A popular misnomer among gun-control activists about the AR-15 rifle is that the AR stands for “assault rifle.” Never mind the lack of definition that constitutes what an “assault rifle” is, AR is short for ArmaLite rifle, a name referring to the manufacturer of the firearm in the 1950s.
Another misnomer about these types of rifles is that they are “weapons of war.” However, most rifles used in the military (the M4 Carbine) are unavailable to the civilian population and have a three-round burst fire mode.
Popular sporting rifles, such as the AR-15, are semi-automatic just like most every handgun on the market. So why are gun-control activists so adamant on banning these firearms from law-abiding citizens?
Short History on Gun Laws
Many laws in the American Colonies, such as Connecticut in 1643, required “at least one adult man in every house to carry a gun to church or other public meetings” for protection. There were certain aspects of gun-control laws, as well.
A year after the ratification of the Second Amendment, a federal law was passed that required “every man eligible for militia service own a gun and ammunition suitable for military service, report for frequent inspection of their guns, and register his gun ownership on public records.”
Rise of Modern Gun Control
It wasn’t until the rise of mafia-related gun violence in the 1920s and 30s that the debate on banning specific guns from civilian use, such as the automatic machine gun, started. Mafia-related crimes were also behind the first passing of the National Firearms Act.
A series of high-profile assassinations (JFK, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Robert Kennedy) prompted President Lyndon B. Johnson (D) to sign the Gun Control Act of 1968, which “regulates interstate gun commerce, prohibiting interstate transfer unless completed among licensed manufacturers, importers and dealers, and restricts gun ownership.”
Though these restrictions were put into place, gun violence only escalated as criminals typically refrain from abiding by laws put in place by the government. Therefore, politicians continued banning firearms and restricting access to law-abiding citizens through legislative action by passing the first federal “assault weapons” ban in the 1994 Crime Bill.
States with ‘Assault Weapon’ Bans
Once upon a time in the “good ol’ days,” you could spot a rifle hanging from a gun rack in almost every pickup truck in the parking lot of a public place … or school for that matter. The recent passing of the “assault weapons” ban in Illinois has once again fired up the debate around specific guns in relation to gun violence in today’s society (though the debate never fully goes away).
For some reason, gun-control politicians always target popular sporting and home-defense rifles such as the AR-15 and AK-47. But handguns are the firearm of choice in most gun-related violence and crime among criminals.1
Many pro-gun groups have pledged to challenge these laws as they are passed in hopes that the court system will overturn them on a constitutional basis. Until the court process plays out fully, these are the current states that have some form of an “assault weapons” ban.
States With ‘Assault Weapons’ Bans
California
According to the California Penal Code 30605, “Anyone within this state, who possesses an assault weapon, except as provided in this chapter, will be punished by imprisonment for up to one year in a county jail, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.”
Exclusions include those that possessed these firearms before the enactment and have since registered them, as well as certain law enforcement entities. These firearms are defined as:
Semi-Automatic Centerfire Rifles
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and at least one of the following additional features:
- A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
- A thumbhole stock
- A folding or telescoping stock
- A grenade or flare launcher
- A flash suppressor
- A forward pistol grip
Fixed Magazine Rifles
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches
Semi-Automatic Pistols
- A semi-automatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
- A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip or silencer
- A second handgrip
- A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel allowing the bearer to fire the weapon without burning his or her hand, except a slide that encloses the barrel
- The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip
Additional Restrictions
- A semi-automatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds
- A semi-automatic shotgun that has both a folding or telescoping stock, and a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock or vertical handgrip
- A semi-automatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine
- A shotgun with a revolving cylinder
- A semi-automatic centerfire firearm that is not technically a rifle, pistol or shotgun, if it either has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds, has an overall length of less than 30 inches or does not have a fixed magazine but has at least one of the features associated with assault weapons, as described above
Connecticut
Provided in Connecticut statute § 53-202e, any person who, within this state, possesses an assault weapon, except as provided in §§ 53-202a to 53-202k, inclusive, and 53-202o, shall be guilty of a class D felony and shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of which one year may not be suspended or reduced by the court.
