State Regulations

Subject Matter

Rifle / Shotgun

Handgun

Relevant Statute

General Description

State Permit Required to Purchase

Yes

Yes

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:58-3f

A lifetime purchaser identification card is required for purchase of rifles and shotguns, as well as for purchases of handgun ammunition. A permit to purchase a handgun, valid for 90 days is required for each handgun purchase. Only one handgun can be purchased within a 30-day period. According to state law, purchase permits/ identification cards are supposed to be granted on a Shall-Issue basis, but in practice many issuing authorities require the applicant to justify the need for a firearm before granting approval for the permit/ID card.

State Firearm Registration

No

Yes

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39

The NJ State Police Firearms Investigation Unit (NJSP FIU) maintains a record of all handgun transfers, except for inherited firearms willed to the transferee, or firearms brought to the state by new residents moving to the state. Firearm registration is voluntary, but since handgun purchase permits are also a form of register, there is de facto mandatory handgun registration for handguns purchased in-state. Purchases by NJ residents must either be from a licensed dealer in NJ or a private individual who is a resident of NJ. In both dealer purchases and private sales, a copy of the purchase permit is sent to the NJSP FIU. A NICS background check at the point of sale is only required for purchases from dealers.

State Preemption of Local Restrictions

No

No

There is limited state preemption for some firearm laws.

Assault Weapon Restrictions

Yes

Yes

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39-1

New Jersey prohibits the possession of certain named firearms or ""substantially identical"" firearms deemed to be assault firearms, including possession of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled. Firearms classed as assault firearms but acquired before May 1, 1990 and registered with the state are legal to possess. Police officers may possess assault weapons for duty purposes and may possess personal assault weapons with recommendation by their agency.

NFA Weapon Restrictions

Yes

Yes

N.J. Stat. Ann. §2C:39-3 a-c; § 2C:58-5

Possession of short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, destructive devices, and suppressors are prohibited to the average citizen. Law is silent on AOWs. Possession of a machine gun requires a state license, which is granted on a may issue basis by a county superior court judge.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Yes

Yes

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39-1y

Magazines are limited to 15 rounds for semi-automatic firearms and 6 rounds for semi-automatic shotguns.

Prohibited Items

Rifles

Semi-automatic rifles that are capable of receiving a detachable magazine and has at least TWO of the following features: 1) Folding / telescoping stock, 2) Pistol grip, 3) Bayonet lug, 4) Flash suppressor, 5) Threaded barrel, 6) Grenade/Flare launcher.

Rifles with a magazine capacity exceeding 15 rounds.

Shotguns

A semi-automatic shotgun with either a magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, a folding stock or a pistol grip.

Handguns

Semi-automatic handguns that have the ability to accept a detachable magazine and at least TWO of the following features: 1) Magazine that attaches outside of the pistol grip, 2) Threaded barrel, 3) Barrel shroud, 4) Manufactured weight of 50oz or more when the pistol is unloaded, 5) Semi-automatic version of an automatic

firearm

Accessories / Ammunition

Magazines exceeding 15 rounds.

Handgun Ammunition Qualifier: Handgun ammunition is defined by NJ Law as ammunition specifically designed to be used only in a handgun. For purchase of handgun ammunition, the purchaser must present a valid firearms purchasers identification card, a valid permit to purchase a handgun, or a valid permit to carry a handgun.

No stun guns or TASERs

No defense sprays