Restricted Firearms in Delaware
A practical guide to Delaware’s statutory “assault weapon” restrictions, including named firearms, feature-based copycat definitions, grandfathered possession, transportation, family transfers, inheritance and related magazine rules.
What does Delaware prohibit?
Except where an exception applies, § 1466 makes it unlawful to transport an “assault weapon” into Delaware or to manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, purchase, receive or possess one.
The statutory definition is important because Delaware does not regulate only firearms marketed under a particular label. A firearm may qualify because it is a specifically named model, a copy of one of those models, or a feature-based “copycat weapon.”
A rifle, pistol or shotgun does not become Delaware-legal merely because its manufacturer does not call it an “assault weapon.” The statutory configuration controls.
Three ways a firearm can fall within Delaware’s definition
Named assault long gun
§1465 lists specific long guns and copies, including AK-47 forms, certain AR-15/CAR-15 variants and many other named models.
Named assault pistol
The statute separately lists specific pistols and copies, including certain MAC, TEC, UZI and other models.
Feature-based copycat weapon
A firearm may qualify based on semiautomatic operation, magazine type, overall length and specified external features.
Because the named-model list is lengthy, the official §1465 text should be checked directly for a specific firearm rather than relying on a shortened web list.
Feature-based rifle restrictions
A semiautomatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine is a Delaware “copycat weapon” if it has at least one of the listed features below.
The definition also independently includes a semiautomatic centerfire rifle with an overall length of less than 30 inches, and a semiautomatic centerfire rifle with a fixed magazine capable of accepting more than 17 rounds.
Feature-based pistol restrictions
A semiautomatic pistol that accepts a detachable magazine can qualify as a copycat weapon when it has at least one specified feature.
A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine capable of accepting more than 17 rounds is also included in the copycat definition.
Which shotgun configurations can qualify?
The named “assault long gun” list separately includes particular firearm models. Always check both the named list and the feature-based definitions.
What if the firearm was lawfully owned before June 30, 2022?
A person who lawfully possessed, or had completed a purchase of, an assault weapon before June 30, 2022 may continue to possess and transport that firearm subject to §1466’s restrictions.
The statute specifies where a grandfathered firearm may be possessed and how it may be transported. The owner should not treat pre-2022 status as a blanket exemption from every part of §1466.
Where may a grandfathered assault weapon be possessed and transported?
Section 1466 permits qualifying grandfathered possession at specified places, including the person’s residence, place of business or other property owned by the person; property belonging to another person with that owner’s express permission; and shooting ranges.
When §1466 authorizes transport between the listed places or to a licensed dealer for service or repair, the statute requires the assault weapon to be placed in “secure storage,” as defined in §1465.
“Secure storage” generally means a locked container or a properly engaged tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device that renders the firearm inoperable by anyone other than the owner or another lawfully authorized user.
Family transfers and inheritance
Section 1466 contains special provisions allowing certain lawfully grandfathered assault weapons to pass by inheritance or to a family member, provided the statutory conditions are met and the recipient is otherwise legally permitted to possess the firearm.
These rules are more specialized than the general private-transfer family exception. Review §1466 and §1467 directly before transferring a grandfathered firearm.
Delaware’s voluntary certificate of possession
Section 1467 created a voluntary certificate of possession for qualifying grandfathered assault weapons. The original application deadline for owners was June 30, 2023.
A certificate is conclusive evidence that the person lawfully possessed or completed the purchase of the assault weapon before June 30, 2022. Even without a certificate, lawful pre-June 30, 2022 possession or completed purchase is an affirmative defense under the statute.
A person who lawfully inherits or receives a qualifying weapon from a family member may apply for a certificate within 60 days after taking possession, subject to §1467’s proof requirements.
Do not stop the analysis at the firearm itself
Delaware separately defines a “large-capacity magazine” generally as an ammunition feeding device capable of accepting, or readily convertible to hold, more than 17 rounds. Section 1469 generally prohibits manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt, transfer and possession unless an exception applies.
A firearm may not qualify as an assault weapon but may be packaged with or designed to use a magazine that raises a separate Delaware legal issue.
The next guide covers the magazine law and its exemptions in detail.
The constitutional litigation landscape is developing
Delaware’s statutes remain published in the Delaware Code. Federal litigation has challenged Delaware’s assault-weapon and magazine restrictions, and recent appellate decisions involving similar laws can affect future litigation. Readers should verify both the current statutory text and any current court order before making a high-stakes possession or transfer decision.
Frequently asked questions
Are all AR-style rifles prohibited in Delaware?
Do not decide by appearance alone. §1465 contains both named models/copies and feature-based definitions. A specific firearm must be evaluated against the actual statutory language and any applicable exceptions.
Does one prohibited rifle feature matter?
For a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine, §1465’s copycat definition is triggered by at least one of its listed features.
Can I bring a newly purchased assault weapon into Delaware?
Section 1466 generally prohibits transporting an assault weapon into Delaware unless an exception applies.
Can I keep one I lawfully owned before June 30, 2022?
The statute provides grandfather treatment for a person who lawfully possessed or had completed a purchase before June 30, 2022, but possession and transportation remain subject to §1466’s conditions.
Was registration mandatory for grandfathered owners?
No. §1467 describes the certificate of possession as voluntary. It provides conclusive evidence of qualifying pre-ban possession, while qualifying pre-ban possession itself is an affirmative defense.
Does a Delaware CCDW exempt someone from the assault-weapon restriction?
A general CCDW-holder exemption does not appear in §1466’s assault-weapon exceptions. Do not confuse this with Delaware’s large-capacity-magazine statute, which separately lists valid Delaware CCDW holders among its exemptions.
Official sources
11 Del. C. § 1465 — Assault-weapon definitions, named models and copycat features
11 Del. C. § 1466 — Manufacture, sale, transport, transfer, purchase, receipt and possession
11 Del. C. § 1467 — Voluntary certificate of possession
11 Del. C. §§ 1468–1469 — Large-capacity magazine definitions and restrictions
State of Delaware — Assault Weapon Certificates of Possession information
Firearm classification under §1465 can turn on exact model, operating system, magazine configuration, dimensions and individual features. DelawareGunLaws.com is an independent educational resource. Verify the current statute and applicable court orders before acquiring, transferring, modifying, transporting or possessing a firearm whose classification is uncertain.
Last legal review: August 8, 2026
Delaware Magazine Laws
Next: the 17-round threshold, CCDW exemption, dealer rules, permanently modified magazines and penalties.