Navigating District of Columbia’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 District of Columbia. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for District of Columbia
Summary: District of Columbia has stringent gun laws, with an assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, a 10-day waiting period, red flag laws, strict safe storage rules, and universal background checks.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
0% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in District of Columbia
District of Columbia enforces a ban on certain firearms defined as assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in District of Columbia
District of Columbia restricts firearm magazines to a maximum capacity of 10 rounds. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in District of Columbia
District of Columbia regulates ghost guns, typically requiring serialization and background checks for frames and receivers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in District of Columbia
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- District of Columbia is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in District of Columbia
District of Columbia enforces a 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in District of Columbia
District of Columbia has enacted red flag laws, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in District of Columbia
Requirement Level: Strict (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: District of Columbia enforces strict safe storage laws, requiring firearms to be securely stored to prevent unauthorized access.
Background Checks in District of Columbia
District of Columbia mandates universal background checks for nearly all firearm sales, including private transfers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in District of Columbia
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in District of Columbia, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in District of Columbia
In addition to assault weapons, District of Columbia may regulate other specific types of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in District of Columbia
- District of Columbia v. Heller (2008): Individual right to bear arms
- Palmer v. DC (2014): Concealed carry restrictions
- DC v. Beretta (2008): Gun manufacturer liability
- Wrenn v. DC (2017): Concealed carry permitting (Source: Giffords Law Center)
- Bondi v. Vanderstok (2025): Ghost gun regulations
Our Opinion on District of Columbia’s Gun Laws
As advocates for the Second Amendment, Husky Armory finds District of Columbia’s gun laws, with a dismal rating of 0/100, to be a severe infringement on constitutional rights. District of Columbia has stringent gun laws, with an assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, a 10-day waiting period, red flag laws, strict safe storage rules, and universal background checks—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 District of Columbia’s heavy-handed approach undermines that fundamental principle.
We urge District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia 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.
