Here's an overview of the legality of 80% lowers, 80% pistol frames, and magazine capacity restrictions across different states in the United States:
1. 80% Lowers (AR-style Rifles)
An 80% lower is an unfinished firearm receiver for rifles like the AR-15. It is not considered a firearm under federal law until it is completed and assembled. However, several states have regulations or bans on 80% lowers.
- Federal Law: No regulation until the 80% lower is completed and turned into a functional firearm.
- State Restrictions: Several states, such as California, New Jersey, and New York, have banned or heavily regulated 80% lowers.
2. 80% Pistol Frames
80% pistol frames are partially completed frames for handguns that require additional work to become operational firearms. Similar to 80% lowers, these are legal at the federal level until completed. However, states like California and New Jersey have outright bans on 80% pistol frames.
- Federal Law: Legal until completed and assembled into a firearm.
- State Restrictions: States like California and New Jersey prohibit 80% pistol frames, while states such as Florida and Texas have no restrictions.
3. Magazine Capacity Restrictions
Magazine capacity laws dictate how many rounds a magazine can hold. Some states have strict limits, while others do not restrict magazine capacity at all.
- California: Max 10 rounds per magazine.
- New York: Max 10 rounds per magazine.
- New Jersey: Max 10 rounds per magazine.
- Texas: No limit on magazine capacity.
- Florida: No limit on magazine capacity.
- Arizona: No limit on magazine capacity.
- Other States: Many states follow similar restrictions, typically setting limits around 10 rounds, while others have no limit at all.
Quick Reference Chart
| State | 80% Lower | 80% Pistol Frame | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Illegal | Illegal | Max 10 rounds |
| New York | Illegal | Legal | Max 10 rounds |
| New Jersey | Illegal | Illegal | Max 10 rounds |
| Texas | Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Florida | Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Arizona | Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Connecticut | Illegal | Legal | Max 10 rounds |
| Washington D.C. | Illegal | Legal | Max 10 rounds |
Key Points to Remember
Federal Law: At the federal level, 80% lowers and 80% pistol frames are legal to own and sell until they are completed into a functioning firearm. However, once completed, they must be serialized if they are intended for sale or transfer.
State Law Variations: States like California, New Jersey, and New York impose restrictions or bans on 80% lowers and 80% pistol frames. Texas, Florida, and Arizona tend to have more permissive laws.
Magazine Capacity: States like California, New Jersey, and New York limit magazine capacities to 10 rounds. In contrast, states like Texas and Florida impose no limits.
Final Advice:
Always check both federal and state-specific laws regarding 80% lowers, 80% pistol frames, and magazine capacity before purchasing or assembling firearms. Ignorance of state regulations could lead to legal complications.
Additionally, firearm laws can change frequently, so it's important to stay up-to-date with any legislative changes in your state.
