Where Are High-Capacity Magazines Banned? Legal Restrictions by Country

High-capacity magazines have sparked intense debate worldwide, with varying regulations reflecting cultural, legal, and security priorities—prompting the question: where are high-capacity magazines banned, and why?

Bans on high-capacity magazines differ significantly across regions. In the United States, federal law prohibits their sale and manufacture since 1994 under the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, though some states like California and New York impose stricter limits. In Canada, high-capacity magazines are restricted under the Firearms Act, with possession requiring special authorization. The United Kingdom bans them entirely under the Firearms Act, allowing only minimal capacities. In Australia, post-1996 reforms severely restricted magazine sizes, limiting civilian access significantly. European nations such as Germany and Italy maintain tight controls, requiring permits and limiting capacity based on risk assessments.

Restrictions often stem from concerns over mass casualty potential, especially in terrorist or violent incidents. Governments justify bans by citing public safety, crime reduction, and ease of law enforcement. International frameworks like the UN Firearms Protocol encourage responsible regulation, though enforcement varies. These laws reflect a balance between individual rights and collective security, especially in densely populated or high-risk regions.

While civilian access is restricted in many countries, high-capacity magazines remain standard in military arsenals and police tactical units worldwide. In the U.S., military forces use magazines up to 100 rounds, while law enforcement agencies often employ similar systems for tactical operations—though public access remains tightly controlled outside these domains.

Understanding where high-capacity magazines are banned reveals a complex interplay of law, culture, and safety priorities. For travelers, residents, or industry professionals navigating firearm regulations, staying informed is essential. As global standards evolve, continuous monitoring of legal developments ensures compliance and informed advocacy for balanced policies.

This number climbed back to 22% by 2010. The federal ban on large-capacity magazines has ended. However, nine states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws banning large-capacity magazines.

These states are California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. Since that time, gun laws at the state level have banned large- or high-capacity magazines. Definitions vary, but several states identify magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, 15 rounds or 20 rounds of ammunition as " high-capacity magazines," while other states do not regulate magazine sizes.

A magazine for a SIG Sauer P365 XL, modified by the manufacturer to limit capacity to 10 rounds, rather than its full 12 rounds. Capacity is limited by the crimp seen slightly below the 10-round witness hole, for compliance with the high. After a round of supplemental briefing in April to address the impact of its decision in Duncan upholding California's large-capacity magazine ban, the Ninth Circuit has resubmitted Miller v.

Bonta-which involves California's assault weapons ban-for decision (seemingly without an additional oral argument). Magazine Gun Laws by State Content updated and verified for accuracy on: March 18th, 2025 Anti-gun lawmakers in 14 states and the District of Columbia prohibit "high-capacity" magazines. These laws claim to reduce the carnage from mass shootings despite the lack of research backing them.

U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down High-Capacity Magazine Ban In a groundbreaking decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has invalidated a federal law that prohibited high-capacity firearm magazines, a ruling that has significant implications for the interpretation of the Second Amendment.

The 5. Comprehensive guide to state-by-state magazine capacity restrictions, including current laws, legal challenges, and practical implications for gun owners navigating varying regulations across the United States. After the expiration of an assault weapons ban in the mid-2000s, it's now up to these states to ban high-capacity magazines.

Why Do These States Need Its Own Laws? A high-capacity magazine ban is a law which bans or otherwise restricts high-capacity magazines, detachable firearm magazines that can hold more than a certain number of rounds of ammunition. Discover magazine capacity laws by state, including restrictions on high-capacity magazines, and their effect on American Rifle Magazines' shipping policies.