Connecticut Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Connecticut Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Connecticut gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Connecticut can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Connecticut State Constitution

Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the state.

Connecticut Constitutional Provision Article 1, Section 15

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; and they have at all times an undeniable and indefeasible right to alter their form of government in such manner as they may think expedient.

Connecticut Constitutional Provision Article 1, Section 2

The citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government, for redress of grievances, or other proper purposes, by petition, address or remonstrance.

Connecticut Constitutional Provision Article 1, Section 14

Connecticut Gun Laws

Connecticut Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Connecticut Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Connecticut State Pistol Permit (Source: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection)
Frequently Asked Questions - Pistol Permits (Source: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection)

Connecticut Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting and Trapping Overview (Source: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection)
Hunting Laws and Regulations (Source: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection)
Hunting Licenses and Permits (Source: Connecticut DEEP)
Connecticut's Online Sportsmen Licensing System (Source: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection)
Deer Hunting Seasons (Source: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection)
Frequently Asked Questions - Hunting (Source: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection)
Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Education (Source: Connecticut DEEP)
Connecticut Advanced Hunter Education (Source: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection)

Connecticut Shooting Ranges

Glastonbury Public Shooting Range (Source: Connecticut DEEP)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Connecticut Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

Connecticut NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

Connecticut NRA-Affiliated Training Courses (Source: NRA.org)
Connecticut "Friends of NRA" Events & News (Source: FriendsofNRA.org)

Connecticut State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Connecticut Carry (GOA-Affiiated)
Connecticut Citizens Defense League
Central Connecticut Safari Club International Chapter (SCI-Affiliated)
Connecticut Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Connecticut Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Connecticut NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Connecticut Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Connecticut Gun Shows and FFLs

Connecticut Gun & Knife Shows (Source: GunShows-USA.com)
Connecticut Gun Shows (Source: GunShowTrader.com)
Connecticut FFL Holders (Source: FFLGunDealers.net)
NICS Firearm Checks by State (Source: FBI.gov)

Connecticut's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Connecticut Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of Connecticut Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Connecticut Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

Connecticut State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
Connecticut State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
Connecticut Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
Connecticut Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

Connecticut State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Connecticut State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Connecticut (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo