Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. Although I am well versed in Michigan state gun laws, and have a strong knowledge of CCW laws as required for CPL classes, I am not an "expert" on all guns laws related to MI. For a complete publication of MI gun laws, review the Firearms Laws of Michigan.
In 2023, Michigan passed several gun safety laws, including an Extreme Risk law (or Red Flag Law) and a secure storage law. It currently has 4 of the 5 foundational gun safety laws in place. While the state has long required a permit to purchase handguns, it also passed a law in 2023 extending this requirement to long gun sales.
Michigan's foundational gun safety laws:
Background Check and/or Purchase Permit Requires Background checks for handgun purchases at point of sale and/or for permit to purchase.
Does the law cover only handgun purchases, or also rifle and shotgun purchases?
All firearms (handguns, rifles, and shotguns)
When is the background check performed?
At the time of permit to purchase
Concealed Carry Permit Required Requires any person who carries a concealed firearm in public to first obtain a permit
Does the state require training?
Yes
Does state training include firing an actual gun?
Yes
Extreme Risk Law - better known as Red Flag Laws Allows law enforcement (and often family members) to petition for a court order to temporarily prevent someone in crisis from accessing guns.
Who may petition for an order?
Law enforcement, family/household members, certain health care providers
Secure Storage or Child Access Prevention Required Requires that firearms be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition in certain circumstances
How does the state define child?
Under 18
Does the state law require storage to prevent access by other prohibited people?
No
Currently Michigan does not have an Assault Weapon ban. I used Assault Weapon only for reference, as AR-15's are most commonly known as an assault weapon. IT IS NOT an assault weapon. It is a semi-automatic tactical long gun. And AR does NOT stand for Assault Weapon. It is a reference to the first manufacturer (Armalite) of this format of rifle.
High capacity magazines are also currently not prohibited. And Michigan also currently doesn't have microstamping for new handguns. Notice I use the phrase "currently" as Michigan is becoming a very anti second amendment state in my mind and instead of focusing on the mental health issues that seem to be at the center of mass shootings, they are focusing on eliminating law abiding citizens rights to own guns as a means of self defense. History has proven time and time again in lower casualties when an armed citizen was able to step up during such a situation.
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