The Law of Gun Control

Firearms are primarily regulated by the states, along with several important federal laws. In general, the existence of a law at a higher jurisdiction (state or federal) is not a bar to more restrictive legislation at a lower level (city or state). Therefore determining the firearms laws in force in a given locale requires study of federal, state, and county or municipal laws. 

The following discussion groups firearms laws by topic. Under each topic, any relevant federal laws are given first, followed by a list of states that have legislated in that area. 

The National Firearms Act of 1934 (P.L. No. 73-474) placed high taxes on the manufacturers, sellers, and purchasers of automatic weapons (machine guns). Fully automatic weapons made after May 19, 1986, are now banned earlier ones can be sold by federally licensed Class III firearm dealers on payment of tax and after passing a background check. 

In addition, the law banned all semiautomatic weapons that are equipped with a detachable magazine and two or more of the following bayonet lug, flash suppressor, protruding pistol grip, folding stock, or threaded muzzle. Magazines that hold more than 10 rounds are also prohibited. Weapons and magazines manufactured before September 13, 1994, however, are exempt. 

The following states ban all or some types of assault weapons California, Connecticut and New Jersey, as well as some jurisdictions in New fork and Ohio. (Hawaii bans assault pistols. ) A number of cities have their own assault weapons bans. These include Albany, New York Atlanta, Georgia Berkeley, California Cleveland, Ohio Columbus, Ohio Denver, Colorado (ban on sale) Los Angeles, California and New York City. 

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