Gun Laws in Minnesota
Explore comprehensive information on Minnesota gun laws, including permits, registration, assault-style weapons, carrying firearms, and more. Stay informed, understand your rights, and ensure responsible gun ownership.
| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | Yes | §624.7131 | Permit to purchase required to transfer/purchase long guns with a pistol grip and handguns through FFL dealers. A permit to carry also acts as a permit to purchase for Minnesota residents. Traditional rifles and shotguns may be purchased without a permit. |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | | |
| Assault-style weapon law? | No | No | §624.7131 | Persons 18 and older may purchase assault-style weapons with a permit to purchase (or permit to carry for persons 21 and older). |
| Magazine Capacity Restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | Yes | §624.714 | Shall Issue. Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol required to carry handguns. Concealment is permitted but not required. |
| Permit required for open carry? | Yes | Yes | §624.7181 | Whoever carries a BB gun, rifle, or shotgun on or about the person in a public place is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. A person under the age of 21 who carries a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon on or about their person in public place is guilty of a felony. However, one may carry a pistol or a long gun openly with permit to carry a pistol because, the law states that the prohibition on carrying does not include the carrying of a BB gun, rifle, or shotgun by a person who has a permit under section 624.714. |
| State Preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | §471.633 | Municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within their borders. |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | §609.67 | Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns, unless designated Curios & Relics, are prohibited in most cases. Some destructive devices are prohibited in most cases. Sound suppressors and short barreled rifles are legal. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | Yes | Yes | §97B.045 §624.714, Subd. 9 | Any legally possessed gun may be transported in a motor vehicle, provided it is unloaded and cased. |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | Yes | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.7132 | Long guns also require a background check if equipped with a pistol grip. As explained in subdivision 2, a background check for a private sale can be more thorough than the background check for a sale through a FFL holder. |
Understanding Gun Laws in Minnesota
Understanding gun laws can be a complex task, especially when they vary from state to state. In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of gun laws in the state of Minnesota. We'll cover everything from permits and registration to restrictions and local laws. Let's get started!
Permits and Registration
When it comes to purchasing firearms in Minnesota, the laws differ for long guns and handguns. According to Minnesota statute §624.7131, a state permit is not required to purchase long guns, but it is required for handguns. This means that if you're looking to buy a traditional rifle or shotgun, you can do so without a permit. However, if the long gun has a pistol grip or if you're purchasing a handgun, you'll need a permit to purchase from Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers. A permit to carry can also act as a permit to purchase for Minnesota residents.
As for firearm registration, Minnesota does not require it for either long guns or handguns.
Assault-Style Weapons and Magazine Capacity
Minnesota does not have specific laws regarding assault-style weapons or magazine capacity for either long guns or handguns. However, persons aged 18 and older can purchase assault-style weapons with a permit to purchase, or a permit to carry for those aged 21 and older, as per statute §624.7131.
Carrying Firearms
Carrying firearms, whether concealed or open, also requires a permit in Minnesota. According to statute §624.714, a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol is required to carry handguns. Concealment is allowed but not mandatory. For open carry, a permit is required for both long guns and handguns, as per statute §624.7181. Carrying a BB gun, rifle, or shotgun in public without a permit is considered a gross misdemeanor, and carrying a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon in public under the age of 21 is a felony.
Local Restrictions and NFA Weapons
Minnesota law §471.633 allows for state preemption of local restrictions, meaning municipalities can regulate the discharge of firearms within their borders. As for National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons, they are restricted in most cases, according to statute §609.67. Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns are generally prohibited unless they are designated as Curios & Relics. Some destructive devices are also prohibited, while sound suppressors and short-barreled rifles are legal.
Transporting Firearms and Private Sales
Minnesota's Peaceable Journey laws, as per statutes §97B.045 and §624.714, Subd. 9, allow any legally possessed gun to be transported in a motor vehicle, provided it is unloaded and cased.
Finally, when it comes to private sales, background checks are not required for long guns but are required for handguns, according to https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.7132. If a long gun is equipped with a pistol grip, a background check is also required. It's important to note that a background check for a private sale can be more thorough than the check for a sale through an FFL holder.
In conclusion, while Minnesota's gun laws may seem complex, understanding them is crucial for responsible gun ownership. Always remember to check the latest laws and regulations before purchasing or carrying a firearm.
