Because our federal gun laws are so weak, states can play a critical role by adopting laws to protect communities from gun violence. While some states have enacted a number of strong laws, others have far too few laws on the books. Learn about the gun laws in every state, or see how your state compares to others across the country.

Click on a state to learn more about its gun laws.

Map-default-2

California Nevada Washington Oregon Idaho Montana Utah Wyoming Arizona Colorado New Mexico Texas Louisiana Oklahoma Arkansas Kansas Nebraska South Dakota North Dakota Minnesota Iowa Missouri Wisconsin Michigan Illinois Indiana Kentucky Tennessee Mississippi Alabama Florida Georgia South Carolina North Carolina Virginia West Virginia Ohio Pennsylvania New York Maryland Massachusetts Vermont Maine Delaware 2 New Jersey 2 Connecticut 2 Rhode Island 2 New Hampshire 2

others

Hawaii Alaska


Gun Laws Matter 2012: Understanding the Link Between Weak Laws and Gun Violence

Gun Laws Matter 2012: Understanding the Link Between Weak Laws and Gun Violence

We hear stories of gun violence every day. Domestic disputes turning deadly. Street crimes takin...READ MORE

America’s Ammunition Crisis: Few Laws Exist to Prevent Purchases by Dangerous People Online and in Stores

America’s Ammunition Crisis: Few Laws Exist to Prevent Purchases by Dangerous People Online and in Stores

Since the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, 2012, where James Holmes killed 12 peopl...READ MORE

New Data After Aurora Shooting: Assault Weapon Ban Worked 1994 – 2004

New Data After Aurora Shooting: Assault Weapon Ban Worked 1994 - 2004

Last Friday's horrific shooting in Colorado was a shocking reminder of the tremendous damage that ca...READ MORE

See more fifty-state surveys >>