When I first moved to New Mexico and walked into a local gun shop near Albuquerque, I'll admit I felt totally unprepared. The clerk asked about my ID and started explaining background check rules that sounded like another language. Truth is, New Mexico's firearm regulations aren't always intuitive - that's why I spent weeks digging through statutes and talking to attorneys to create this plain-English guide.

Buying Guns in New Mexico: What You Must Know

Here's the reality: New Mexico has some specific hoops you'll need to jump through. I learned this the hard way when trying to buy my first handgun here last year.

Who Can Legally Buy Firearms?

You'll need to clear these basic requirements to purchase any firearm in NM:

• Be at least 18 for rifles/shotguns, 21 for handguns (federal law)
• Provide valid state-issued photo ID with current address
• Pass the mandatory background check - no exceptions
• Not be under indictment for felony charges
• No active restraining orders or domestic violence convictions

One thing that surprised me? New Mexico doesn't require firearm registration. When I bought my Glock 19 from Ron Peterson's in Albuquerque, they just processed the background check and sent me on my way - no paperwork beyond the federal Form 4473.

The Background Check Process Step-by-Step

Here's exactly what happens when you buy from a licensed dealer (like I did at Buckhorn Guns in Santa Fe):

Honestly, the waiting period can be annoying. My buddy got delayed for three days last month buying a hunting rifle at Gallup Guns because someone with a similar name had a felony record. Just budget extra time if you're buying before hunting season.

Carrying Firearms in New Mexico

This is where things get tricky with New Mexico firearm laws. Let me break down the concealed vs open options based on my CCW class experience.

Concealed Carry Laws (CCW)

You absolutely need a permit to conceal carry in NM. The process isn't quick:

• Training Requirement: 15-hour course from certified instructor (costs $100-$200)
• Application: Submit to local sheriff's office with fingerprints and $56 fee
• Processing Time: Takes 30-60 days currently
• Reciprocity: NM recognizes permits from 24 states (but NOT Arizona's)

I took my class at Calibers in Albuquerque - full day on Saturdays covering laws and range time. The instructor emphasized that even with a CCW, you can't carry into places serving alcohol like restaurants. Learned that the hard way when I had to walk back to my car at Frontier Restaurant!

Open Carry Regulations

Here's where New Mexico firearms laws get simpler: open carry is legal without a permit statewide if you're 19+. But practically speaking:

Personal opinion? Open carrying in downtown Santa Fe might technically be legal, but you'll get uncomfortable stares from tourists. Not worth the hassle in my experience.

Where You Cannot Carry Firearms in New Mexico

New Mexico firearm restrictions get serious in these locations - mess this up and you're facing felony charges.

• Schools & Universities: Complete ban within 1,000 ft of school property (NMSA §30-7-2.1)
• Government Buildings: No firearms in courthouses, police stations, or state offices
• Bars & Restaurants: Illegal to carry if alcohol sales exceed 60% of total revenue
• Tribal Lands: Navajo Nation and Pueblo lands prohibit all firearms without tribal permits
• Private Businesses: Signs stating "No Firearms" carry force of law (§30-14-6)

I saw a guy get arrested at the Bernalillo County Courthouse last year for forgetting his pocket knife. Court security doesn't play around with New Mexico firearm restrictions.

Transporting Firearms Legally

Driving with guns in New Mexico requires knowing these rules cold:

Vehicle Transportation Rules

• Handguns: Must be unloaded and in closed container (glove box counts)
• Long Guns: No specific transport laws beyond federal requirements
• Ammunition: Should be stored separately from firearms

Look, I get why people get confused. "Closed container" isn't perfectly defined in the statute. My attorney friend suggested using a zippered case - not just tossing it under the seat. Saves headaches during traffic stops.

Federal Transport Protections

Remember federal law (FOPA) protects passage through states if:

• Firearms are unloaded and locked
• Ammo is stored separately
• You're traveling between locations where possession is legal

But here's the kicker: New Mexico doesn't have "through passage" exceptions like some states. If you exit the interstate, FOPA protections might not apply according to a State Police officer I spoke with.

Special Firearms and Accessories Restrictions

New Mexico firearm laws treat certain weapons differently:

Assault Weapons Laws

Despite rumors, New Mexico doesn't ban specific firearms by name. But:

• No state bans on AR-15s or similar semi-automatics
• Bernalillo County has local restrictions on assault weapon sales
• Cities like Las Cruces have considered local bans (currently blocked)

Magazine Capacity Limits

Currently no statewide restrictions. You can legally own:

• Standard capacity magazines (30 rounds for AR-15)
• Drum magazines (50-100 rounds)
• Any size pistol magazines

But honestly, those 100-round drums jam constantly at the range. Stick with 30-round PMAGs unless you enjoy clearing malfunctions.

Self-Defense Laws in New Mexico

Understanding use-of-force rules is critical for firearm owners:

Castle Doctrine

New Mexico has strong home protection laws (NMSA §30-2-6):

• No duty to retreat in your home
• Presumption of reasonable fear for intruders
• Covers dwellings, vehicles, and workplaces

Stand Your Ground

Contrary to popular belief, New Mexico does NOT have pure stand your ground. You must prove:

• Retreat wasn't safely possible
• Force was immediately necessary
• Threat involved deadly force (not just shouting)

Remember that high-profile case in Hobbs last year? Guy shot someone who threatened him in a parking lot. Prosecutors argued he could've driven away. Castle Doctrine is clearer than stand your ground in New Mexico firearm laws.

New Mexico Firearms Laws FAQs

Can I carry a loaded gun in my vehicle?

Only with a valid CCW permit. Without one, firearms must be unloaded in closed containers. Ammo must be separate from long guns.

Are there ammunition restrictions?

No statewide limits, but armor-piercing handgun ammo is federally restricted. Some ranges ban steel-core bullets that damage backstops.

Do New Mexico gun laws apply on federal land?

Federal rules supersede state laws in national forests and BLM land. Target shooting is usually allowed unless posted otherwise.

What's the penalty for carrying where prohibited?

Fourth-degree felony (up to 18 months jail time) for places like schools. Misdemeanor for violating business signage.

Are antique guns regulated?

Firearms made before 1899 are exempt from background checks. But that flintlock replica still can't go into courthouses.

Can I sell guns privately?

Only through FFL dealers who run background checks since 2019. Private sales without checks are felonies.

Staying Compliant With Changing Laws

Since the 2019 background check expansion, New Mexico firearm regulations shift regularly. Just last session, they debated:

• Red flag law proposals (temporarily shelved)
• Child access prevention bills (didn't pass)
• Changes to CCW training requirements

My advice? Bookmark the DPS Concealed Carry page and check it quarterly. Or better yet, join the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association for updates. Their email alerts saved me when Bernalillo County changed local transport rules last spring.

Final thought? New Mexico strikes a decent balance between rights and safety with its firearms laws. Sure, the concealed carry process is bureaucratic, and those school zone restrictions can catch you off guard. But compared to neighbors like Colorado, we've got reasonable rules. Just stay educated, store your guns responsibly, and maybe avoid open-carrying in Santa Fe Plaza during tourist season.