An assault weapon is defined as:
Selective-Fire Firearms
- Any “selective-fire” firearm capable of fully automatic, semi-automatic or “burst fire” at the option of the user
Semi-Automatic Centerfire Rifles
- Any semi-automatic centerfire rifle, regardless of the date produced, that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following features:
- A folding or telescoping stock
- Any grip of the weapon, including a pistol grip, thumbhole stock or other stock that would allow an individual to grip the weapon, resulting in any finger on the trigger hand in addition to the trigger finger being directly below any portion of the action of the weapon when firing
- A forward pistol grip
- A flash suppressor
- A grenade or flare launcher
Semi-Automatic Pistols
- A semi-automatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following features:
- The ability to accept a detachable ammunition magazine that attaches at some location outside the pistol grip
- A threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward pistol grip or silencer
- A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm without being burned (except a slide that encloses the barrel)
- A second hand grip
Semi-Automatic Shotguns
- A semi-automatic shotgun that has both of the following features:
- A folding or telescoping stock
- Any grip of the weapon, including a pistol grip, a thumbhole stock or any other stock, the use of which would allow an individual to grip the weapon, resulting in any finger on the trigger hand in addition to the trigger finger being directly below any portion of the action of the weapon when firing
Additional Categories
-
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has:
- A fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition
- An overall length of less than 30 inches
- A semi-automatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the ability to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition
- A semi-automatic shotgun that can accept a detachable magazine
- A shotgun with a revolving cylinder
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has:
UPDATE (Aug. 22, 2025)
On Aug. 22, 2025, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the state’s assault weapons ban, rejecting the claim that it violates the Second Amendment.
Delaware
According to Del. Code tit. 11, § 1466(a), it is unlawful for a person to do any of the following:
- Transport an assault weapon into this State
- Manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, purchase, receive or possess an assault weapon
“Assault weapon” means any of the following:
- An assault long gun
- An assault pistol
- A copycat weapon
“Copycat Weapon” Definition
A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that can accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following:
- A folding or telescoping stock
- Any grip of the weapon, including a pistol grip, a thumbhole stock or any other stock, the use of which would allow an individual to grip the weapon, resulting in any finger on the trigger hand in addition to the trigger finger being directly below any portion of the action of the weapon when firing
- A forward pistol grip
- A flash suppressor
- A grenade launcher or flare launcher
Additional Restrictions
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches
- A semi-automatic pistol that can accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following:
- An ability to accept a detachable ammunition magazine that attaches at some location outside of the pistol grip
- A threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward pistol grip or silencer
- A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to fire the firearm without being burned, except a slide that encloses the barrel
- A secondhand grip
- A semi-automatic shotgun that has both of the following:
- A folding or telescoping stock
- Any grip of the weapon, including a pistol grip, a thumbhole stock or any other stock, the use of which would allow an individual to grip the weapon, resulting in any finger on the trigger hand in addition to the trigger finger being directly below any portion of the action of the weapon when firing
- A semi-automatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine
- A shotgun with a revolving cylinder
- A semi-automatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 17 rounds
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine that can accept more than 17 rounds
District of Columbia
What DC defines as an “assault weapon” shall not be issued a registration certificate, making it illegal to own/possess, regardless of when it was obtained. In §7-2501.01, the District of Columbia defines an assault weapon as:
Semi-Automatic Rifles
(IV) A semi-automatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
- (aa) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
- (bb) A thumbhole stock
- (cc) A folding or telescoping stock
- (dd) A grenade launcher or flare launcher
- (ee) A flash suppressor
- (ff) A forward pistol grip
Semi-Automatic Pistols
(V) A semi-automatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
- (aa) A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip or silencer
- (bb) A second handgrip
- (cc) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel that allows the bearer to fire the weapon without burning his or her hand, except a slide that encloses the barrel
- (dd) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip
Semi-Automatic Shotguns
(VI) A semi-automatic shotgun that has one or more of the following:
- (aa) A folding or telescoping stock
- (bb) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
- (cc) A thumbhole stock
- (dd) A vertical handgrip
(VII) A semi-automatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine
Additional Categories
(VIII) All other models within a series that are variations, with minor differences, of those models listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, regardless of the manufacturer
- (ii) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder; provided, that this sub-subparagraph shall not apply to a weapon with an attached tubular device designed to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition
- (iii) Any firearm that the Chief may designate as an assault weapon by rule, based on a determination that the firearm would reasonably pose the same or similar danger to the health, safety and security of the residents of the District as those weapons enumerated in this paragraph
UPDATE (Dec. 23, 2025)
On Dec. 22, 2025, the Second Amendment Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia, arguing that the Metropolitan Police Department infringed on residents’ gun rights by enforcing a city ordinance that bars them from owning semi-automatic rifles, such as AR-15s.
