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STATE

NEW MEXICO GUN LAWS

In recent years, New Mexico has taken important steps to improve its gun laws, but still has significant room for improvement when it comes to fighting gun violence. 

Scorecard Grade

B-
B-
Gun Law Strength Rank
20of50
Gun Death Rate Rank
2of50
Gun Deaths Per 100K
26.6
View Scorecard

In 2019, New Mexico enacted laws requiring a background check for nearly all firearm sales and prohibiting many people subject to domestic violence convictions or court orders from accessing guns. In 2024, New Mexico had the second highest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 544 people die from gun violence in the state. That means someone dies from gun violence every 16 hours. Fifty-six percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 38% are gun homicides. In New Mexico, the rate of gun deaths increased 43% from 2015 to 2024, compared to a 15% increase nationwide.

What New Mexico Does Well

  • Universal background checks
  • Extreme risk protection orders
  • Certain domestic violence gun laws
  • Child access prevention law

What New Mexico Is Missing

  • Gun owner licensing
  • Assault weapon restrictions
  • Strong concealed carry law
  • Open carry regulations
  • Community violence intervention funding
  • Lost & stolen firearm reporting
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SPOTLIGHT

GUN VIOLENCE STATISTICS

Explore facts, figures, and original analysis compiled by our experts. To end our gun violence crisis, we need to better understand where, how, and why violence occurs.

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JOIN THE FIGHT

Nearly 47,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every year. In communities, courts, and ballot boxes nationwide, GIFFORDS fights to save lives from gun violence. Will you join us?