Where to Buy a Ruger – and Where You Can't

Want to buy a Ruger? The manufacturer’s website makes it easy to locate dealers near where you live. Using the Retailer Locator tab on their website and entering your zip code will pull up a list of licensed Ruger dealers in your area.

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In reality, though, it’s not quite that easy. Not all Ruger firearms are legal to purchase in every state. Here are few of the state restrictions you should be aware of:

California
In 2007, the California legislature passed a law – later signed by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger – that required handguns in the state to feature microstamping technology intended to help law enforcement to trace bullets back to the gun that fired them. Due to pre-existing patent laws, the legislation only recently took effect. Ruger has chosen not to comply with the requirements, claiming that the technology is unreliable and may even interfere with the weapon’s firing capability, according to Fox News. Instead, Ruger announced the company would no longer sell guns covered by this law in the state of California.

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Hawaii
Hawaii bans certain semiautomatic handguns by feature rather than by manufacturer, according to the Hawaii Rifle Association. Some Ruger models may be restricted.

Maryland
The Ruger .223 Mini-14 with a folding stock is banned in the state of Maryland, according to the Truth About Guns website.

Massachusetts
Handguns in Massachusetts have to meet requirements spelled out in the 1998 Gun Control Law as well as 940 CMR consumer protection regulations. Most Ruger revolvers came into compliance in 2002, but most of the company’s semi-automatic, center-fire pistols are still illegal in the state, according to fsguns.com

New York
The New York State SAFE Act bans all guns classified as assault weapons in addition to high-capacity magazines. The state website provides a guide on determining whether a particular gun is categorized as an assault weapon.

New Jersey
All assault weapons are banned in New Jersey, which has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation.

Connecticut
The Ruger Mini-14 with a folding stock is banned in Connecticut, according to information on a state government website.

A number of states have passed laws outlawing certain guns or types of guns, most often semiautomatics or those classified as assault weapons. Since state gun laws change frequently, it’s a good idea to always check on the legal status of any gun you desire to purchase.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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