Hawaii
Provided in Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-8(a), the manufacture, possession, sale, barter, trade, gift, transfer or acquisition of an assault pistol is prohibited.
Assault pistol means a semi-automatic pistol that accepts a detachable magazine and has two or more of the following characteristics:
- An ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip
- A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward hand grip or silencer
- A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the second hand without being burned
- A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded
- A centerfire pistol with an overall length of 12 inches or more
- It is a semi-automatic version of an automatic firearm; but does not include a firearm with a barrel 16 or more inches in length, an antique pistol as defined in this section, or a curio or relic as those terms are used in 18 United States Code section 921(a)(13) or 27 Code of Federal Regulations section 478.11
Illinois
The new Illinois law amends the Criminal Code of 2012. It makes it unlawful to deliver, sell or purchase, or cause to be delivered, possessed or sold or purchased by another, an assault weapon, assault weapon attachment, .50 caliber rifle or .50 caliber cartridge.
The Illinois law makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle or .50 caliber cartridge 300 days after the effective date of the amendatory act, except possession of weapons registered with the Illinois State Police in the time provided.
An assault weapon is defined as:
Rifles
(A) Any rifle that has a belt-fed ammunition system or which has a detachable magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition
(B) A semi-automatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has any of the following:
- (i) A folding or telescoping stock
- (ii) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned
Pistols
(C) A semi-automatic pistol that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has any of the following:
- (i) A folding or telescoping stock
- (ii) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles the barrel, that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned
- (iii) A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded
Additional Categories
(D) A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition
(E) A semi-automatic shotgun that has:
- (i) A folding or telescoping stock
- (ii) Contains its ammunition in a revolving cylinder
- (iii) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of five rounds of ammunition, except as may be authorized under the Wildlife Code and excluding magazine extensions during the snow geese conservation order season
- (iv) An ability to accept a detachable magazine of more than five rounds of ammunition
UPDATE (Dec. 23, 2025)
On Nov. 8, 2024, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn of the Southern District of Illinois issued a permanent injunction against the state’s assault weapons ban, ruling that it violates the Second and 14th Amendments. He declared that the injunction applies universally, not just to the lawsuit’s plaintiffs.
McGlynn’s permanent injunction blocking the ban is set to take effect on Dec. 8, 2024. Meanwhile, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a notice of appeal the same day, asking the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate the state’s ban on assault weapons.
On Dec. 5, 2024, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the injunction, which means the law will remain in place while the legal controversy unfolds.
On Sep. 22, 2025, the 7th Circuit once again heard arguments over Illinois’ assault weapons ban, with judges pressing both sides on standards of review as the state defended its law against a skeptical panel. In a surprise move, Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon also appeared in Chicago to argue against the ban. A ruling has not yet been issued.
On Dec. 15, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Viramontes v. Cook County, a case involving the Illinois assault weapons ban.
Maryland
Under Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law §§ 4-301(d), 4-303(a), Maryland now prohibits the possession, sale, offering of sale, transfer, purchase, receipt or transportation into the state of an assault weapon, which includes assault pistols and assault long guns.
