Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-202a establishes the legal definition of "assault weapon" for purposes of the state's prohibition on the sale, transfer, and possession of such firearms.[1] The definition has been expanded three times since its original enactment in 1993, most recently through HB 6667 (Public Act 23-53) in 2023.[2]
Named Model List (Subparagraph A)
The original 1993 ban identified specific firearms by make and model. This list includes semiautomatic centerfire rifles such as all AK-47 types (including the AK-74, AKM, AKS-74U, ARM, MAADI AK47, MAK90, MISR, and others), the AR-15 and its variants, the Beretta AR-70, the FN-FAL and FN-FNC, the SIG SG550 and SG551, the Steyr AUG, and many others, along with copies or duplicates with the same capability.[1] Specific semiautomatic pistols and shotguns are also named.
Feature-Based Tests (Subparagraphs B through F)
Following the 2013 reforms enacted in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy, CGS 53-202a expanded the definition to include semiautomatic firearms that meet certain characteristics-based tests:[3]
- Semiautomatic centerfire rifles with a detachable magazine and at least one feature: folding or telescoping stock, pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action, thumbhole stock, flash suppressor, grenade or flare launcher, forward pistol grip, or overall length of less than 30 inches
- Semiautomatic centerfire rifles with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds
- Semiautomatic pistols with a detachable magazine and specified features such as a threaded barrel, second handgrip, barrel shroud, or a weight of 50 ounces or more when unloaded
- Semiautomatic shotguns with features such as a folding or telescoping stock, pistol grip, fixed magazine capacity exceeding 5 rounds, or a revolving cylinder
2023 Expansions (Subparagraphs G through I)
HB 6667 (Public Act 23-53) added three new categories of assault weapons, collectively defined as "2023 assault weapons":[4]
- Subparagraph G: Any semiautomatic firearm other than a pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun -- regardless of production date -- that has at least one prohibited feature, including an arm brace or stabilizing brace that could allow the firearm to be fired from the shoulder
- Subparagraph H: Any semiautomatic firearm that previously qualified as a "pre-ban" weapon (manufactured before September 13, 1994) and was exempt under the prior law. This closed the pre-ban loophole that had allowed sale and transfer of these firearms for nearly 30 years.
- Subparagraph I: Any combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault weapon as defined in subparagraphs G or H, or from which such a weapon may be assembled if the parts are in the possession or control of the same person
Key Definitions
The statute also defines supporting terms:[1]
- "Action of the weapon" means the part of the firearm that loads, fires, and ejects a cartridge, including the upper and lower receiver, charging handle, forward assist, magazine release, and shell deflector
- "Detachable magazine" means an ammunition feeding device that can be removed without disassembling the firearm action
Exclusions
The definition does not include any firearm modified to be permanently inoperable, or disassembled parts of an assault weapon in the possession of a licensed gun dealer or gunsmith for servicing or repair of lawfully possessed weapons.[1]
Legal Challenges
Connecticut's assault weapon definition is currently subject to federal court challenges. Both Grant v. Rovella and NAGR v. Lamont challenge the constitutionality of the ban under the Second Amendment following the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision. The Second Circuit upheld the bans in August 2025, and both cases have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for certiorari review.[5]