Connecticut State Law Summary

Last updated April 19, 2011

In its publication Gun Laws Matter: A Comparison of State Firearms Laws and Statistics, LCAV ranked each state based on a review of state laws in 25 different firearms-related policy areas. Connecticut ranked 5th out of 50 – having enacted some of the strongest gun violence prevention laws.  Among other things, Connecticut:

• Requires a background check prior to the transfer of a handgun between private parties;

• Requires a background check for all firearm transfers at gun shows;

• Licenses handgun dealers;

• Prohibits the transfer or possession of assault weapons and certain 50 caliber rifles;

• Prohibits individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders from purchasing or possessing firearms;

• Requires a waiting period on long gun transfers;

• Imposes child access prevention requirements upon gun owners; and

• Requires firearm owners to report the loss or theft of their firearms.

Connecticut does not, however:

• Require a background check prior to the transfer of a long gun between private parties, except at gun shows;

• Prohibit the transfer or possession of large capacity ammunition magazines;

• Require a waiting period on handgun transfers;

• Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time;

• Require the registration of firearms, except for assault weapons; or

• Prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from purchasing or possessing firearms.

Local governments in Connecticut appear to have broad authority to regulate guns and ammunition.

Connecticut ranks 47th among the states in number of gun deaths per capita. In 2007, 149 people died from firearm-related injuries in Connecticut. In 2009, Connecticut supplied the 41st highest number of crime guns to other states per capita, and the state imports more crime guns than it exports.

For details about specific firearms laws in Connecticut, choose a topic below.

Overview State "Right to Bear Arms" Statistics Local Authority to Regulate Firearms
State Firearms Policies Persons Prohibited from Firearm Possession Prohibited Purchasers Generally Minimum Age to Purchase / Possess Domestic Violence & Firearms Disarming Prohibited Persons Sales & Transfers Background Checks Mental Health Reporting Multiple Purchases / Sales of Firearms Retention of Sales / Background Check Records Waiting Periods Gun Dealers & Other Sellers Dealer Regulations Private Sales Gun Shows Immunity Statutes Gun Owner Responsibilities Licensing of Gun Owners / Purchasers Registration of Firearms Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms	Firearms in Public Places Concealed Weapons Permitting Open Carrying Location Restrictions Guns in Vehicles Guns in Schools Other Location Restrictions Consumer & Child Safety Design Safety Standards for Handguns Locking Devices Personalized / Owner-Authorized Firearms Child Access Prevention Classes of Weapons / Ammunition Assault Weapons Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines Fifty Caliber Rifles Machine Guns / Automatic Firearms Non-Powder Guns Ammunition Regulation Investigating Gun Crimes Microstamping / Ballistic Identification Trafficking
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