“Assault weapon” means:
- An assault long gun
- An assault pistol
- A copycat weapon
“Copycat Weapon” Definition
(i) A semi-automatic centerfire rifle that can accept a detachable magazine and has any two of the following:
- A folding stock
- A grenade launcher or flare launcher
- A flash suppressor
Additional Restrictions
- (ii) A semi-automatic centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds
- (iii) A semi-automatic centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 29 inches
- (iv) A semi-automatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds
- (v) A semi-automatic shotgun that has a folding stock
- (vi) A shotgun with a revolving cylinder
Massachusetts
According to Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131M, no person shall sell, offer for sale, transfer or possess an assault weapon or a large-capacity feeding device that was not otherwise lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994.
Assault weapons are not defined in the statute but shall have the same meaning as a semi-automatic assault weapon as defined in the federal Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(30) as appearing in such section on September 13, 1994, and shall include, but not be limited to, any of the weapons or copies or duplicates of the weapons of any caliber, known as:
Specifically Named Weapons
- (i) Avtomat Kalashnikov (AK) (all models)
- (ii) Action Arms Israeli Military Industries UZI and Galil
- (iii) Beretta AR-70 (SC-70)
- (iv) Colt AR-15
- (v) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR and FNC
- (vi) SWD M-10, M-11, M-11/9 and M-12
- (vii) Steyr AUG
- (viii) INTRATEC TEC-9, TEC-DC9 and TEC-22
- (ix) Revolving cylinder shotguns, such as or similar to, the Street Sweeper and Striker 12
UPDATE (July 25, 2024)
On July 25, 2024, Gov. Maura Healey (D) signed H.4885 into law. The bill expands the definition of “assault weapons” to include known assault weapons and other weapons that function like them, restricts the possession, transfer or sale of “assault-style” firearms or large-capacity feeding devices, prohibits the issuance of a license to carry a machine gun except for firearms instructors and bona fide collectors, and criminalizes the possession of parts by adding them to the machine gun statute (automatic parts, bump stocks, rapid-fire trigger activators and trigger modifiers).
New Jersey
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of an assault firearm without being registered or licensed to do so pursuant to N.J.S.2C:58-1 et seq. is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
An assault firearm is defined as:
Substantially Identical Firearms
- Any firearm manufactured under any designation that is substantially identical to any of the firearms listed here
Specific Categories
- (3) A semi-automatic shotgun with either a magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, a pistol grip or a folding stock
- (4) A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds (“Assault firearm” shall not include a semi-automatic rifle which has an attached tubular device and which is capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition)
- (5) A part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault firearm, or any combination of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person
- (6) A firearm with a bump stock attached
UPDATE (Oct. 16, 2025)
On Oct. 15, 2025, the full 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia heard arguments challenging New Jersey’s assault weapons ban in Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs v. Attorney General (No. 24-2415), following a lower court ruling that found the state’s ban on AR-15 rifles unconstitutional.
New York
Provided in N.Y. Penal Law §§ 265.02(7), 265.10, New York prohibits the manufacturing, transporting, disposing of or possessing an assault weapon in the state.
