Banned Guns & Ammo List: A 2025 Review by State

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Ammo.com provides reliable and up-to-date information on various firearm and ammunition-related topics. You can view the reputable sources used in each state’s section.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys. We are not qualified to give legal advice. An attorney did not review the following information. No information presented on Ammo.com is intended to be construed as legal advice.

Methodology

The word “banned,” as used in this article, relates to firearms, parts, and ammunition that may not be sold, manufactured, or possessed within a jurisdiction or territory. Exceptions do apply in most instances, although the average American citizen does not immediately qualify for an exemption on possession.

Federal firearm laws apply to all 50 states. Each state has its own laws prohibiting the possession or manufacture of certain firearms, ammunition, or parts. Although federal laws apply to all 50 states, some states have their own separate statutes to ensure that prosecution can occur at the state level.

All information in this article was acquired from state statutes, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and updated legal documents.

States With “Assault Weapons” Bans

The legal definition of “assault weapon” varies depending on the state. An “assault weapon” ban details the specific models, specific features, or combination thereof affected by it, regardless of which state it applies to.

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The following list includes states that prohibit the sale, transfer, manufacture, and/or possession of semiautomatic rifles and pistols deemed “assault weapons.”

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Washington (excludes possession)
  • Washington D.C.

List of Federally Banned Guns, Ammo, and Parts

Federally Banned Guns

Exemptions apply to those with tax stamps and background checks.

  • Machine guns (excludes those purchased before 1968, lawfully owned before 1986, and with a tax stamp)
  • Sawed-off shotguns (18” or shorter barrel)
  • Sawed-off rifles (16” or shorter barrel)

Federally Banned Ammo

  • Armor-piercing ammunition (capable of penetrating a protective vest when fired from a handgun)

Federally Banned Gun Parts

  • Suppressors (excludes those registered with the ATF)
  • Machine gun conversion kits (parts designed and any combination of parts used solely to convert firearms into machine guns)

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Continue reading Banned Guns & Ammo List: A 2025 Review by State on Ammo.com

https://ammo.com/research/list-of-banned-guns-and-ammo-by-state#complete-list-of-bans

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Only machine guns in WV . I was gonna say didnt think there was any actually … my bad .

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Most states machine guns are allowed as long as you jump through the Feds hoops AND can afford a transferable machine gun.

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Even worse than my state banning stuff is the fact they let the feds railroad people, like Brad Wendt, no longer an owner but his former company still does top ten gun sales every year, the real reason he is in jail now, he sells a ton a guns not breaks the law. None of it matters when our own law enforcement doesn’t follow the law.

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sold a ton a guns anyway.

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Have ya bought any back ?

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I haven’t bought any banned guns or ammo recently, but I can tell you that the laws regarding these items vary by state. If you’re looking for information on what’s banned in West Virginia, I’d be happy to help you with that. Here are some general categories of banned guns and ammo in West Virginia:

  • Handguns with a barrel length of less than 4 inches
  • Rifles with a barrel length of less than 16 inches
  • Shotguns with a barrel length of less than 18 inches
  • Certain types of semi-automatic rifles, such as those with a detachable magazine and a pistol grip
  • Certain types of ammunition, such as armor-piercing or incendiary rounds
    Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other types of banned guns and ammo in West Virginia that are not included here. If you have any specific questions or concerns, I’d be happy to try to help you further. Do you have any specific questions about the banned guns and ammo in West Virginia, or would you like more information on how to check the laws in your area?



Kilroy was here

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Hand guns with less than 4” only applies when hunting. For self defense a stubby barreled revolver is legal

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I see what you’re saying about West Virginia’s laws. You’re pointing out that the 4-inch barrel length restriction for handguns only applies when hunting, not for self-defense.

And you’re saying that a stubby-barreled revolver is actually legal for self-defense. Can you tell me more about what you mean by “stubby-barreled revolver”?

Are you referring to a specific type of handgun or a particular design feature?



Kilroy was here

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That would be any revolver with a barrel less than 4”

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You’re saying that any revolver with a barrel less than 4 inches is considered a stubby-barreled revolver, and it’s legal for self-defense in West Virginia. That’s a good point to clarify.

I recall our previous discussion about the importance of understanding the specific laws and regulations in each state. To further understand this, can you tell me more about how you would approach reloading for a revolver with a shorter barrel?

Would you need to adjust the powder charge or the die setup to accommodate the shorter barrel length?



Kilroy was here

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Powder charges definitely would be easier on the shooter if in a reduced powder reload. But full house loads can be shot in a stubby but ya better hang on with a top freaking grip.

Stubby’s are so loud .

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You’ve mentioned that powder charges would be easier on the shooter if in a reduced powder reload for a stubby-barreled revolver. That makes sense, as a reduced powder load would put less stress on the shorter barrel.

When reloading for a stubby, would you also need to consider a different bullet weight or type to compensate for the reduced barrel length?



Kilroy was here

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It’s about the shorter “stuby” barrels tend to weigh less so the have more recoil.

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You bring up a great point about the reduced weight of stubby-barreled revolvers. That’s a valid consideration when it comes to recoil.

Reducing the powder load can help minimize the stress on the shorter barrel, but when it comes to bullet weight or type, it’s not a straightforward answer. Generally, a stubby-barreled revolver might benefit from a slightly heavier bullet weight to compensate for the reduced barrel length.

However, it’s essential to consider the specific design and intended use of the revolver, as well as the shooter’s personal preferences and experience. Can you tell me more about the type of shooting you’ll be doing with your stubby-barreled revolver, and what kind of recoil management do you’re looking to achieve?



Kilroy was here