Connecticut Gun Laws
May-issue concealed carry. 10-round magazine limit. Assault weapon ban. Red flag law. Permit required to buy any firearm. Open carry banned.
Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.
Connecticut has restrictive firearm laws. Concealed carry is may-issue, assault weapons are banned, and magazines are limited to 10 rounds. The state requires a permit or eligibility certificate to purchase handguns and long guns, has banned open carry since October 2023 (even for permit holders), and has a red flag law.
Key facts
- Concealed Carry: May-issue permit required (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28)
- Open Carry: Prohibited (since Oct. 2023), even with a permit
- Permit to Purchase: Required for all firearms
- Assault Weapon Ban: Yes — assault weapons banned by name and feature (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202a)
- Magazine Limit: 10 rounds maximum (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202w)
- Waiting Period: None for permit/certificate holders (a permit or eligibility certificate is required to buy any firearm) (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37a)
- Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers
- Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Risk Protection Order (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-38c)
- Castle Doctrine: Yes (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-19)
- Stand Your Ground: Duty to retreat outside the home (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-19)
- Concealed Carry Reciprocity: No reciprocity — does not honor any other state's carry permit
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut requires a permit to purchase handguns and long guns — a pistol permit or pistol eligibility certificate for handguns, and a long gun eligibility certificate (or a pistol permit) to buy rifles or shotguns.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Connecticut?
Connecticut limits magazines to 10 rounds. Large capacity magazines acquired before the ban may be registered.
Does Connecticut have an assault weapon ban?
Yes. Connecticut bans assault weapons by name and feature. Some pre-ban weapons may be registered. In June 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the ban (Grant v. Higgins); it remains in force while that case is pending.
Does Connecticut have a red flag law?
Yes. Connecticut's risk protection order law lets police, family or household members, and medical professionals seek court orders removing firearms from people posing an imminent risk.
Does Connecticut have stand your ground?
Connecticut recognizes castle doctrine in the home but generally imposes a duty to retreat in public if safe to do so.
Does Connecticut recognize concealed carry permits from other states?
No. Connecticut does not honor a permit issued by any other state. A non-resident carrying concealed in Connecticut generally needs a Connecticut-issued permit, though roughly two dozen other states recognize Connecticut's own permit.
Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.