Top 5 - Best Gun-Friendly States
1.
Arizona
2.
Idaho
3.
Alaska
4.
Kansas
5.
Oklahoma
Bottom 5 - Worst Gun-Friendly States
47.
California
48.
Hawaii
49.
New Jersey
50.
Massachusetts
51.
New York
51. New York
New York had enjoyed a few quiet years since the passage of the draconian “NY SAFE Act” (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act) in 2013, but that honeymoon ended when Democrats gained control of majorities in both houses of the “Empire State’s” legislature. During the first month of 2019, five separate gun bills were passed along party lines. Among the bills were mandatory storage legislation, as well as a Red Flag bill. Worse yet, these bills were passed without public hearings that would have allowed residents to speak their minds. So much for transparency. New York doesn’t allow for NFA firearms, and magazine capacity is restricted to 10 rounds. Carry permits can be obtained on a may-issue basis but they are notoriously difficult to get, especially in New York City where a separate permit is required. (2018 rank: 51)
50. Massachusetts
This May, Massachusetts passed a comprehensive gun bill that, among other things, created a Red Flag system and categorized stun guns as firearms. The reality is that Massachusetts is a state where things can’t get too much worse for gun owners. Magazines are limited to 10 rounds and no NFA items are legal to possess in the “Bay State”. The state gets 3 points in the RTC column, as their may-issued permit system does actually issue some permits. There is a duty to retreat in Massachusetts where one must “do everything reasonable in the circumstances to avoid physical combat before resorting to force” in self-defense cases, which lands the state 5 points under the Castle Doctrine category. (2018 rank: 49)
49. New Jersey
Last year, New Jersey banned magazines that exceeded 10 rounds. There was no Grandfather Clause, and the deadline to remove or destroy magazines was last December. This year, the General Assembly passed legislation mandating that retailers offer “smart guns” for sale, even though the technology does not currently exist in the marketplace. This is N.J.’s second look at a “smart gun” law after a similar proposal was passed back in 2002. CCW permits are expensive and all but impossible to obtain. In almost all known cases, only police and retired law enforcement can obtain a New Jersey Concealed Handgun Permit. NFA items are banned in the state. (2018 rank: 50)
48. Hawaii
This year, Hawaii raised the age in which a non-resident can bring a firearm into Hawaii from 18 to 21. Hawaii has a may-issued CCW system that issues no permits, resulting in a practical ban on concealed carry. Magazine capacity is limited to a 10-rounds limit, and all NFA firearms and accessories are prohibited. The state has relatively weak Use of Force laws, earning in 4 points in the Castle Doctrine column. (2018 rank: 48)
47. California
It’s pretty safe to say that California Governor Gavin Newsome is one of the most outspoken chief executives in the nation when it comes to advocating for gun control. California is a very challenging state for gun owners despite a rich historic culture epitomized by the birth of practical pistol shooting in the state. California recently implemented one of the most strict semiauto bans in the country, which costs the state several points in the Black Gun category. May issued Concealed Carry permits are issued on a county-by-county basis, and whether you can actually obtain a permit varies wildly by geography. NFA items are a mixed bag and suppressors are not allowed. (2018 rank: 46)
46. Washington D.C.
Our nation’s capital has gone from being one of the worst places in America for gun owners, to one that actually allows for gun ownership and even concealed carry. As a result of several court actions, D.C. is now a “Shall-Issue” jurisdiction for CCW for both residents and non-residents. D.C.-specific training, along with more general firearms training, is required, and non-residents must have a valid permit from any state. D.C. still requires the registration of all firearms, and many firearms and magazines are banned from ownership. Black Guns are a no-go, as are NFA items. (2018 rank: 47)
45. Connecticut
Last year the Connecticut legislature considered a bill that aimed to criminalize the possession of unserialized “90% receivers” attempting to prevent the manufacturing of so-called “ghost guns”. This session a bill was signed into law that effectively prevents citizens from manufacturing firearms for their own use, something that is legal under federal law. The state also passed mandatory storage requirements for both homes and automobiles, which means you now have to install a safe in your car in order to leave a handgun in it. CT has a may-issue CCW system that does issue permits, and Connecticut’s Use of Force laws are fairly strong. Suppressors are permitted, but Black Guns and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds are restricted. (2018 rank: 45)