Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) Legal States 2026

States Where SBRs Are Legal

Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) are legal in most U.S. states, provided owners comply with federal regulations under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This typically includes ATF approval, registration, and payment of a tax stamp before possession.

States in this category include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Even where legal, additional state or local conditions may apply.

States Where SBRs Are Restricted

A small number of states allow SBRs but only under limited conditions. These restrictions typically tie ownership to specific classifications, such as Curios and Relics (C&R), rather than general civilian use.

States in this category include Illinois and Minnesota. In these states, SBR ownership is not broadly permitted and is generally limited to collectors or specific federally recognized firearm categories.

States Where SBRs Are Illegal

In a handful of states and jurisdictions, short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilian ownership. These bans typically fall under broader restrictions on NFA-regulated firearms.

States and jurisdictions in this category include California, District of Columbia, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. In these areas, civilian possession of SBRs is generally not allowed under current law.

Notable State-Level Conditions

Even in states where SBRs are legal, specific rules can affect how they are owned or configured. These conditions often relate to registration, local restrictions, or how the firearm is classified under state law.

For example, Delaware prohibits SBRs within the city limits of Wilmington, while Maryland restricts certain configurations that meet the state’s definition of an assault weapon. In Michigan, SBRs must be registered as pistols if they fall under certain length thresholds. These variations highlight the importance of checking both state and local requirements before ownership.