Navigating the patchwork of US gun laws, both federal and state firearm regulations, is one of the biggest problems for North American gun owners today. While the Second Amendment provides the foundation for our rights, the reality of ownership is governed by a complex web of state statutes that dictate how you can buy, carry, and transport your firearms.
In 2026, we have seen a massive shift in the firearms laws. From the expansion of Constitutional Carry across the Midwest to the tightening of magazine restrictions on the Coasts, staying informed is no longer optional. It is a legal necessity.
State-by-State Gun Law Directory
Click on your state below for a deep dive into specific statutes, CCW reciprocity maps, and local purchasing requirements.
Northeast
- Connecticut Gun Laws
- Maine Gun Laws
- Massachusetts Gun Laws
- New Hampshire Gun Laws
- New Jersey Gun Laws
- New York Gun Laws
- Pennsylvania Gun Laws
- Rhode Island Gun Laws
- Vermont Gun Laws
Midwest
- Illinois Gun Laws
- Indiana Gun Laws
- Iowa Gun Laws
- Kansas Gun Laws
- Michigan Gun Laws
- Minnesota Gun Laws
- Missouri Gun Laws
- Nebraska Gun Laws
- North Dakota Gun Laws
- Ohio Gun Laws
- South Dakota Gun Laws
- Wisconsin Gun Laws
South
- Alabama Gun Laws
- Arkansas Gun Laws
- Delaware Gun Laws
- Florida Gun Laws
- Georgia Gun Laws
- Kentucky Gun Laws
- Louisiana Gun Laws
- Maryland Gun Laws
- Mississippi Gun Laws
- North Carolina Gun Laws
- Oklahoma Gun Laws
- South Carolina Gun Laws
- Tennessee Gun Laws
- Texas Gun Laws
- Virginia Gun Laws
- West Virginia Gun Laws
West
- Alaska Gun Laws
- Arizona Gun Laws
- California Gun Laws
- Colorado Gun Laws
- Hawaii Gun Laws
- Idaho Gun Laws
- Montana Gun Laws
- Nevada Gun Laws
- New Mexico Gun Laws
- Oregon Gun Laws
- Utah Gun Laws
- Washington Gun Laws
- Wyoming Gun Laws
Major 2026 Legislative Trends
The Rise of Constitutional Carry
From February 2026, the number of states that allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a permit has surpassed 30. This movement, often called “Permitless Carry,” has fundamentally changed the travel dynamics for gun owners. However, even in these states, a permit is often still beneficial for Reciprocity when traveling to states that do not have permitless carry.
Magazine Capacity and Accessory Bans
While some states are loosening restrictions, others are tightening them. New regulations in 2025 and early 2026 in states like Washington and Illinois have made certain standard-capacity magazines illegal to sell. Before using our Price Comparison Tool to purchase a firearm like a Sig P365 or Glock 19, ensure you are selecting the compliant version for your state.
Master US Gun Laws FAQ (Deep Dive)
Does federal law override state gun laws?
Federal law, like the Gun Control Act of 1968, sets the floor, or the minimum standard. States have the Police Power to enact and enforce much stricter regulations. Some of them have grabbed that power and taken it to extremes. If your state bans a specific accessory that is federally legal, the state law is what applies to you locally.
What are Red Flag laws and which states have them?
Red Flag laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) allow courts to temporarily seize firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Currently, over 20 states have these, including Florida, California, and New York. Check your state page for specific petition rules.
What is the difference between Shall-Issue and May-Issue?
In Shall-Issue states, authorities grant a CCW permit if the applicant meets objective requirements. Following the Supreme Court decision, May-Issue (subjective discretion) has been significantly challenged and mostly eliminated nationwide.
u003cstrongu003eCan I carry a gun in a National Park?u003c/strongu003e
Generally, yes. Federal law allows firearms in National Parks if you are compliant with the laws of the state the park is in. However, you cannot carry inside federal buildings (visitor centers, etc.) within the park.
u003cstrongu003eWhat is the Castle Doctrine vs. Stand Your Ground?u003c/strongu003e
Castle Doctrine applies to your home; you have no duty to retreat there. u0022Stand Your Groundu0022 removes the duty to retreat in any place you have a legal right to be. States like Texas and Florida are known for robust Stand Your Ground statutes.
u003cstrongu003eAre Assault Weapon bans constitutional in 2026?u003c/strongu003e
This is the most litigated area of 2026. While several states maintain bans, legal challenges are moving toward the Supreme Court. Our individual state pages track the u0022Live Statusu0022 of these court cases.
u003cstrongu003eHow do I legally transport a firearm on an airplane?u003c/strongu003e
TSA requires firearms to be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared at check-in. Ammunition must be in its original box. Never attempt to put a firearm in a carry-on bag.
u003cstrongu003eWhat is a Straw Purchase?u003c/strongu003e
Buying a gun for someone else who is prohibited from owning one (or to hide their identity) is a federal felony. It carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
u003cstrongu003eDo I need a license to buy ammunition?u003c/strongu003e
Most states do not require this, but states like California and New York now require background checks for every ammo purchase.
u003cstrongu003eWhat are u0022Ghost Gunsu0022 in 2026?u003c/strongu003e
This refers to unserialized firearms. New ATF rulings now require serial numbers on most u0022frames and receivers,u0022 and several states have banned them entirely. Ghost guns are often 3d printed or CNC machined and the files are out there in the public domain. They’re becoming increasingly difficult to police.
4. Firearm Law Glossary
- NFA (National Firearms Act): Regulates SBRs, silencers, and machine guns.
- FFL (Federal Firearms License): A dealer authorized to ship and transfer guns.
- NICS: The national background check system used during purchases.
- Reciprocity: An agreement between states to honor each other’s CCW permits.
