Weapon Restrictions in New Jersey

New Jersey maintains one of the most restrictive lists of prohibited weapons, firearms, magazines, ammunition, and accessories in the country. The core prohibitions sit in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3 (prohibited weapons and devices), N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 (unlawful possession of weapons), and the definitions at N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1. A permit to carry a handgun does not change what you are allowed to own. If you cannot point to a specific statutory exemption (most live in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6), assume the item is prohibited and verify before you possess it.

Penalty grades referenced below carry these ranges under New Jersey's sentencing statutes: a disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to 6 months, a fourth-degree crime by up to 18 months, a third-degree crime by 3 to 5 years, a second-degree crime by 5 to 10 years, and a first-degree crime by 10 to 20 years.

Assault firearms (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5f, definition at 2C:39-1w)

New Jersey bans possession of an "assault firearm." Possession is a crime of the second degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5f, except where the firearm is licensed under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5, registered under section 11 of P.L.1990, c.32 (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-12), or rendered inoperable under section 12 of P.L.1990, c.32 (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-13).

The definition at N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1w is what controls, and New Jersey does NOT use the "two or more features" test found in some other jurisdictions. A firearm is an assault firearm if it falls into any of these categories:

1. A specific make-and-model on the statutory list in 2C:39-1w(1). The list names AK (Avtomat Kalashnikov) type semi-automatics, the Colt AR-15 and CAR-15 series, FN-FAL/FN-LAR/FN-FNC types, HK91/93/94/MP5, Uzi types, Galil types, SKS with a detachable magazine, and many others.
2. Any firearm "substantially identical" to a listed firearm (2C:39-1w(2)).
3. A semi-automatic shotgun with a magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, a pistol grip, OR a folding stock. Any one of those three traits qualifies it (2C:39-1w(3)).
4. A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds (2C:39-1w(4)). A semi-automatic rifle with an attached tubular device that operates only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition is excluded.
5. Parts designed to convert a firearm into an assault firearm, or a combination of parts from which one may be readily assembled, if in the same person's possession or control (2C:39-1w(5)).
6. A firearm with a bump stock attached (2C:39-1w(6)).

Owners who registered an assault firearm during the registration window that followed P.L.1990, c.32 are covered by the exception above. That window is closed for new registrations.

Large capacity ammunition magazines (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j, definition at 2C:39-1y)

A "large capacity ammunition magazine" is defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1y as a box, drum, tube, or other container capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm. The 10-round ceiling was set by P.L.2018, c.39, which lowered the prior 15-round limit.

Knowing possession is a crime of the fourth degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j, unless the person has registered an assault firearm for sanctioned competitive shooting or registered a firearm with a fixed or detachable magazine under section 7 of P.L.2018, c.39 (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-20). Key points:

• The prohibition turns on the magazine's capacity, not how many rounds are loaded. A 15-round magazine holding 10 rounds is still a large capacity magazine.
• The definition excludes an attached tubular device capable of holding only .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

Hollow-point and armor-piercing ammunition (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f, definition at 2C:39-1gg)

Two separate ammunition prohibitions live in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f, both crimes of the fourth degree:

• Hollow-nose or dum-dum bullets under 2C:39-3f(1).
• Armor-piercing ammunition, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1gg, under 2C:39-3f(2).

The statutory exception for hollow-point ammunition is narrow. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3g(2), the prohibition does not prevent a person from keeping such ammunition at the person's dwelling, premises, or other land owned or possessed by the person, or from carrying it from the place of purchase to that dwelling or land. The statute itself does not contain a blanket "transport to the range" or "carry while permitted" exception in this subsection. Other regulatory exemptions and Attorney General guidance address hunting and target use, so verify the current rules before transporting hollow points for those purposes.

Federal law separately restricts the manufacture and importation of armor-piercing ammunition under 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(7).

Silencers and suppressors (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3c)

Knowing possession of a firearm silencer is a crime of the fourth degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3c. A suppressor that is lawfully registered under the federal National Firearms Act and carries an ATF tax stamp is still a fourth-degree crime to possess in New Jersey. Federal registration does not preempt the state ban. A narrow exception exists for a person specifically identified in a special deer management permit issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Machine guns (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5a)

Knowing possession of a machine gun, or any instrument or device adaptable for use as a machine gun, without being licensed under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5, is a crime of the second degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5a. New Jersey's definition of "machine gun" (2C:39-1i) also includes any firearm with a trigger crank attached.

Destructive devices and sawed-off shotguns (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3a and 2C:39-3b)

• Destructive devices: knowing possession is a crime of the third degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3a. The definition in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1c reaches bombs, grenades, Molotov cocktails, large-caliber weapons, and any center-fire rifle capable of firing a .50 BMG cartridge.
• Sawed-off shotguns: knowing possession is a crime of the third degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3b. New Jersey's definition of "sawed-off shotgun" (2C:39-1o) is broad and also captures short rifles: a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, a rifle with a barrel under 16 inches, or any firearm made from a rifle or shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. This is how New Jersey reaches short-barreled rifles and shotguns. A pre-1934 status does not exempt it from the state statute.

