State Legality Matrix / Assault Weapon Feature Bans / Connecticut
Statute-cited, last verified 2026-07-10
Yes. One-feature test plus a named-model list; pre-ban weapons are grandfathered only if registered with DESPP by the 2013 deadline, otherwise prohibited. Effective 2013-04-04.
Controlling law: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53-202a to 53-202c
Triggering features: folding stock, telescoping stock, pistol grip, thumbhole stock, forward grip, flash suppressor, grenade launcher, threaded barrel, bayonet mount.
Post-Sandy Hook Public Act 13-3. One-feature test for detachable-magazine semi-auto rifles; the registration window closed December 31, 2013, so unregistered covered rifles are illegal to possess. Feature tests also cover pistols and shotguns.
There has been no federal assault weapons ban since the 1994 ban expired in 2004; no feature restrictions apply federally to semi-automatic rifles or pistols. The 2023 ATF pistol-brace rule was vacated by the Fifth Circuit and is not enforced, so braced pistols are not SBRs under federal law. Cargill v. Garland (2024) made bump stocks federally legal. Feature bans are entirely a matter of state law.
Scope: State laws restricting semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns by configuration features: threaded barrels, pistol grips, folding or telescoping stocks, flash suppressors, forward grips, and similar. Magazine capacity limits are tracked as a separate class.
Yes. One-feature test plus a named-model list; pre-ban weapons are grandfathered only if registered with DESPP by the 2013 deadline, otherwise prohibited. Effective 2013-04-04. Controlling law: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53-202a to 53-202c.
The controlling law is Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53-202a to 53-202c. One-feature test plus a named-model list; pre-ban weapons are grandfathered only if registered with DESPP by the 2013 deadline, otherwise prohibited.
Connecticut's rule took effect 2013-04-04. Post-Sandy Hook Public Act 13-3. One-feature test for detachable-magazine semi-auto rifles; the registration window closed December 31, 2013, so unregistered covered rifles are illegal to possess. Feature tests also cover pistols and shotguns.
There has been no federal assault weapons ban since the 1994 ban expired in 2004; no feature restrictions apply federally to semi-automatic rifles or pistols. The 2023 ATF pistol-brace rule was vacated by the Fifth Circuit and is not enforced, so braced pistols are not SBRs under federal law. Cargill v. Garland (2024) made bump stocks federally legal. Feature bans are entirely a matter of state law.
In a feature-ban state, swapping the pistol grip for a featureless grip is the cheapest path to a compliant rifle that keeps its detachable magazine. These grips are purpose-built for that test.
Wider fin-style featureless grip with a fuller palm shelf for shooters who want more support than the Simple grip.
Fin-style featureless grip that replaces the protruding pistol grip on a feature-restricted AR-15 build.
Billet aluminum featureless grip for California AR-15 builds that keeps a standard magazine release.
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Full picks and fitment notes: Featureless AR Build Guide