Connecticut

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Connecticut

This jurisdictional hub aggregates FRC holdings related to Connecticut. It supports research on the state’s firearms history, technology, law, policy, and culture from the colonial period through statehood to the present.

Legal sources: statutes and session laws, administrative code, attorney general opinions, appellate decisions, and select municipal ordinances.
Historical materials: newspapers, photographs, maps, catalogs, armory and manufacturing records (e.g., Hartford–New Haven corridor), and oral histories tied to Connecticut people and places.
Research outputs: technical reports, academic studies, training manuals, and curated datasets relevant to the state.

Cite the Firearms Research Center and the item’s handle/DOI when using materials. Rights and licensing vary by item.

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Acts and Laws of the State of Connecticut in America 144-50 (1786)
(1788)
"[A]ll male Persons, from sixteen Years of Age to Forty-five, shall constitute the Military Force of this State." Although not part of "the military force," all "Householders under fifty-five Years of Age" had to "be furnished at their own Expence" with the same arms as the militia. These arms were "a well fixed Musket, the Barrel not less than three Feet and an Half long, and a Bayonet fitted thereto, with a Sheath and Belt or Strap for the same." Militiamen, males under fifty-five, and householders also needed a ramrod, worm, priming-wire, and cartridge box with "fifteen rounds of Cartridges, made with good Musket Powder and Ball, fitting his Gun." Also needed were "six good Flints" and "one Canteen holding not less than three Pints." Light-Dragoons (horsemen) had to have "a Case of good Pistols…one Pound of good Powder, three Pounds of sizable Bullets, twelve Flints, a good pair of Boots and Spurs."
1 Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 2, 79 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1644)
(1665)
Prohibited the repairing, selling, and giving "any Indian" a gun or ammunition, punishable by fine.
1 Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 351 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1646)
(1660)
"This Court orders, that ifany Indians shal bring in Guns into any o fthe Townes in this Coll: It shal be lawful for any on eof ye English to seize on their guns, and to keep them until there be 10s. a piece brought to redeem each gun, wch shal be devided, one half to ye Treasurie, the other half to ye seazer."
1 Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 542-43 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1650)
(1650)
Required all persons above sixteen years old to bear arms. All males will have a musket or other gun in continual readiness and fit for service.
1 Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 113-14 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1644)
(1644)
§ 130: Prohibited selling or trading "to the Indeans," nor any Dutch or Frenchman any guns, pistols, and other warlike instruments. Violators fined "twenty for one" and corporal punishment at the court's discretion.
1 Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 529-30 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1650)
(1642)
"It is Ordered that no man wthin this Jurisdictn shall, directly or indirectly, amend, repaire, or cause to be amended or repaired, any gun smale or greate, belonging to any Indean, nor shall indeavor the same, nor shall sell nor giue to any Indean, directly nor indirectly, any such gun, or any gunpowder or shott or lead or shott mould, or any millitary wepons, armor or arrowe heads, nor sell nor barter any such, vppon payne of ten pownd fyne for euery offence att lest, and the Court shall [have] power to [increase] the fine or to impose corporal( punishement where a fyne cannot be had, at their discretion."
1 Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 138 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1646)
(1646)
("The Court [desires] that the Comissio[ners] should be [moved] that noe ]Ammuition] should be traded wth any that [live] out of the Jurisdictions in combination, whereby [it] might supply the Indeans. and that some consideration be taken to [restrain] Roade lland fro[m] trading w[i]th the in such kynd." [some antique spelling modernized])
1 The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 95-96 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1643)
(1643)
Required each family to bring arms to church every Sabbath and lecture day.
Franklin Bowditch Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College: May 1745-May 1763, Annals 8 (1745)
(1745)
Prohibited any scholar from keeping or discharging a gun or pistol in the College.
1 The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 196 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1646)
(1646)
