Navigating New Mexico’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 New Mexico. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for New Mexico
Summary: New Mexico has moderate gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no assault weapon or magazine bans, universal background checks, and red flag laws, but no waiting period.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
50% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in New Mexico
New Mexico currently has no state-level ban on assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in New Mexico
New Mexico does not impose magazine capacity limits at the state level. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in New Mexico
New Mexico has no specific state laws regulating ghost guns (unserialized firearms). Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in New Mexico
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- New Mexico is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in New Mexico
New Mexico does not mandate a waiting period between the purchase and delivery of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in New Mexico
New Mexico has enacted red flag laws, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in New Mexico
Requirement Level: None (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: New Mexico does not mandate specific firearm storage requirements at the state level.
Background Checks in New Mexico
New Mexico mandates universal background checks for nearly all firearm sales, including private transfers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in New Mexico
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in New Mexico, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in New Mexico
New Mexico does not have specific state-level bans on particular types of firearms beyond federal law. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in New Mexico
- New Mexico v. Griego (2019): Firearm possession by felons
- State v. Cardenas (2017): Concealed carry enforcement
- New Mexico v. Reyes (2021): Red flag law application
- Torrez v. Whitaker (ongoing): Background check laws (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Our Opinion on New Mexico’s Gun Laws
From a Second Amendment standpoint, Husky Armory finds New Mexico’s gun laws, rated at 50/100, offer a mixed landscape for gun owners. While New Mexico has moderate gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no assault weapon or magazine bans, universal background checks, and red flag laws, but no waiting period—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 New Mexico 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. New Mexico 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.
