The Oregon Assault Weapons Ban Guide: Are They Legal?
While there is no statewide Oregon assault weapons ban as of 2025, there have been many efforts to enact stricter measures to reduce gun violence. For example, in November of 2022, Oregon voters narrowly approved Ballot Measure 114, known as the Reduction of Gun Violence Act. This measure, however, has been entangled in legal disputes and has not been enacted.
So are assault weapons legal in Oregon? Read our guide to learn about assault weapons and whether or not they are legal.
Oregon Assault Weapons Ban
Is there an Oregon assault weapons ban? Not specifically, but recent laws aim to tighten gun restrictions in the state. Ballot Measure 114 requires permits for firearm purchases and bans the sale, transfer, and importation of magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. A federal judge recently ruled that the law does not violate the constitution, but the legal disputes are still ongoing and the measure has not been enacted.
Additionally, in 2023, the Oregon House of Representatives passed a firearms bill that sought to reshape the state’s gun regulations. The bill bans “ghost guns,” or guns without serial numbers, raises the minimum age for buying certain guns like semiautomatic guns, and lets local agencies ban weapons in government-owned buildings.
What Is an Assault Weapon in Oregon?
Oregon state law does not currently define what is considered an assault weapon. There have been legislative efforts and proposals in the past, and the term generally refers to semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with certain military-style features.
Common features used to define an “Assault Weapon” in proposals include:
Rifles (such as AR-15 style firearms): Semiautomatic operation, detachable magazine, and features like pistol grips, folding stocks, flash suppressors, etc.
Pistos: Semiautomatic operation, accepts a detachable magazine, and has features like a threaded barrel, second pistol grip, or a barrel shroud.
Shotguns: Semiautomatic operation and has features like a revolving cylinder, pistol grip, or folding stock.
While there is currently no Oregon assault weapons ban, Measure 114 focuses on magazine capacity limits rather than banning specific firearms.
What Types of Firearms Can You Own?
In Oregon, you can legally own a wide range of firearms, as the state generally follows federal gun laws. Here’s a breakdown of the types of firearms you can own:
Handguns (Pistols and revolvers): Oregon allows residents 21 and older to own and carry handguns. No permit is required for ownership, but a concealed handgun license if required to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public.
Rifles and shotguns: Bolt-action, level-action, and semiautomatic rifles and shotguns are all legal. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase from a licensed dealer. No permit is required for ownership. While there are no Oregon assault weapons bans, Measure 114, if ruled constitutional, will limit high-capacity magazines.
Assault-style rifles (AR-15s, AK-47s, etc.): Oregon allows semiautomatic rifles with military-style features.
NFA (Class III) Firearms (With ATF Approval): Oregon allows ownership of certain firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and machine guns manufactured before 1986. However, you must register with the ATF and pay a $200 tax stamp.
What Types of Firearms Can You Not Own in Oregon?
While there is no specific Oregon assault weapons ban, there are some guns that are illegal to own, including:
Ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms: Ghosts guns (those without serial numbers) and 3D-printed guns are illegal as of 2024. These guns cannot be traced and pose a threat to public safety.
Fully Automatic Firearms (Machine guns): Any fully automatic gun manufactured after May 19, 1986 is illegal to own. You can purchase machine guns manufactured before then, but you must register with the ATF and obtain a tax stamp.
Unregistered short-barreled rifles and shotguns: Both short-barreled rifles and shotguns must be registered with the ATF. This includes barrel lengths under 16 inches for a rifle or 18 inches for a shotgun.
Armor-piercing ammunition: While not a type of gun per se, armor-piercing ammunition is illegal in Oregon.
Oregon Assault Weapons Ban Conclusion
While there is no Oregon assault weapons ban as of yet, Oregon has passed some recent laws trying to tighten gun restrictions. The measures focus on restricting magazine capacity and banning ghost guns.
Looking for legal advice regarding assault weapons or gun rights in Oregon? Powell Law can help. With our years of experience in Portland and the surrounding areas, we have the expertise to advise you on Oregon laws. Whether you’re trying to get your gun rights restored or defend yourself against gun-related charges, we’ll listen to your story and do our best to protect your second-amendment rights.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
