State Regulations

Subject Matter

Rifle / Shotgun

Handgun

Relevant Statute

General Description

State Permit Required to Purchase

Yes

Yes

D.C. Code Ann. § 1-201.01 et seq.

The firearm registration process also serves as a permitting process.

State Firearm Registration

Yes

Yes

D.C. Code Ann. § 1-201.01 et seq.

All firearms must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department.

Assault Weapon Restrictions

Yes

Yes

See D.C. Code Ann. § 7-2501

Assault Weapons and .50 BMG prohibited.

Assault weapon is defined as, a semiautomatic, rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following: A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon; A thumbhole stock; A folding or telescoping stock; A grenade launcher or flare launcher; A flash suppressor; or A forward pistol grip;

NFA Weapon Restrictions

Yes

Yes

D.C. Code Ann. § 7-2502.02

Automatic firearms, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and silencers are ALL prohibited

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Yes

Yes

See D.C. Code Ann. § 7-2506

The District of Columbia prohibits the possession, sale or other transfer of any large capacity ammunition feeding device, regardless of whether the device is attached to a firearm.1 “Large capacity ammunition feeding device” is defined as a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Prohibited Items

Rifles

Semi-automatic rifles with a detachable magazine and one or more of the following features: 1) Pistol Grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, 2) Thumbhole stock, 3) Folding or telescoping stock, 4) Grenade launcher or flare launcher, 5) Flash suppressor, 6) Forward Pistol Grip.

All .50 BMG rifles are prohibited

Shotguns

Semi-automatic shotguns with one or more of the following, 1) Folding or telescoping stock, 2) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the firearm, 3) Thumbhole stock, 4) Vertical handgrip, 5) Has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, 6) Shotguns with revolving cylinders (such as the. Franchi SPAS 12 and LAW 12, and the Striker 12. The Streetsweeper type S/S Inc. SS/12)

Handguns

Semi-automatic handguns with a detachable magazine and one or more of the following features: 1) Threaded barrel, 2) Second handgrip, 3) Barrel shroud, 4) Magazine that attaches to the firearm outside the pistol grip.

Accessories / Ammunition

Magazines exceeding 10 rounds

.50 BMG ammunition

Collapsible/adjustable stocks

Stun Guns and TASERs

Defense Sprays

Batons

Threaded barrels

Air guns (pneumatic, spring, or BB) firing projectile exceeding .18” (i.e. .22 cal. Prohibited)

Ammunition Qualifier: For the purchase of ammunition, the purchaser must present a valid firearms registration card.