The unconstitutional Delaware "Assault Weapons" ban, which is truly a ban on most commonly used semiautomatic firearms, was passed in June 2022 and is currently being litigated. While we wait for the courts to rule, law abiding gun owners are left wondering, "What can I still buy in Delaware post HB450?" We break the bill down so it is easier to understand, using a flow chart, here. Keep reading to see our favorite "Delaware Compliant" Rifles.
If you are looking to buy a semi-automatic, centerfire rifle in Delaware post HB450, you have two main avenues: A featureless rifle with a detachable magazine, or a rifle with features with a fixed magazine. This article will help explain both options and take a look at our favorite "Delaware-compliant" rifle options.
If you are interested in purchasing a Delaware-compliant Rifle, Make an account on our website and purchase online. In-store pickup is quick and easy. All firearms require a federal background check. We offer free shipping on all orders over $100. If you have questions send us an email.
Avenue 1: Featureless Rifles with Detachable Magazines
What is legal: A featureless rifle with a detachable magazine, must also not be banned by name. A featureless rifle does not have a telescoping or foldable stock, a pistol grip, a vertical foregrip, or a flash suppressor.
Example 1: Springfield M1A is not Delaware legal
We start with the Springfield M1A to illustrate the nuances, as they are completly arbitrary and confusing. Essentially this version of the Springfield M1A fails twice. First, it is banned by name under HB450. Second, this model fails the copycat test due to the flash suppressor counting as a "feature"
Many rifles are labeled California compliant. However, because of HB450’s copycat weapon section banning flash suppressors on centerfire semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines, a lot of these CA compliant models are not legal in Delaware. Delaware’s semi-auto ban is one of, if not the most, restrictive weapons bans in the nation. To demonstrate, let's go back to the Springfield M1A example above. It is California and New Jersey Compliant, yet banned in Delaware both by name, and also under the copycat section (detachable magazine and a flash suppressor)
Example 2: Ruger Mini 14 with folding stock and .223 caliber is not Delaware legal
The Ruger Mini 14 Folding stock model in 223 caliber is banned by name by HB450. Even if the folding stock version were not banned by name, it would fail the copycat section because it has two banned features and a detachable magazine(a flash suppressor and a folding stock).
However the non-folding stock version is not banned by name, and as long as it remains featureless it will pass the copycat weapon section....
Example 3: Ruger Mini 14 is Delaware legal
The Ruger Mini 14 has a detachable magazine and is featureless and is not banned by name thus is is not banned under HB450. Make sure that the version you order does not have a flash suppressor, as that counts as a banned feature and the firearm will thus fail the copycat section.
Example 3: Ruger Mini-Thirty is Delaware Legal
The Ruger Mini-Thirty is not banned by name. It is featureless and thus passes the copycat section. Therefore, it is Delaware Legal under HB450.
Example 4: Ruger PC Carbine is Delaware Legal
The Ruger PC Carbine is not banned by name. It is featureless and thus passes the copycat section. Therefore, it is Delaware Legal under HB450.
Example 5: M1 Carbine is Delaware Legal
The M1 Carbine is not banned by name. It is featureless and thus passes the copycat section. Therefore, it is Delaware Legal under HB450.
Avenue 2: Rifles with Full Features and a Fixed Magazine
What is Legal: A rifle with a fixed mag and features, that is not banned by name,
Example 1: Build your own Rifle (Let us help you with your build, our specialty)
Lower Receivers are legal and building a “Delaware compliant” rifle is easier than you might think, as we offer lower receiver assembly and upper receiver assembly services.
If you want to build a rifle but want us to take care of the difficult parts, let us know and we will make the process easy for you. Generally, you will purchase the lower receiver, and then we will help you decide on a full parts list including the compliance device, and then assemble the lower receiver and upper receiver to your specifications.
Build your rifle however you want, just make sure to use some type of magazine fixing device, such as a bullet button, mag block or comp magazine. Using one of these fixed magazine solutions is our preferred method of compliance because it allows you to still have features on your rifle, which will help you to control your rifle better thus making it safer and more accurate.
Example 1: Son's of Liberty Rifles with Comp Mag Fixed Magazine Solution is Delaware Legal
Sons of Liberty Gun Works makes some of the best rifles on the market. They offer a variety of rifles that come with the CompMag installed, it is a fixed magazine that lets you easily load 10 rounds. The Comp Magazine can be removed using a special tool, included, to allow for cleaning. View all Comp Mag models of SOLGW.
Here is a quick video on how to load a rifle that has the Comp Mag installed:
Example 2: LWRC with Juggernaut Tactical Hellfire quick release takedown pin is Delaware Legal
LWRC manufacturers all of its CA compliant models with the Juggernaut Hellfire Mod Kit quick release takedown pin making them fixed magazine rifles.
Press the Juggernaut button and the upper receiver pops upwards allowing the magazine release function properly. Reload your magazine and then push the handguard up to pop your upper receiver back into place.
Example 3: SKS that uses Stripper Clips is Delaware Legal
SKS that uses stripper clips are considered to have a fixed magazine and are Delaware legal, as they are not banned by name and have a fixed magazine. Interestingly, because it is technically a fixed magazine, features would be allowed, so flash suppressor, grips etc would be acceptable under HB450’s copycat section.
Bonus: Rimfire Rifles with Full Features and Detachable Magazine do not fall under the Delaware Assault Weapon Ban
Rimfire rifles are not mentioned in the bill, thus all rimfire rifles that were previously legal still are. Our two suggestions are the Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 and the Walther Arms Hammerli Tac R1. Many versions ship with 10 round mags, however if you are a Delaware Resident and have your Delaware Concealed Carry permit, contact us and we can help you get the standard capacity mags for your rifles.
Bonus 1: Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 is Delaware Legal
Bonus 2: Walther Hammerli Tac R1 is Delaware Legal
The Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 and the Walther Arms Hammerli Tac R1 are both great rifles for the money. They are affordable and 22LR is an extremely affordable round. The controls are similar to the AR platform, so they are a good alternative for training and drills. Lastly, the 22LR round is quite unimposing, so if you want a rifle that will be a good choice for welcoming new shooters, look no further!
Thanks for reading and exercising your rights. Remember to Join the DSSA, FPC, GOA and SAF. Make sure you are registered to vote and do so! If you have any questions about the article, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us.