Ammunition for Guns in New Hampshire

Ammunition for guns in New Hampshire can come with complex issues. Gun control advocates have stepped up the regulation of ammunition sales as an indirect way of limiting citizens’ right to keep and bear firearms. Violating these laws can get a gun owner into deep trouble, even if they were in full compliance with other firearm-related laws. Consult with an experienced New Hampshire gun defense attorney who knows firearms law inside and out to gain a deeper understanding of these laws.

Guns and Ammo

While the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that “the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed,” the courts have held that states have the power to enforce reasonable rules pertaining to gun ownership and use. That can include regulation of ammunition sales and possession.

New Hampshire has some of the less stringent firearms laws among the states. The state Constitution provides that “all persons have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, their property, and the state.” That implies not just guns, but loaded guns. Even here, however, some rules must be followed. New Hampshire prohibits any person from transferring ammunition of any kind to a person under the age of 16, other than their own child, grandchild, or ward.

The Granite State also prohibits any person from attempting to use or using, in the course of committing any misdemeanor or felony, any Teflon-coated or armor-piercing bullet or cartridge, or any bullet or cartridge that contains an explosive substance in the projectile and is designed to explode upon impact.

Among other things, New Hampshire law does not:

  • Require a license for the sale of ammunition
  • Require sellers of ammunition to maintain a record of the purchasers
  • Prohibit persons who are ineligible to possess firearms from possessing ammunition

Gun owners who hold a license in a neighboring state, such as Vermont, can buy rifle ammunition in New Hampshire and bring it back into their home state.

Federal Rules

Federal law imposes several restrictions on the transfer and possession of firearm ammunition. The law prohibits the possession of ammunition by convicted felons, controlled substance users, and anyone subject to a domestic violence restraining order, among others, and it prohibits transferring ammunition to such persons as well.

It also prohibits the sale or transfer of 1) long gun ammunition to anyone under age 18 and 2) handgun ammunition to anyone under age 21. It also strictly regulates armor-piercing handgun bullets.

It is a good idea to keep records of all purchases of guns and ammunition. If the federal or state authorities try to accuse a person of having an illegal cache of weapons and/or ammunition for guns in New Hampshire, they will be able to document that everything was obtained legally from approved dealers.

Defending Your Rights

Anyone facing criminal charges is entitled to the protections of the Bill of Rights, which includes specific limits on what the federal government can do.

Every American is presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. The prosecution must prove its case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects all citizens from “unreasonable searches and seizures.”

If you have been accused of violating the law pertaining to ammunition for guns in New Hampshire, you should get advice from experienced firearms attorneys as soon as possible.