Assault weapon means:
Semi-Automatic Rifles
(a) A semi-automatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following characteristics:
- (i) A folding or telescoping stock
- (ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
- (iii) A thumbhole stock
- (iv) A second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand
- (v) A bayonet mount
- (vi) A flash suppressor, muzzle break, muzzle compensator or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor, muzzle break or muzzle compensator
- (vii) A grenade launcher
Semi-Automatic Shotguns
(b) A semi-automatic shotgun that has at least one of the following characteristics:
- (i) A folding or telescoping stock
- (ii) A thumbhole stock
- (iii) A second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand
- (iv) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of seven rounds
- (v) An ability to accept a detachable magazine
Semi-Automatic Pistols
(c) A semi-automatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following characteristics:
- (i) A folding or telescoping stock
- (ii) A thumbhole stock
- (iii) A second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand
- (iv) Capacity to accept an ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip
- (v) A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip or silencer
- (vi) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned
- (vii) A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded
- (viii) A semi-automatic version of an automatic rifle, shotgun or firearm
Additional Categories
- (d) A revolving cylinder shotgun
- (e) A semi-automatic rifle, a semi-automatic shotgun or a semi-automatic pistol or weapon defined in subparagraph (v) of paragraph (e) of subdivision 22 of § 265.00 of this chapter as added by chapter 189 of the laws of 2000 and otherwise lawfully possessed pursuant to such chapter of the laws of 2000 prior to September 14th, 1994
- (f) A semi-automatic rifle, a semi-automatic shotgun or a semi-automatic pistol or weapon defined in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this subdivision, possessed prior to the date of enactment of the chapter of the laws of 2013 which added this paragraph
Important Exemptions
(g) Provided, however, that such term does not include:
Manually Operated Firearms:
- (i) Any rifle, shotgun or pistol that:
- (A) Is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever or slide action
- (B) Has been rendered permanently inoperable
- (C) Is an antique firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16)
Limited Capacity Firearms:
- (ii) A semi-automatic rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds more than five rounds of ammunition
- (iii) A semi-automatic shotgun that cannot hold more than five rounds of ammunition in a fixed or detachable magazine
Grandfathered Weapons:
- (iv) A rifle, shotgun or pistol, or a replica or a duplicate thereof, specified in Appendix A to 18 U.S.C. 922 as such weapon was manufactured on October 1st, 1993
- (v) Any weapon validly registered pursuant to subdivision 16-a of § 400.00 of this chapter
- (vi) Any firearm, rifle or shotgun that was manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof that is validly registered pursuant to subdivision 16-a of § 400.00 of this chapter
Transfer Restrictions
(h) Any weapon defined in paragraph (e) or (f) of this subdivision and any large capacity ammunition feeding device that was legally possessed by an individual prior to the enactment of the chapter of the laws of 2013 which added this paragraph, may only be sold to, exchanged with or disposed of to a purchaser authorized to possess such weapons or to an individual or entity outside of the state provided that any such transfer to an individual or entity outside of the state must be reported to the entity wherein the weapon is registered within 72 hours of such transfer.
An individual who transfers any such weapon or large capacity ammunition device to an individual inside New York state or without complying with the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor unless such large capacity ammunition feeding device, the possession of which is made illegal by the chapter of the laws of 2013 which added this paragraph, is transferred within one year of the effective date of the chapter of the laws of 2013 which added this paragraph.
Washington
On April 25, 2023, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed HB 1240 into law. The Washington assault weapons ban goes into effect immediately.
The law restricts 60 firearms (listed on Pages 2 to 4).
Additional Prohibited Items
In addition, the Washington law also prohibits:
- A semi-automatic rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches
- A conversion kit, part, or combination of parts, from which an assault weapon can be assembled or from which a firearm can be converted into an assault weapon if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person
Semi-Automatic Centerfire Rifles
A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and has one or more of the following:
- A grip that is independent or detached from the stock that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon (The addition of a fin attaching the grip to the stock does not exempt the grip if it otherwise resembles the grip found on a pistol.)
- Thumbhole stock
- Folding or telescoping stock
- Forward pistol, vertical, angled or other grip designed for use by the non-firing hand to improve control
- Flash suppressor, flash guard, flash eliminator, flash hider, sound suppressor, silencer or any item designed to reduce the visual or audio signature of the firearm
- Muzzle brake, recoil compensator, or any item designed to be affixed to the barrel to reduce recoil or muzzle rise
- Threaded barrel designed to attach a flash suppressor, sound suppressor, muzzle break or similar item
- Grenade launcher or flare launcher
- A shroud that encircles either all or part of the barrel designed to shield the bearer’s hand from heat, except a solid forearm of a stock that covers only the bottom of the barrel
Additional Categories
- A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds
Semi-Automatic Pistols
A semi-automatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and has one or more of the following:
- A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip or silencer
- A second hand grip
- A shroud that encircles either all or part of the barrel designed to shield the bearer’s hand from heat, except a solid forearm of a stock that covers only the bottom of the barrel
- The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip
Semi-Automatic Shotguns
A semi-automatic shotgun that has any of the following:
- A folding or telescoping stock
- A grip that is independent or detached from the stock that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon. (The addition of a fin attaching the grip to the stock does not exempt the grip if it otherwise resembles the grip found on a pistol.)
