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.
The state processes background checks through state databases for handguns but doesn’t require background checks for private sales. In 2021, Wisconsin’s had the 15th lowest gun death rate among the states. Wisconsin also supplied crime guns to other states at the 17th lowest rate among the states.
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 LAW SCORECARD
The data is clear: states with stronger gun laws have less gun violence. See how your state compares in our annual ranking.
Read MoreEXPLORE WISCONSIN’S GUN LAWS
WHO CAN HAVE A GUN
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
GUNS IN PUBLIC
HARDWARE & AMMUNITION
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
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We’re in this together. To build a safer America—one where children and parents in every neighborhood can learn, play, work, and worship without fear of gun violence—we need you standing beside us in this fight.
