What Are the Assault Weapon Laws in Mississippi?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Mississippi has no state-level assault weapon laws or restrictions. The state follows federal regulations only, with no additional bans on semi-automatic firearms or high-capacity magazines.
What This Means for You
Mississippi is one of the most gun-friendly states in the nation, with no state restrictions on semi-automatic rifles, pistols, or magazine capacity. This means you can legally own and build firearms that would be prohibited in states like California or New York. Your primary legal concerns will be federal compliance, not state restrictions.
The Detail
Mississippi does not have any state laws defining or restricting "assault weapons." The state has taken a hands-off approach to regulating modern sporting rifles and semi-automatic firearms, leaving regulation to federal authorities. This means rifles with features like pistol grips, adjustable stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders are completely legal under state law.
The state also places no restrictions on magazine capacity. Standard capacity magazines of 30 rounds or more are perfectly legal to purchase, own, and use in Mississippi. There are no requirements for registration, licensing, or special permits for these items at the state level.
Your primary legal considerations will be federal compliance with ATF regulations. You still need to follow all federal laws regarding short-barreled rifles, suppressors, and other NFA items. The National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act still apply regardless of Mississippi's permissive state laws.
Mississippi has actually passed legislation in recent years strengthening gun rights and limiting the enforcement of certain federal regulations within the state. However, federal laws still technically apply, and you should consult with legal counsel if you have questions about the interplay between state and federal authority.
Always verify current laws with official state resources, as firearms laws can change. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and your local sheriff's office can provide authoritative guidance on current regulations.
Build Impact
You have maximum freedom for rifle builds in Mississippi, with no state restrictions on configurations, barrel lengths above federal minimums, or accessories. Focus your compliance efforts on federal ATF regulations rather than worrying about state-specific assault weapon features.