New Jersey legal term
Antique handgun in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Antique handgun” 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 handgun” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Antique handgun" means a handgun manufactured before 1898, or a replica thereof, which is recognized as being historical in nature or of historical significance and either (1) utilizes a match, friction, flint, or percussion ignition, or which utilizes a pin-fire cartridge in which the pin is part of the cartridge; or (2) does not fire fixed ammunition or for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available. bb. (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.