"It is ordered, that no man within this iurisdiction shall, directly or indirectly, amend, repair, or cause to bee amended or repaired, any gun, small or greate, belonging to any Indian, nor shall endevour the same, nor shall sell or give to any Indian, directly or indirectly, any such gun, or any gunpowder, or shott, or leade, or shot moulde, or any millitary weopons, or armour, vpon paine of ten pound fine for ev'y offence at least,& that the Court of Assistants shall have power to increase the fine or to impose corporall punishment wheare a fine cannot bee had, at their discretion."
Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven: From 1638 To 1649, at 201-02 (Charles J. Hoadly ed., 1857) (enacted 1646)
(1646)
"ho shall dwell or sojourne wthin this plantation, or any part of the bownds & limitts of it for a month together,shalbe &. continew at all times compleatly furnished wth armes, vizd a good serviceable gunne, a good sword,bandeleeres, a rest, all to be allowed by the military officers, one pownd ofgood gun powder, fower pownd of bullets, either fitted for his gunne or pistollbulletts, wth fower faddome of match fit for service wth every matchlocke, & 4 or5 good flints fitted for every firelock peece, all in good order & ready for any suddayne occassion, service or veiw, vnder the penaltie of10s fine, tobe paid by or for euery person, so oft as he shalbe fownd defective & faulty; each master or governour paying not only forhimselfe,but for all such as are vnder his chardge, for whome he should provide, & others to payfor themselues."
3 Resolves & Private Laws of the State of Connecticut 334 (1857)
(1836)
Ch. 1, § 20: Authorizing the local court of common counsel to prohibit and regulate the storage of gun powder.
Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven: From 1638 To 1649, at 25-26 (Charles J. Hoadly ed., 1857) (enacted 1639)
(1639)
Itt is ordered thatt every one that beares armes shall be compleatly furnished wth armes (viz), a muskett, a sworde, bandaleers, a rest, a pound of powder, 20 bullets fitted to least, and be ready to show them in the markett place vpon Munday the 16th of this Moneth before Captaine Turner and Leivtennant Seely vnder the pena
Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven: From 1638 To 1649, at 131-32 (Charles J. Hoadly ed., 1857) (enacted 1644)
(1644)
One quarter of each plantation's militia will attend church services with "arms compleat" with five to six charges of powder, firelocks, and shot. Penalty of two shillings for neglect and one shilling for late arrival.
Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven: From 1638 To 1649, at 96-97 (Charles J. Hoadly ed., 1857) (enacted 1643)
(1643)
Itt is ordered thatt every male, fr? 16 yeares olde to sixty, wthin this jurisdict?, shall be forthwth furnished of a good gun or muskett, a pound of good pouder,4 fathom of match 97 for a match-lock, and 5 or 6 good flints, fitted for every fyre lock, and 4 pound of pistoll bulletts, or 24 bulletts fitted to their guns, and so continue furnished fromtime to time,vnder the penalty of 10s fine vpon every defect in any of the forenamed perticulars
Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven: From 1638 To 1649, at 132 (Charles J. Hoadly ed., 1857) (enacted 1646)
(1646)
"Itt was ordered, thatt a 4th part of the trayned band in every plantati? shall come to the publique worps of God att the beating of the 2d drum att furthest, wth their armes compleat, their guns ready charged, wth their match for their matchlocks and flints ready fitted in their firelocks, & shott & pouder for att least 5 or 6 charges, (besides their charge in their guns ) vnder the penalty of 2s fine for neglect or defect in furniture,"
15 The Public Records Of The Colony Of Connecticut 191 (Charles J. Hoadly ed., 1890) (enacted 1775)
(1775)
Prohibited the exportation of salt petre, nitre, or gun powder out of the colony by land or water. Violators fined twenty pounds for every hundred weight of salt petre, nitre, or gun powder.
By-Laws of the City of New Haven 15 (1840)
(1827)
Title XI - Gunpowder: Prohibited, directly or indirectly, selling or delivering any gunpowder, or to have, store, or keep any quantity of gunpowder greater than one pound weight. The Court of Common Council shall have the power to license the sale, having, storing, and keeping gunpowder up to seven pounds in weight, and stored in a tin canister.
1845 Conn. Pub. Acts 10
(1845)
An Act Prohibiting the Firing of Guns and Other Fire Arms in the City of New Haven, ch. 10: Prohibited the discharge of any gun or other firearm of any kind within the city limits of New Haven. Violators fined seven dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding thirty days.
A By-Law in relation to the Firing of Guns and Pistols, ch. 26 in The By-Laws of the City of New London, with the Statute Laws of the State of Connecticut Relative to Said City (1835)
(1835)
Prohibited the discharge of any gun or pistol within the limits of the city. Violators fined two dollars. Minors who discharge guns or pistols, or explode fireworks, shall be held liable with the fine recoverable from the parent or guardian.
1858 Conn. Acts 62
(1858)
