What Are the Magazine Capacity Limits in District of Columbia?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
DC prohibits magazines holding more than 10 rounds for both handguns and rifles. This applies to all firearms possessed within the District.
What This Means for You
Magazine capacity restrictions in DC are among the strictest in the nation and directly impact what you can legally possess or build. The 10-round limit applies universally across all firearm platforms, making it a critical consideration for anyone looking to build or modify firearms in the District. Violating these capacity limits can result in serious criminal charges.
The Detail
The District of Columbia enforces a strict 10-round magazine capacity limit that applies to all firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. This restriction covers both detachable magazines and fixed feeding devices, making it one of the more comprehensive capacity limitations in the United States. The law does not differentiate between different types of firearms or their intended use.
Unlike some states that grandfather previously owned high-capacity magazines, DC generally does not provide such exemptions. This means that even magazines you legally owned before moving to the District may become prohibited once you establish residency there. The enforcement of these laws is typically strict, and possession of prohibited magazines can result in felony charges.
The 10-round limit extends to all feeding devices, including drum magazines, extended magazines, and any device designed or modified to hold more than the legal limit. Law enforcement officers and certain security personnel may have exemptions, but these are narrowly defined and do not apply to civilian gun owners or builders.
If you're considering firearm ownership in DC, you need to verify current laws with official District resources, as firearms regulations can change and enforcement interpretations may vary. The specifics of how magazines are measured, what constitutes a violation, and any potential exemptions should be confirmed through official channels before making any purchasing or building decisions.
Build Impact
Any build in DC must accommodate the 10-round magazine restriction from the planning stage, which affects platform selection and magazine sourcing. You'll need to ensure all magazines are compliant before completing any build, as possession of over-capacity magazines can result in serious legal consequences regardless of whether they're installed in a firearm.