Navigating Minnesota’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 Minnesota. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for Minnesota
Summary: Minnesota has moderate gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no assault weapon or magazine bans, a 7-day waiting period for handguns, and partial background checks.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
63% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in Minnesota
Minnesota currently has no state-level ban on assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Minnesota
Minnesota does not impose magazine capacity limits at the state level. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota has no specific state laws regulating ghost guns (unserialized firearms). Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in Minnesota
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- Minnesota is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in Minnesota
Minnesota enforces a 7(hg)-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota does not have red flag laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) in place. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in Minnesota
Requirement Level: Weak (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: Minnesota enforces basic safe storage rules, often related to preventing child access.
Background Checks in Minnesota
Minnesota requires background checks for some firearm sales, such as handgun transfers or sales at gun shows. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in Minnesota
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in Minnesota, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in Minnesota
Minnesota does not have specific state-level bans on particular types of firearms beyond federal law. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in Minnesota
- Minnesota v. Hatch (2019): Firearm possession by felons
- State v. Craig (2017): Concealed carry permitting
- Minnesota v. Yang (2021): Red flag law precursor
- Worth v. Harrington (ongoing): Carry permit restrictions (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Our Opinion on Minnesota’s Gun Laws
From a Second Amendment standpoint, Husky Armory finds Minnesota’s gun laws, rated at 63/100, offer a mixed landscape for gun owners. While Minnesota has moderate gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no assault weapon or magazine bans, a 7-day waiting period for handguns, and partial background checks—the presence of certain restrictions, like waiting periods or background checks, can still impede the full realization of those freedoms. We advocate for a careful balance, but believe Minnesota could take further steps to align more closely with the unalienable rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Reducing bureaucratic hurdles, such as easing carry permit processes or eliminating unnecessary delays, would better honor the Second Amendment’s intent. Minnesota has the potential to become a leader in protecting gun rights, but it must resist the creeping influence of anti-gun policies that often masquerade as public safety measures. True safety comes from empowering citizens, not disarming them.
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.
