Rhode Island Becomes 11th State to Pass Assault Weapons Ban

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill into law last week that bans so-called “assault weapons," prohibiting the sale of a variety of popular semi-auto guns.

“Today, we’re delivering progress on the work to keep our children, families, and communities safe from gun violence,” McKee said in a statement. “This law builds on the important momentum we’ve created over the last few years and is a testament to the dedication of our advocates, legislators, and many Rhode Islanders who stood up for a safer state.”

The law bans the manufacture, purchase, sale, or transfer of "military-style weapons" including some semi-auto rifles, shotguns, and pistols.

“With this law on the books, families can rest easier knowing that we’ve slowed the spread of dangerous weapons of war throughout our communities. This was made possible by thousands of everyday Rhode Islanders making their voices heard and by the diligent work of our legislators to find common ground on a thorny issue,” Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos remarked. “Today is a great day for Rhode Island.”

The ban represents the largest piece of gun legislation McKee has signed into law during his tenure as governor. He has previously signed laws that banned large-capacity magazines, required safe storage of guns, raised the legal age to purchase guns and ammo from 18 to 21, and banned the open carry of rifles and shotguns in public.

What Guns Are Prohibited Under the New Law?

Under the new law (2025-S 0359A), firearms that meet certain requirements will be prohibited from being sold in the state after July 1, 2026.

Semi-automatic centerfire rifles holding more than 10 rounds in a fixed magazine or ones that can accept detachable magazines with a larger capacity, paired with one of the six other features listed, would be banned. Those features include:

• Folding or telescopic stock
• Pistol grip
• Thumbhole stock
• Flash suppressor
• Threaded barrel
• Barrel shroud

Shotguns and pistols won’t escape the ban either. The new also prohibits any semi-auto shotguns with a 6-shot capacity in a fixed mag and semi-auto pistols with a fixed mag holding over 10 rounds.

What Does This Mean for Current Gun Owners?

Current owners of firearms listed above will still be allowed to own and possess them. Gun owners will also be allowed to sell prohibited firearms to FFLs or individuals outside the state who are allowed to lawfully possess said firearms.

Military personnel and law enforcement officers are exempt from the ban.

On July 1, 2026, prohibited firearms will no longer be up for sale, and no new guns can be purchased. Individuals who violate the ban face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

AR-15 Rifles

$469

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$469

at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (see price)

Reactions from the Gun Industry

Mark Oliva, NSSF’s Director of Public Affairs, told The Reload, that the ban is not only unconstitutional but completely ridiculous given the number of semi-auto rifles in the U.S.

“Banning the most popular-selling centerfire rifle in America today is clearly unconstitutional,” he said.

“There are over 30 million of these rifles in circulation today, more than there are Ford F-150s on the road. That alone demonstrates that they are commonly-owned and commonly-used for lawful purposes every day, including hunting, recreational shooting and self-defense.”

If you need to stock up before the ban takes effect next year, we have a few articles to point you in the right direction:

• Best AR-15s
• Best Shotguns for Home Defense
• Best Handguns for Beginners & Home Defense
• Best Home Defense Gun [Shotguns, Pistols, & Rifles]

What do you think of the move to slash the ATF’s manpower? Let us know in the comments below. For more news, check out the News Section.

Additional Resources

• Gov. McKee statement
• 2025-S 0359A
• S.359A
• The Reload