Gun Rights
From LibertyWin.org
New Hampshire has some of the strongest protections for gun rights in the United States.
Quick Reference Table
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | NHRS XII § 159:14 | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | ||
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | ||
| Owner license required? | No | No | ||
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | NHRS XII § 159:6 | New Hampshire is a "shall issue" state for residents and non-residents who are 18 years or older and is one of the few states that will issue to non-citizens living outside of the United States. Permitless carry took effect on February 22, 2017. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | NHRS XII § 159:6 NHRS XVIII § 207:7 |
May carry openly without permit. Loaded long guns prohibited in motor vehicles. |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | NHRS LXII § 627 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | NHRS XII § 159:26 | "Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, no ordinance or regulation of a political subdivision may regulate the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, or other matter pertaining to firearms, firearms components, ammunition, or firearms supplies in the state. Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting a political subdivision's right to adopt zoning ordinances for the purpose of regulating firearms or knives businesses in the same manner as other businesses..." |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | ||
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | ||
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No |