Defaced firearms (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3d)

Knowing possession of a firearm that has been defaced is a crime of the fourth degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3d, except for an antique firearm or antique handgun. "Deface" is defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1b to include removing, covering, altering, or destroying the serial number or other identifying marks. If you acquire a firearm and discover a defaced serial number, do not keep, transfer, or store it; contact law enforcement.

Covert, undetectable, and unserialized firearms (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3m and 2C:39-3n)

• Covert or undetectable firearms: knowing possession of a covert firearm or an undetectable firearm, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1hh and 2C:39-1ii, is a crime of the third degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3m.
• Firearms without a serial number ("ghost guns"): knowing possession of a firearm assembled using a frame or receiver that is not imprinted with a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer is a crime of the third degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3n. Separately, the manufacture, transport, sale, or purchase of unfinished frames, receivers, and related parts is regulated under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9k.

Bump stocks and trigger cranks (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3l)

Knowing possession of a bump stock or a trigger crank, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1ee and 2C:39-1ff, is a crime of the third degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3l, regardless of whether the person possesses a firearm.

Stun guns (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3h)

New Jersey's statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3h, still lists knowing possession of a stun gun as a crime of the fourth degree. That flat ban is constitutionally suspect after the United States Supreme Court's decision in Caetano v. Massachusetts (2016), and enforcement of an absolute prohibition against a law-abiding person who possesses a stun gun for self-defense has been curtailed by litigation. Because the statutory text and its enforceable scope diverge here, confirm the current status before relying on either position.

Enumerated edged and impact weapons (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3e)

Knowing possession of a gravity knife, switchblade knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto, billy, blackjack, metal knuckle, sandclub, slingshot, cestus or similar studded leather band, or ballistic knife, without any explainable lawful purpose, is a crime of the fourth degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3e. A "gravity knife" and a "switchblade knife" are defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1h and 2C:39-1p. Ordinary folding pocket knives are generally lawful, but the listed items are prohibited even for claimed self-defense use.

Body armor (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-13)

New Jersey does not generally ban civilian possession of body armor. N.J.S.A. 2C:39-13 makes it a crime to use or wear a "body vest" (bullet-resistant body armor) while committing, attempting, or fleeing from murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping, criminal escape, or assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b. Using a body vest during a first-degree crime is a second-degree offense; otherwise it is a third-degree offense.

Buying long guns and handguns (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3)

Purchasing in New Jersey requires state credentials separate from any carry permit:

• Long guns: a purchaser must hold a valid Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPID) under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3b. The FPID fee is $50. An FPID issued or renewed after the effective date of P.L.2022, c.58 (July 5, 2022) expires during the 10th calendar year following issuance, on the holder's birthday. An FPID issued before that effective date does not expire. There is no limit on the number of rifles or shotguns purchased with a valid FPID.
• Handguns: each handgun purchase requires a permit to purchase a handgun under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3a. The permit fee is $25, and a permit is valid for 90 days from issuance, renewable for good cause for an additional 90 days. Only one handgun may be purchased per permit, and no more than one handgun may be purchased within any 30-day period, subject to limited exceptions (such as licensed collectors and law enforcement).

Both an FPID and a first handgun purchase permit require the applicant to have satisfactorily completed an approved firearms safety course within the four years before the application. That course is required only once, under P.L.2022, c.58. People who held an FPID or purchase permit before that law took effect are not required to complete it.

A permit to carry a handgun does not substitute for an FPID or a handgun purchase permit at the point of sale. Private handgun transfers must generally run through a licensed retail dealer who completes a National Instant Criminal Background Check, with narrow exceptions for immediate family, law enforcement officers, and licensed curio and relic collectors.

Penalty summary

Key statutes

• N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1 - Definitions (assault firearm, large capacity magazine, sawed-off shotgun, armor-piercing ammunition, covert and undetectable firearms, bump stock, trigger crank).
• N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3 - Prohibited weapons and devices.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 - Unlawful possession of weapons.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6 - Exemptions.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9k - Manufacture, transport, sale, and purchase of unfinished frames, receivers, and untraceable firearm parts.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:39-13 - Unlawful use of body vests.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 - Permit to purchase a handgun and Firearms Purchaser Identification Card.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5 - Licensing of machine guns and assault firearms.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:58-12 - Assault firearm registration.
• 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(7) - Federal restriction on manufacture and importation of armor-piercing ammunition.

Bottom line

New Jersey bans more firearms, magazines, accessories, and edged weapons than nearly any other state, and several possession offenses (machine guns, assault firearms, handguns without a permit) are second-degree crimes that carry serious prison exposure, including Graves Act mandatory minimums for unlawful handgun possession. The statutory definitions, not the firearm's appearance, decide whether an item is prohibited. If you cannot identify a specific New Jersey exemption, treat the item as banned, and verify the current status of contested provisions such as the stun gun ban before relying on it.