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strictest gun laws by state rankings

by Lily Baumbach Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Eight states — California, Hawaii, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey — have the strictest gun laws and the lowest rates of gun violence.Jun 1, 2022

Which states have the strictest gun laws?

Top 10 States with Strictest Gun Laws & Why

  • California. California became one of the strictest gun law states in the country as a bid to put an end to its reoccurring gun violence and death.
  • New Jersey. New Jersey is one of the most progressive states in the USA when it comes to gun control and safety.
  • Connecticut. ...
  • New York. ...
  • Hawaii. ...
  • Maryland. ...
  • Massachusetts. ...
  • Illinois. ...
  • Rhode Island. ...
  • Washington DC. ...

What state has the toughest gun laws?

The top 20 states with toughest gun laws

  1. California. California takes the top spot as the state with the strictest gun control measures. ...
  2. Connecticut. Connecticut’s extensive gun control laws require firearms dealers to obtain a license and mandate background checks for all firearm sales at gun shows.
  3. New Jersey. ...
  4. Maryland. ...
  5. Massachusetts. ...
  6. New York. ...
  7. Hawaii. ...
  8. Illinois. ...
  9. Rhode Island. ...
  10. Delaware. ...

More items...

What country has the strictest gun laws?

Top 10 Countries With the Strictest Gun Laws

  1. Singapore. Like Cambodia and China, Singaporeans are not allowed to own guns. ...
  2. Australia. In the last 15 years before the year 2000, Australia suffered through several mass shooting attacks that killed dozens and dozens of people.
  3. Cambodia. ...
  4. China. ...
  5. The U.K. ...
  6. South Korea. ...
  7. Vietnam. ...
  8. Japan. ...
  9. India. ...
  10. Switzerland. ...

Why does America need stricter gun control laws?

This study, which looked at data from three decades for every U.S. state, strongly suggests that the more people that own guns, the more lives will be taken by guns. In the same vein, research shows that gun control restricting household firearm ownership could save lives. Gun control is therefore not only logical, it's necessary.

What state has the most strict gun law?

CaliforniaStates with the Strictest Gun Laws California is the state with the strictest gun laws, and it also has the seventh-lowest rate of deaths by gun violence.

What states have the most open gun laws?

Best States for Gun OwnersKansas. ... Maine. ... Mississippi. ... Missouri. ... New Hampshire. ... Vermont. This state does not issue or require carry permits. ... West Virginia. This state does not require carry permits, purchase permits, or registration. ... Wyoming. Residents are not required to get a carry permit.More items...

Which states have open carry?

Open Carry States 2022StateOpen Carry HandgunsOpen Carry Long GunsAlaskaallowedallowedArizonaallowedallowedArkansasallowedallowedDelawareallowedallowed21 more rows

What US states are constitutional carry?

As of April 12, 2022, Alabama (effective January 1, 2023), Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana (effective July 1, 2022), Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota (residents only; concealed carry only), Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee (handguns ...

Which state has the best gun laws?

In our findings, Alaska was the best state in the country for responsible owners and operators of firearms. Aside from the basic federal laws regarding firearms regulation, there are little to no statewide regulations on gun ownership – with much of the discretion left to those who practice responsible gun use.

Which state is the worst for gun ownership?

The worst state for responsible gun owners is New York by a large margin. The worst state for responsible gun owners is New York by a large margin. This is not only due to the restrictions that the state implements in its laws, but also in the limitations that even responsible gun owners are subject to after qualifying for a gun purchase.

What is the 2nd amendment?

The Second Amendment provides all United States citizens with the basic right to bear firearms. However, this essential right to gun ownership has, unfortunately, come with a contentious debate of what it means to own a firearm in the United States. As gun violence and gun deaths have spiked in some states, this has led to local governments ...

What factors determine gun culture?

This was determined by a few key factors: The political leanings of the state. The general acceptance of guns in a state citizens’ everyday lives.

Which state is the second most accepting of firearms?

Not far behind Alaska is Arizona, which ranked second in our analysis. Much like Alaska, Arizona has been entirely accepting of firearms as a part of the state’s culture, and its laws on firearms reflect that. Arizona trusts its citizens to do the right thing regarding firearms, putting the benefit of the doubt on gun owners to practice responsible ...

What is the waiting period for a firearm?

Any prolonged period of time in which purchasers must wait from the point of purchase until they finally receive their firearm. These laws can vary to no waiting period whatsoever, to complex processes that are further extended by required registration, permit applications, interviews, and final governmental approval.

When did Washington DC prohibit gun ownership?

Prior to 2008, most residents of Washington, D.C. were completely prohibited from possessing firearms both in their homes and in public. However, in 2008, a Supreme Court decision declared that all citizens had an individual right to gun ownership.

Which state has the same gun laws as California?

Connecticut. Connecticut has many of the same strict gun laws as California. The state banned assault rifles after the Sandy Hook tragedy that occurred in December 2012 in Newton. Adam Lanza, a 20 year old, shot his mother at their home and then shot 26 people at an elementary school.

Which states allow concealed carry?

Connecticut, however, still allows concealed carry as well as vehicle and open carry. Some zones are gun-free zones, so make sure you check before bringing a gun with you. 7. Colorado. Although assault weapons are legal at the time of this writing in Colorado, they are one of the states with strictest gun laws.

How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Maryland?

Maryland. Maryland limits handgun purchases to one per month. as many states with strictest gun laws do. You need to be 21 or older to buy a gun in this state. The law requires child safety locks on all guns. A permit is required to purchase handguns.

Is New Jersey a strict gun state?

As a state that limits magazines to 15 rounds, New Jersey is definitely one of the top states with strictest gun laws. Lawmakers want to reduce it to 10 rounds, so the law may change after the time of this writing. In order to possess a handgun, including an antique handgun, you need to have a permit to carry.

Can you get a gun without a license?

You must also give your fingerprints, undergo a background check, and take training. Active duty and retired military are allowed to obtain a gun without a handgun qualification license. Active and retired law enforcement with department credentials are also exempt from needing a handgun qualification license.

Which states require background checks for gun purchases?

1. California. California requires universal background checks on anyone who wants to buy a gun. The state prohibits domestic violence offenders and high risk individuals from purchasing guns. High capacity magazines and assault weapons are also banned in California.

Can you carry a gun in New Jersey?

For rifles and shotguns, you need to have a firearms purchaser identification card (FID). Open carry isn’t allowed in New Jersey, but you can carry a gun on your person inside a liquor establishment.

Which state has the strictest gun laws?

Maryland' s constant firearm review makes them one of the states with the strictest gun laws. They have lawmakers who are looking to adopt several gun restrictions. In 2018, they introduce new measures to prohibit bump stocks such as the ones in AR-15 rifles.

Why is California the strictest gun control state in the world?

California became one of the strictest gun law states in the country as a bid to put an end to its reoccurring gun violence and death. They enforced some laws that made them different and more restricted than most other states in the USA. Some of their firearm restrictions include the ban of high-end magazines and assault weapons.

How old do you have to be to get a gun permit in Hawaii?

The local sheriff of a country will then accept your application based on discretion. The age limit for the possession of a firearm in Hawaii is twenty-one years old and a person must not have gun prohibition at the federal level or from another state. The state gun permit can be used for both open and concealed carry.

How old do you have to be to own a gun in Washington DC?

The state gives its age limit of firearm possession as twenty-one years old, however, anyone with the prohibition to possess firearms at federal or other state-level are not allowed in Washington DC.

How old do you have to be to own a gun?

Many states require eighteen years old as the minimum age for firearm possession. Some states will even allow teenagers under eighteen years old to possess a firearm as long as they have permission from parents or guardians. However, most of the states with strict laws have this age at twenty-one years old. The minimum age limit of twenty-one does ...

Which states issue firearm licenses?

Rhode Island. Rhode Island is one of the May issue states in the USA and firearm licenses are issued based on the discretion of the attorney general of the police chief. Although they issue non-residents permits, you can only apply for one if you have a permit issued from your original state of resident.

Does New Jersey have a gun permit?

To possess firearms in the state you need a permit, and New Jersey does not accept gun permits from other states in the USA .

Common subjects of state laws

Firearm related matters that are often regulated by state or local laws include the following:

See also

Note: Please see many links in the box at the top of the page called "Firearm legal topics of the United States of America".

How many states have a gun registry?

There are at least four states and one district that have setup a registry for guns, the states are; California, Hawaii, Maryland, New York and the District of Columbia. Other states as listed below do not have an official gun registry but collect data on sales. States With Gun Registries.

