Navigating Delaware’s gun laws is essential for responsible gun owners and enthusiasts. This 2025 guide covers ghost guns, 80% lowers, concealed carry, magazine limits, and more, ensuring you stay compliant and informed in Delaware. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for Delaware
Summary: Delaware has stringent gun regulations, including an assault weapons ban, a 17-round magazine limit, a 3-day waiting period, red flag laws, and universal background checks, with shall-issue concealed carry.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
19% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in Delaware
Delaware enforces a ban on certain firearms defined as assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Delaware
Delaware restricts firearm magazines to a maximum capacity of 17 rounds. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in Delaware
Delaware regulates ghost guns, typically requiring serialization and background checks for frames and receivers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in Delaware
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- Delaware is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in Delaware
Delaware enforces a 3-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in Delaware
Delaware has enacted red flag laws, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in Delaware
Requirement Level: Medium (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: Delaware has moderate safe storage requirements, potentially involving locking devices in certain situations.
Background Checks in Delaware
Delaware mandates universal background checks for nearly all firearm sales, including private transfers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in Delaware
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in Delaware, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in Delaware
In addition to assault weapons, Delaware may regulate other specific types of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in Delaware
- Delaware v. Holden (2020): Concealed carry permit denial
- Doe v. Wilmington (2014): Public housing gun rights
- Delaware v. Cannon (2018): Felon firearm possession
- Gray v. Delaware (ongoing): Assault weapons ban challenge (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Our Opinion on Delaware’s Gun Laws
As advocates for the Second Amendment, Husky Armory finds Delaware’s gun laws, with a dismal rating of 19/100, to be a severe infringement on constitutional rights. Delaware has stringent gun regulations, including an assault weapons ban, a 17-round magazine limit, a 3-day waiting period, red flag laws, and universal background checks, with shall-issue concealed carry—a litany of restrictions that stifles the freedoms of law-abiding citizens while doing little to address actual crime. The right to bear arms is a cornerstone of American liberty, and Delaware’s heavy-handed approach undermines that fundamental principle.
We urge Delaware to reconsider its stance, particularly on measures like assault weapons bans and universal background checks, which disproportionately burden responsible gun owners. The Second Amendment exists to protect against such overreach, and Delaware must work to dismantle these barriers to ensure its citizens can exercise their rights without fear of government intrusion. Liberty demands nothing less.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview and is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always consult official state statutes and qualified legal counsel for specific guidance. Information primarily sourced from Giffords Law Center and state legislative websites as of April 2025.