- A thumbhole stock
- A forward pistol, vertical, angled or other grip designed for use by the non-firing hand to improve control
- A fixed magazine in excess of seven rounds
- A revolving cylinder shotgun
UPDATE (Dec. 4, 2025)
On Nov. 14, 2025, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller issued a ruling that upheld Washington’s 2023 assault weapons ban. The plaintiffs in the case claim it violates the state constitution that protects the right to bear arms. They intend to appeal Schaller’s ruling.
2026 Assault Weapons Ban Updates
Colorado (last updated May 5)
On May 5, the Department of Justice sued the city of Denver over a 37-year-old ordinance that bans carrying, storing, keeping, manufacturing, selling or otherwise possessing assault weapons, arguing that the law violates the Second Amendment.
Virginia (last updated June 15)
On Jan. 7, Dan Helmer (D-10) reintroduced HB 217 in the Virginia House of Delegates, which would ban large-capacity magazines and prohibit the importation, sale, purchase or transfer of assault weapons. On Feb. 5, the House approved the bill on a 58-34 vote, and it will head to the Senate. On March 9, the Senate passed a revised version of the bill on a 21-19 vote.
Likewise, on Jan. 19, Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) introduced SB 749 in the Virginia Senate, which would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses, transports or transfers an assault weapon. On Feb. 9, the Senate approved the bill on a 21-19 vote. On March 4, the House passed a substitute version of the bill on a 59-35 vote. The Senate agreed to the House revisions and on March 14 sent the bill to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) desk.
On April 13, Gov. Spanberger sent the bills back to the Virginia General Assembly with amendments.
On April 22, both chambers of Virginia General Assembly declined to accept the governor’s proposed changes to these bills. She had 30 days to decide whether to sign or veto the original versions or allow them to become law without taking action.
On May 14, Gov. Spanberger signed SB 749 into law. The new assault firearms and large-capacity magazine ban will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
Several state’s attorneys have said they will not enforce the ban, and four lawsuits are challenging it.
Minnesota (last updated May 14)
On Feb. 17, 35 legislators sponsored and introduced HF 3433 in the House, which would ban assault weapons in the state. On March 26, it failed to pass the House in a deadlocked 67-67 vote.
However, another bill, SF 4290, was introduced in the Senate and on March 9 was referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. It passed out of the committee on a 6-3 vote four days later.
On May 4, SF 4067, the Omnibus Firearms Bill, passed the Senate by a vote of 34-33 and now heads to the House. The bill would ban most semi-automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns.
On May 7, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed an ordinance banning assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, binary triggers and ghost guns. However, the ordinance will not take effect unless the Minnesota Legislature repeals or modifies the state law that prevents cities from regulating firearms. On May 13, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed the ordinance.
New Mexico (last updated Feb. 19)
On Jan. 22 Democratic legislators in New Mexico introduced SB 17, which would ban assault weapons. On Feb. 7, the Senate passed the bill on a 21-17 vote, and it will head to the House. As of Feb. 19, the bill failed to advance in the 30-day session.
Rhode Island (last updated April 10)
Last year, Gov. Dan McKee (D) signed S 359, which bans the manufacture, purchase, sale or transfer of assault weapons in Rhode Island, into law. It will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Two bills, HB 8073 and SB 2710, were introduced that would add the word “possession” to the assault weapons ban set to take effect this summer. The House bill stalled in the House Judiciary Committee on April 8, while the Senate Judiciary Committee has yet to review the Senate bill.
Endnotes
1 “Number of murder victims in the United States in 2021, by weapon used,” Statista, October 14, 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/195325/murder-victims-in-the-us-by-weapon-used/.
“Weapon types used in mass shootings in the United States between 1982 and January 2023, by number of weapons and incidents,” Statista, January 23, 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/476409/mass-shootings-in-the-us-by-weapon-types-used/.