An Act in Addition to and in Alteration of "An Act For Forming And Conducting The Military Force," chap. 82, § 5: Prohibited the creation of any booth, shed, tent, or other temporary erection for the sale of intoxicating liquors or spirits within one mile of any military parade ground, muster field, or encampment. Also prohibited any such structure for the purposes of gambling. Any such structure shall be first warned to vacate immediately. Violators will be declared a nuisance, with authorities given permission to pull down or destroy said structure.
1859 Conn. Acts 62
(1858)
An Act In Addition To And In Alteration Of "An Act For Forming And Conducting The Military Force," chap. 82, § 7: Required the quarter-master general to inspect armories and gun houses of the several companies and regimental bands, and report the condition of the same. Also required the reporting on which companies are entitled to the allowance for armory rent.
The Public Records Of The State Of Connecticut: From May 1778 to April 1780, at 271-272 (Charles J. Hoadley ed., 1895)
(1779)
Prohibiting challenging another to fight with a sword, pistol, rapier, or other dangerous weapon. The person challenging shall forfeit one thousand pounds and give sureties for good behavior during life. Violators also prohibited from holding any office of "profit or honor under this State." Failure to pay the fine shall lead to imprisonment for one full year.
1799 Conn. Acts 511-13
(1799)
Imposed fines for non-appearance of militia muster and deficiencies of Arms, An Act For The Militia, § 4: Ammunition, and Accoutrements. Violators of non-appearance as NCOs, drummers, fifers, or trumpeters at three dollars for each day's battalion or regiment exercise. The same fined at one dollar and fifty cents for company exercise and inspection. Privates fined at two dollars for non-appearance on days of regimental or battalion exercises. For neglect, privates fined at one dollar per day. For deficiencies in each gun or pair of pistol, violators fined seventy-five cents. For deficiencies in each sword, bayonets, or cartridge boxes, violators fined fifty cents.For other articles required by law, violators fined twenty-five cents.
Conn. Const. art. I, § 15
(1818)
Declared every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and the State.
An Act for regulating and ordering the Troops that are, or may be raised, for the Defence of this Colony, Article 19 (11 May, 1775)
(1775)
When a commissioned officer is found drunk on duty, he shall be dismissed from service dishonorably. Non-commissioned officers and soldiers shall be sentenced according to a regimental court-martial.
Revision of 1875: The General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of Connecticut 529 (1875)
(1832)
§ 27: individuals who refuse to remove any gun-powder when legally requests by the selectmen of the town where the powder is deposited or kept shall forfeit fifty dollars.
1784 Conn. Acts 18
(1784)
An Act For The Punishment of Burglary And Robbery: Prohibited the burglary of any dwelling house or shop where goods, wares, and merchandise are deposited. Also prohibited robbery of any person in the Field of Highway through abuse, force, violence, or doing so armed with any dangerous armour or weapon. Violators punished with death.
1847 Conn. Acts 11
(1847)
An Act Relating To Cemeteries, chap. 9: Prohibited the discharge of any gun or other firearm within any cemetery. Violators fined not exceeding one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both at the discretion of the court.
1832 Conn. Acts 391-92
(1832)
An Act Regulating the Mode Of Keeping Of Gunpowder, Chap. 25, § 1-2: Empowered the select-men of each and eer town within the state to remove quantities of gunpowder from the limits of their town to a place specified in the select-men's order as safe and convenient.
H. Huntington Jr., The Public Statute Laws of the State of Connecticut 105 (1824)
(1824)
§ 52: Prohibited challenging another, or accepting any such challenge, to duel with a sword, pistol, rapier, or other dangerous weapon. Violators fined a sum of three thousand dollars and required to give sureties for good behavior during life, and be disabled from holding any office of profit or honor. Inability to pay the fine shall lead to one year imprisonment.
1 Zephaniah Swift, A Digest of the Laws of the State of Connecticut 552 (1822)
(1822)
Chapter X, Trespass on the Case: Required guns to be made innoxious before transferring to an "incautious person."
1775 Conn. Acts 413
(1775)
Provided that a sufficient supply of arms to be procured for the benefit of inhabitants of households and other persons not on the militia roll. Every person for whom any arm shall be impressed shall be paid four shilling for its use. Users shall be fined four shilling if they lose the arm.
1723 Conn. Acts 292
(1723)
Prohibited the prosecution of "any Indian" for gun or ammunition except by a particular Court, requiring the guns be forfeited.
1 The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut 15 (J. Hammond Trumbull ed., 1850) (enacted 1637)
(1637)
It is ordered that all prsons shall beare Armes that are aboue the age of sixteene yeeresm except they doe tender a sufficient excuse [to] the Corte & the Cort allowe the same

Connecticut

Connecticut

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