Which states ban open carry?

There are often exceptions in some states that ban open carry such as Florida which allows open carry while hunting, hiking or fishing. New York and Illinois also have similar exceptions. Then there are other states like Texas that will ban handguns from being openly carried but not long guns. Concealed Carry.

What are the two ways a firearm is carried?

There are two ways firearms are carried in the United States, concealed carry and open carry . The names are self descriptive with an open carried firearm being visible to everyone and a concealed carry firearm being hidden from view.

How many rounds can you carry with a semi automatic?

Purchasers of long guns need a firearms purchaser ID card. Limit of 10 rounds for a semi-automatic rifle or handgun and 6 rounds for a semi-automatic shotgun. *You only need a permit to conceal carry, open carry is legal with no permit. Policy is Shall Issue but operates as a limited Unrestricted state.

Which states require dealers to report all sales of handguns to the Department of Licensing and local law

Washington -Licensed dealers are required to report all sales of handguns to the Department of Licensing and local law enforcement. California - The registry is maintained by the California Department of Justice and keeps information on buyers and sellers plus any firearms imported into the state.

How many states have the Stand Your Ground law?

Stand Your Ground, commonly known as “Castle Doctrine” laws that permit a person to defend themselves with deadly force and with no duty to retreat have been enacted in 27 states.

Is a permit required for a handgun?

Policy is Unrestricted. No license required if firearm is carried in a purse, handbag, satchel, holsters and sheaths. Policy is Unrestricted. No permit is required however you can still obtain one. A permit will exempt the holder from laws passed by local authorities.

California

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California requires universal background checks on anyone who wants to buy a gun. The state prohibits domestic violence offenders and high risk individuals from purchasing guns. High capacity magazines and assault weapons are also banned in California. Another strict rule of buying firearms there is you need to go throug…
See more on thegunrights.com

Massachusetts

  • Massachusetts is one of the states with strictest gun laws because they make the process of obtaining firearms and related supplies complex. You need to have a specific card or license to buy a certain type of gun or accessory. Examples include handguns, rifles, shotguns, large capacity feeding devices, ammunition, and large capacity firearms. If you are a non-resident visit…
See more on thegunrights.com

New Jersey

  • As a state that limits magazines to 15 rounds, New Jersey is definitely one of the top states with strictest gun laws. Lawmakers want to reduce it to 10 rounds, so the law may change after the time of this writing. In order to possess a handgun, including an antique handgun, you need to have a permit to carry. For rifles and shotguns, you need to h...
See more on thegunrights.com

Maryland

  • Maryland limits handgun purchases to one per month. as many states with strictest gun laws do. You need to be 21 or older to buy a gun in this state. The law requires child safety locks on all guns. A permit is required to purchase handguns. You must also give your fingerprints, undergo a background check, and take training. Active duty and retired military are allowed to obtain a gun …
See more on thegunrights.com

Illinois

  • In Illinois, you must show your firearm’s owner’s identification card (FOID) before purchasing ammunition or firearms. The law requires sellers to wait 72 hours before delivering a handgun to the buyer. For rifles and shotguns, the seller must wait 24 hours before delivery. A little more lenient than New Jersey and Massachusetts, Illinois allows non-residents to carry a concealed fi…
See more on thegunrights.com

Connecticut

  • Connecticut has many of the same strict gun laws as California. The state banned assault rifles after the Sandy Hook tragedy that occurred in December 2012 in Newton. Adam Lanza, a 20 year old, shot his mother at their home and then shot 26 people at an elementary school. He committed suicide before he could be arrested. Connecticut, however, still allows concealed car…
See more on thegunrights.com

Colorado

  • Although assault weapons are legal at the time of this writing in Colorado, they are one of the states with strictest gun laws. Colorado doesn’t have “stand your ground” as some of the lenient states do. But the state allows you to carry a gun on your person or vehicle for lawful protection of yourself, other people, and property. Although you can have a loaded handgun in your vehicle, yo…
See more on thegunrights.com

Summing Up

  • The seven states listed above are easily considered having the strictest gun laws. Many of them have limits on how many firearms you can buy each month. Some even restrict magazine round count. As always, you should check the gun laws of any state you travel or move to when you plan on bringing a gun with you, even if it’s an antique one. For those who are interested in living in a …
See more on thegunrights.com

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