The federal government provides a few basic regulations on firearms, particularly with respect to interstate commerce (as is the federal government's jurisdiction). For instance, federal law prohibits certain individuals -- such as drug addicts or violent criminals -- from owning guns, while banning fully automatic firearms from personal use. Typically, state gun laws provide additional regulations, such as waiting periods, registration requirements, and restrictions on who may not own a firearm.
The Basics of Minnesota Gun Control Laws
Minnesota law requires purchasers of handguns and military assault-style rifles to present either a handgun transferee permit or carry permit, or undergo a seven-day waiting period. Applicants for a gun permit in Minnesota (or those subject to a waiting period) must undergo a criminal background check through the Minnesota Crime Information System and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Additional details about Minnesota's gun control laws can be found in the following table.
| Code Section | 609.66, 67; 624.713; 624.7132 |
| Illegal Arms | Silencer; machine gun or machine gun conversion kit; short-barreled shotgun; spring gun; swivel guns, set guns |
| Waiting Period | 7-day waiting period for handguns and military assault-style rifles |
| Who May Not Own | 1. Minor under 18: Pistol or semi-automatic military-style assault weapon, except under supervision of parent/guardian, military instruction, firing range, successful completion of training course; 2. Convicted of crime of violence unless 10 yrs. has elapsed or civil rights have been restored, including juveniles; 3. Mentally ill; 4. Convicted for unlawful use, possession, sale of controlled substance other than small amount of marijuana or person who's been hospitalized or committed for treatment for habitual use of controlled substance or marijuana unless proof that they haven't abused in 2 yrs.; 5. Chemically dependent; 6. Peace officer who is informally admitted to treatment facility for chemical dependency unless he receives certificate for discharge; 7. Pistol or semi-automatic military-style assault weapon: aliens, fugitives from justice, those dishonorably discharged from armed forces |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | Felony. 609.66 Subd 1d |
Note: State laws are constantly changing. We make every effort to maintain the accuracy of FindLaw's state law section, but you may also want to contact a Minnesota criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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