Connecticut 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the ATF's new rule aiming to redefine what a firearm is including lower receivers and frames (2021R-05F). As of now, 80% lowers are completely legal, federally not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required (some states have made their own laws to restrict 80 percent products). To explore the 80 lowers we have to offer, check out our multiple lines of product.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Connecticut?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF however, they are not legal to ship directly to buyers residing in Connecticut.

Key Gun Laws in Connecticut

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Connecticut.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

In the state of Connecticut, anyone the age of 18 years or older is eligible to purchase a long gun and anyone the age of 21 years or older can purchase a handgun. In order to purchase a handgun, buyers must obtain a handgun eligibility certificate (permit to purchase handgun) to do so. All firearm purchases and private party transfers require a background check (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database.

Connecticut is a point of contact for the NICS and does have laws requiring firearms dealers to initiate the background check prior to transferring a firearm. However, Connecticut has their own system that they utilize called the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (“DESPP”). The DROS process and the background check can take up to half an hour but buyers are allowed to take their firearms home the same day they purchase; provided the buyer obtains the necessary permit or certificate from DESPP prior, or unless there is a flag in the system.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Connecticut allows licensed open carry and issues concealed carry weapon permits in the form of “CTPP,” or a Connecticut Pistol Permit. Conceal carriers must be at least 21 years of age and pass a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises.Connecticut is a “may issue” state. Be aware of the limits of open and conceal carrying by checking the state restrictions. To see which states’ concealed carry permits it honors check this reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

Unfortunately, Connecticut does have an assault weapon ban (“AWB”) in place but you can still purchase and possess NFA items through the normal legal channels.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There is a 10 round magazine capacity restriction in Connecticut but NFA weapons and related items are unrestricted.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

Residents of Connecticut should be aware of “safe storage” laws and mandatory firearm storage requirements in regards to child access prevention.

Self-Defense

Furthermore, Connecticut does not have a stand your ground law in place. The state law explicitly forces residents to retreat in the face of dance before resorting to lethal force when outside of one’s home. Residents of Connecticut do have a Castle Doctrine law in place and however it can be potentially limited since there isn’t a “ Stand Your Ground” law to clearly support responses involving deadly force.

Ammunition Purchase

Purchasing ammunition in Connecticut is very strict. In order to buy ammo in Connecticut, a CTPP, gun sales permit, or long gun/handgun eligibility certificate is required. There isn’t a background check but buyers must be at least 21 years of age and provide proof of valid ID. The same goes for all online purchase ammo shipped to Connecticut.

Do you ship to Connecticut?

We are currently no longer able to ship any items to residents in the state of Connecticut. We thank you for many years of business and your patronage. Unfortunately, Connecticut has grown incredibly hostile against our company and any products or packages shipped to this state would fall under haphazard and intense scrutiny. If you're ever in Texas, give our new showroom a visit once it's ready and open in Fort Worth!