Connecticut has enacted firearm laws that regulate not only complete firearms, but also parts, accessories, magazines, and industry conduct. These laws create strict compliance requirements and expanded civil liability that make it impractical for out-of-state retailers like Arm Or Ally to sell or ship regulated products into Connecticut.
What Is Connecticut’s Firearm Industry Liability Law?
In 2023, Connecticut enacted legislation that allows civil lawsuits against firearm industry members if the sale, marketing, or distribution of firearm-related products is alleged to contribute to a public nuisance or public harm. This law narrows traditional federal protections and allows claims even when a seller complied with federal law.
Official legislative summary:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/ACT/PA/PDF/2023PA-00053-R00HB-06667-PA.PDF
Why Does This Increase Risk for Online Retailers?
Connecticut’s liability framework allows lawsuits based on how a product is marketed or distributed, not just on defects or illegal sales. This means an online retailer could face civil claims arguing that normal sales practices failed to include sufficient controls, even if the product was lawful and sold responsibly.
Defending against these claims can be costly and disruptive, particularly for out-of-state sellers who have limited ability to control downstream use of their products.
Other Connecticut Laws That Add to the Compliance Burden
Connecticut also enforces additional firearm restrictions that complicate shipping and compliance, including:
- Assault weapon restrictions: Connecticut bans the sale and transfer of a broad range of firearms defined as “assault weapons,” with definitions that have expanded over time.
https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-State-Police/Special-Licensing-and-Firearms/Assault-Weapons - Magazine capacity limits: Connecticut restricts magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with strict rules on transfer and possession.
https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-State-Police/Special-Licensing-and-Firearms/Large-Capacity-Magazines - Unserialized and privately made firearm rules: Connecticut regulates unfinished frames, receivers, and privately made firearms, including serialization and registration requirements.
https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-State-Police/Special-Licensing-and-Firearms/Ghost-Guns - Licensing and transfer requirements: Connecticut requires permits and state-level approvals for many firearm and ammunition transactions that exceed standard e-commerce fulfillment models.
https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-State-Police/Special-Licensing-and-Firearms
Is This a Political Decision?
No. This is a business and risk-management decision. Connecticut’s expanded civil liability rules and layered compliance requirements increase cost, operational complexity, and legal exposure for out-of-state retailers beyond what is practical for Arm Or Ally.
Will Arm Or Ally Sell to Connecticut in the Future?
At this time, no. Until Connecticut law becomes clearer, more predictable, and less punitive toward out-of-state sellers, Arm Or Ally does not sell or ship firearms, parts, accessories, or ammunition into Connecticut.
