CGS 53-202w:
Large-Capacity Magazine Ban

Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-202w prohibits the distribution, importation, sale, purchase, and possession of large-capacity magazines.^[1] This statute was originally enacted on April 4, 2013, and significantly amended by HB 6667 (Public Act 23-53) in 2023.^[2]

Definition

A "large capacity magazine" is defined as any firearm magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has the capacity of, or can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition.^[1] The following are excluded from this definition:

• Magazines that have been permanently altered so they cannot accept more than 10 rounds
• .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding devices
• Tubular magazines contained in lever-action firearms

Prohibited Conduct

It is unlawful for any person to distribute, import into the state, keep for sale, offer or expose for sale, or purchase any large-capacity magazine in Connecticut. Violations of the distribution or sale prohibition are classified as a Class D felony.^[1]

Possession Penalties

The penalties for possession of a large-capacity magazine depend on the possessor's eligibility status:^[3]

• Prohibited persons (those ineligible to possess firearms): Class D felony -- up to 5 years imprisonment and up to $5,000 fine
• Non-prohibited persons (those otherwise eligible to possess firearms): Class A misdemeanor -- up to 1 year imprisonment and up to $2,000 fine (as amended by HB 6667 in 2023)

Courts may suspend prosecution for first-time violations by otherwise law-abiding individuals where the court finds the offense was not serious and the person is unlikely to reoffend.

Grandfathering and Declaration

Persons who lawfully possessed large-capacity magazines before April 4, 2013, may retain them if they declared possession to DESPP under CGS 53-202x.^[4] HB 6667 (2023) provided that any person who had not yet declared by July 1, 2023, must apply by January 1, 2024.^[5]

Truthful information included on a timely declaration application may not be used against the person in any criminal prosecution.

Restrictions on Declared Magazines

Persons who have properly declared their large-capacity magazines may possess them only under specific circumstances:^[3]

• At their residence
• At their place of business (limited to 10 rounds loaded at the business)
• At approved target ranges and shooting clubs
• During transport between these locations or to a licensed dealer

Persons Moving Into Connecticut

Persons relocating to Connecticut who lawfully possessed large-capacity magazines in their prior state of residence have 90 days to render the magazines permanently inoperable, sell them to a licensed dealer, or remove them from the state.^[3]

Law Enforcement Exemptions

The ban does not apply to law enforcement officers or members of the armed forces acting within the scope of their duties, or to retired law enforcement officers who receive official authorization from their former department to retain duty magazines.^[1]