Connecticut imposes tiered age requirements for firearms purchases, with the minimum age varying by the type of firearm. These requirements interact with the state's permit and eligibility certificate system, as the certificates themselves carry their own age thresholds. HB 6667 (2023) expanded age restrictions for certain semiautomatic rifles.[1]
Handguns: 21 Years Old
Any person who wishes to purchase a pistol or revolver must be at least 21 years old. This requirement is embedded in the eligibility certificate system: CGS 29-36f provides that only persons 21 years of age or older may apply to the Commissioner of DESPP for a Handgun Eligibility Certificate. Because a buyer must hold either this certificate or a State Pistol Permit (which also requires the applicant to be at least 21) to purchase a handgun, the practical minimum age for handgun acquisition is 21.[2]
Sellers are also prohibited from transferring any handgun to a person under 21, though limited exceptions exist for temporary transfers for supervised target shooting.[1]
Standard Long Guns: 18 Years Old
No person, firm, or corporation may sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer any long gun at retail to a person under 18 years of age. A long gun buyer must hold a valid Long Gun Eligibility Certificate (CGS 29-37p), a State Pistol Permit, or a Handgun Eligibility Certificate. The Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is available to persons 18 and older.[3]
Semiautomatic Centerfire Rifles: 21 Years Old
Effective October 1, 2023, HB 6667 created a higher age threshold for a specific category of long guns. No person may sell, deliver, or transfer a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has or accepts a magazine with a capacity exceeding five rounds to any person under 21 years of age. This provision applies to both dealer sales and private transfers.[1]
This means that while an 18-year-old may purchase a bolt-action rifle, a lever-action rifle, or a semiautomatic rimfire rifle, they cannot purchase a semiautomatic centerfire rifle capable of accepting a magazine holding more than five rounds until they turn 21.[4]
Age Requirement Summary
| Firearm Type | Minimum Age | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Pistols and revolvers | 21 | CGS 29-36f |
| Standard long guns (bolt-action, lever-action, rimfire) | 18 | CGS 29-37a |
| Semiautomatic centerfire rifles (5+ round magazine capacity) | 21 | CGS 29-37a (as amended by HB 6667) |
Ammunition and Magazine Restrictions
Connecticut also restricts the sale of ammunition and magazines to persons under 18. Machine gun transfers to persons under 16 are prohibited entirely, regardless of other permit status.[1]
Federal Law Interaction
Federal law imposes its own age requirements: 21 for handgun purchases from a federally licensed dealer and 18 for long gun purchases from a dealer. Connecticut's age requirements are more restrictive than federal law for the semiautomatic centerfire rifle category, where the state imposes a 21-year minimum that federal law does not. Connecticut law controls in cases where state requirements are stricter than federal requirements.[5]
Sources
[3] CGS 29-37a -- Sale, delivery or transfer of long guns (Justia)
Title 29, Chapter 529, 29-37a