STATE
WISCONSIN GUN LAWS
While Wisconsin has enacted several basic gun safety laws, the state still lacks a number of key policies that would go a long way toward reducing gun violence.
Scorecard Grade
The state processes background checks through state databases for handguns but doesn’t require background checks for private sales. In 2024, Wisconsin had the 19th lowest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 767 people die from gun violence in the state. That means someone dies from gun violence every 11 hours. Sixty-four percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 33% are gun homicides. In Wisconsin, the rate of gun deaths increased 16% from 2015 to 2024, compared to a 15% increase nationwide.
EXPLORE WISCONSIN’S GUN LAWS
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
What Wisconsin Does Well
- Certain domestic violence gun laws
- Certain child access prevention laws
- State database background checks for handguns
- Certain disarming procedures
- Partial handgun dealer regulation
What Wisconsin Is Missing
- Universal background checks
- Gun owner licensing
- Extreme risk protection orders
- Assault weapon restrictions
- Large capacity magazine ban
- Waiting periods
- Strong concealed carry law
- Open carry regulations
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?