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State Legality Matrix Magazine Capacity LimitsDistrict of Columbia

District of Columbia Magazine Limit: 10 Rounds

Statute-cited, not legal advice, last verified 2026-10-20

Status: Restricted
Effective: 2009-03-31
Verified: 2026-10-20

Restricted

Yes. Bans possession, sale, and transfer of magazines over 10 rounds for handguns and long guns. Limit: 10 rounds. Effective 2009-03-31.

Controlling law: D.C. Code § 7-2506.01(b)

Contested entry

Litigation Status and Details

Enforceable as of October 2026. A D.C. Court of Appeals panel struck the ban in Benson v. United States (March 5, 2026), but on April 22, 2026 the full court granted rehearing en banc and vacated the panel opinion and judgment; on July 10, 2026 it stayed en banc briefing pending further order. The separate federal challenge (Hanson v. District of Columbia, D.C. Circuit) failed and the Supreme Court denied cert on June 6, 2025.

The statute in practice

District of Columbia Law in Detail

D.C. Code section 7-2506.01 defines a large-capacity ammunition feeding device as a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that accepts, or can readily be restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds. The definition excludes an attached .22-caliber tubular device.

The D.C. Court of Appeals granted rehearing en banc in Benson v. United States on April 22, 2026 and vacated the March 5, 2026 panel opinion and judgment. On July 10, 2026 the court stayed en banc briefing pending further order, and no en banc decision had issued as of October 20, 2026.

Sources

Federal law

Federal baseline

There is no federal magazine capacity limit; the 1994 federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.

Federal baseline verified 2026-10-20. Scope: Detachable magazine round-count restrictions for handguns and long guns. States not listed have no capacity limit.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does District of Columbia have a magazine capacity limit?

Yes. Bans possession, sale, and transfer of magazines over 10 rounds for handguns and long guns. Limit: 10 rounds. Effective 2009-03-31. Controlling law: D.C. Code § 7-2506.01(b).

What law covers magazines in District of Columbia?

The controlling law is D.C. Code § 7-2506.01(b). Bans possession, sale, and transfer of magazines over 10 rounds for handguns and long guns.

When did District of Columbia's magazine restriction take effect?

District of Columbia's rule took effect 2009-03-31. Enforceable as of October 2026. A D.C. Court of Appeals panel struck the ban in Benson v. United States (March 5, 2026), but on April 22, 2026 the full court granted rehearing en banc and vacated the panel opinion and judgment; on July 10, 2026 it stayed en banc briefing pending further order. The separate federal challenge (Hanson v. District of Columbia, D.C. Circuit) failed and the Supreme Court denied cert on June 6, 2025.

What to buy

Compliant Magazines for Capped States

Living under a 10-round cap does not mean running junk magazines. These are factory and OEM-quality 10-round options that feed reliably and fit flush.

Magazines & Feeding • $39.99

MDT Polymer AICS .308/6.5 Creedmoor 10-Round Magazine

10-round capacity
AICS short-action pattern

$39.99

Shop at MDT

Magazines & Feeding • $44.59

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 .22 LR 10-Round Factory Magazine

10-round capacity
.22 LR

$24.99$44.59Save 44%

Shop at GunMag Warehouse

Magazines & Feeding • $22.89

CMMG .350 Legend 10-Round Magazine

10 rounds
.350 Legend

$39.49

View at OpticsPlanet

Magazines & Feeding • $31.89

DuraMag 400 Legend 10-Round Magazine (PSA 338 ARC Host)

10 rounds, .400 Legend
410 stainless steel body

$31.89