguns, or a separate handgun purchase permit for pistols. Additionally, those who wish to carry a handgun must apply for a permit to carry.
New Jersey's Large Capacity Magazine Ban
The state of New Jersey defines "large capacity" magazines as any ammunition feeding device (box, tube, drum, etc.) which has a capacity greater than 10 rounds and is designed to feed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm. This definition does not apply to attached tubular magazines that can only hold .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
Law enforcement are exempt from this requirement and may possess magazines with a capacity of up to 17 rounds for personal and department-issued firearms. Qualified retired law enforcement officers may possess magazines with a capacity of up to 15 rounds for registered handguns. Possession of any non-compliant magazine in New Jersey is unlawful, even if the mag is not inserted in a firearm.
How To Legally Buy A Gun In New Jersey
New Jersey requires residents to obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (for long guns) and / or a Handgun Purchase Permit (for handguns) prior to buying a gun. Note that a Handgun Purchase Permit must be obtained for each handgun purchase and is valid for 90 days. Additional information about these documents can be found here.
Ammunition (including handgun ammunition) can be purchased with a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, Handgun Purchase Permit, or a valid Concealed Carry Permit. Online sellers can ship ammo to New Jersey residents provided they have a copy of one of these documents on file.
Which Guns Are Legal In New Jersey?
New Jersey has passed extensive legislation restricting which makes, models, and types of firearms are available for purchase throughout the state. A NJ-compliant gun is any firearm that does not have a magazine capacity over 10 rounds and is not otherwise prohibited under New Jersey law.
NJ-Compliant Rifles
Semi-auto .22 caliber rimfire rifles with a tubular magazine are exempt from New Jersey's large capacity magazine ban, as are all non-semi-auto rifles. Black powder and muzzle-loading rifles are permitted, but must ship to an FFL dealer.
To be considered legal in New Jersey, semi-auto rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine must not have two or more of these features:
- A folding or telescoping stock.
- A pistol grip.
- A bayonet lug.
- Flash suppressors.
- Threaded barrels.
- Grenade launchers.
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The following named rifles are expressly permitted:
- Beretta CX4.
- Colt Match Target Series.
- Springfield M1A (post-1994 manufacture) with flash hider or CA-compliant muzzle brake.
New Jersey expressly prohibits civilians from owning rifles chambered in .50 BMG - this ban applies to all such rifles regardless of make or model.
The following "assault weapons" and their copies are also expressly prohibited:
- Algimec AGM1.
- AR-15 rifles.
- AK-47 rifles and variants.
- Beretta AR-70.
- Beretta BM-59.
- Calico M-900.
- CETME G3
- Chartered Industries of Singapore SR-88
- Daewoo K-1 / K-2.
- Daewoo Max 1 / Max 2.
- Demro TAC-1 Carbine.
- Encom MP-9 / MP-45.
- FAMAS MAS223.
- FN FAL
- G3SA rifles.
- Heckler & Koch HK91, HK93, MP5, PSG-1
- IWI Galil.
- M1 Carbine.
- M14S rifles.
- PJK-M68 Carbine.
- Plainfield Machine Company Carbine.
- Ruger K Mini-14 / Mini-14.
- Sig AMT.
- Sig 550 Series.
- SKS with detachable magazine.
- Spectre Auto Carbine.
- Springfield Armory BM-59 and SAR-48 rifles.
- Sterling MK-6, MK-7, and SAR rifles.
- Steyr AUG.
- Valmet M62, M71S, M76, and M78.
- Weaver Arms Nighthawk Carbine.
Additionally, New Jersey regulates the sale of pellet guns, BB guns, airsoft guns, and other air rifles. Such items are legal (except models with built-in "silencers"), but must be transferred through an FFL dealer.
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NJ-Compliant Shotguns
New Jersey's shotgun laws are relatively straightforward. Shotguns with revolving cylinders and any SPAS 12 / LAW 12 or USAS 12 shotguns are expressly prohibited, but most other shotguns are allowed.
To be considered legal in New Jersey, semi-auto shotguns must not have any of the following features:
- A magazine capacity greater than six rounds.
- A folding stock.
- Pistol grips.
NJ-Compliant Handguns
Unless otherwise named as a prohibited "assault weapon," most handguns are legal in New Jersey provided they do not have a magazine capacity over 10 rounds. Semi-auto pistols that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine must not have two or more of these features:
- A magazine that attaches outside of the pistol grip.
- Threaded barrels.
- Barrel shrouds.
- Unloaded weight of 50oz or more.
- A semi-auto configuration of an automatic firearm.
New Jersey expressly prohibits the purchase of the following:
- AR pistols.
- AK pistols.
- Heckler & Koch MP5.
- Intratec TEC-9 / TEC-22.
- MAC 10 / MAC 11.
- Uzi pistols.
All handguns, regardless of action or nature of operation and including air guns / BB guns, must transfer via an FFL dealer. Starter pistols that are incapable of expelling any type of bullet or missile are exempt.
Why Are Some Guns Not Available In New Jersey?
New Jersey’s strict firearm laws are intended to balance public safety with lawful firearm ownership. Certain firearms are restricted or prohibited, including so‑called “assault weapons,” firearms with high‑capacity magazines, and guns with specific prohibited features.
These restrictions mean some rifles, shotguns, and handguns available elsewhere in the U.S. cannot be legally purchased, owned, or transferred in New Jersey. The state also treats copies or duplicates of prohibited models the same as the originals, further narrowing the range of compliant options.
How To Ensure Your Firearms Are NJ-Compliant
When shopping for firearms in New Jersey, keep these tips in mind to avoid compliance issues:
- Check Prohibited Models: Some rifles, shotguns, and pistols are specifically banned under state law, including AR-15s, AK-47s, and certain named handguns.
- Watch For Restricted Features: Even if a firearm isn’t named, it may be prohibited if it has features such as a folding stock, threaded barrel, or a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds.
- Understand Magazine Capacity Limits: Rifles and handguns cannot use magazines over 10 rounds, and semi-auto shotguns are limited to six rounds.
- Know That Air Guns Are Regulated: Pellet guns, BB guns, and airsoft guns (except those with built-in silencers) are legal, but they must transfer through an FFL dealer just like firearms.
- Buy NJ-Compliant Models. The safest option is to purchase guns that are explicitly marketed as New Jersey-compliant from a knowledgeable FFL dealer.
NJ-Compliant Rifles, Pistols, & Shotguns
We get it, gun laws are complicated and (if we're being honest) a little boring. The Classic Firearms team is here to assist with your next NJ-compliant firearms purchase.
Click here to shop our selection of NJ-compliant guns today!
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