New Jersey legal term
Antique firearm in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Antique firearm” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Antique firearm” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Antique firearm" means any rifle or shotgun and "antique cannon" means a destructive device defined in paragraph (3) of subsection c. of this section if the rifle, shotgun, or destructive device, or replica thereof, as the case may be, is incapable of being fired or discharged or which does not fire fixed ammunition, regardless of date of manufacture, or was manufactured before 1898 for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available, and is possessed as a curiosity or ornament or for its historical significance or value. b. (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.