Navigating Rhode Island’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 Rhode Island. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for Rhode Island
Summary: Rhode Island has strict gun laws, with a 10-round magazine limit, a 7-day waiting period, red flag laws, strict safe storage rules, and universal background checks, but no assault weapons ban.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
13% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in Rhode Island
Rhode Island currently has no state-level ban on assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Rhode Island
Rhode Island restricts firearm magazines to a maximum capacity of 10 rounds. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in Rhode Island
Rhode Island regulates ghost guns, typically requiring serialization and background checks for frames and receivers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in Rhode Island
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- Rhode Island is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in Rhode Island
Rhode Island enforces a 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has enacted red flag laws, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in Rhode Island
Requirement Level: Strict (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: Rhode Island enforces strict safe storage laws, requiring firearms to be securely stored to prevent unauthorized access.
Background Checks in Rhode Island
Rhode Island mandates universal background checks for nearly all firearm sales, including private transfers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in Rhode Island
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in Rhode Island, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in Rhode Island
Rhode Island does not have specific state-level bans on particular types of firearms beyond federal law. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island v. Viveiros (2019): Firearm possession restrictions
- State v. Hazard (2017): Concealed carry laws
- Rhode Island v. Duarte (2021): Red flag law application
- Gray v. Brien (ongoing): Magazine ban challenge (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Our Opinion on Rhode Island’s Gun Laws
As advocates for the Second Amendment, Husky Armory finds Rhode Island’s gun laws, with a dismal rating of 13/100, to be a severe infringement on constitutional rights. Rhode Island has strict gun laws, with a 10-round magazine limit, a 7-day waiting period, red flag laws, strict safe storage rules, and universal background checks, but no assault weapons ban—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 Rhode Island’s heavy-handed approach undermines that fundamental principle.
We urge Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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.
