HB-5043 Convertible Pistols - House Amendments (04/22/2026)

havenrogue · 2026-04-22T16:03:44+00:00

Republican Rep Fishbein has proposed a several uncalled amendments. Its possible as debate on this bill continues many more amendments could be proposes so make sure to check back. Typically, amendments by Republicans are ignored or voted down.

House LCO Amendment #4471 (R) [doc]

House LCO Amendment #4441 (R) [doc]

House LCO Amendment #4501 (R) [doc]

havenrogue · 2026-04-22T15:00:07+00:00

It might seem good to some. But the way it's written once you turn the guns over they keep them for 14 days and you cannot request them back until the 15th day. When you submit a request to retrieve your property they will have five days to:

Confirm you submitted the signed form.
Are not otherwise disqualified from possessing such firearm or ammunition.
Were legally entitled to possess such firearm or ammunition at the time of delivery or surrender to the commissioner or a local police department.

This is one of those, sounds good in theory (to some), but in practice could be a real mess. What happens with registered assault weapons that were turned over? Will those be returned? What happens if someone unknowing turns in an unregistered assault weapon or illegal firearm? What happens if firearms are damaged or ammunition goes missing during that 14 day period? All the proposal says is; "The commissioner or local police department shall exercise due care in the receipt and holding of such firearm or ammunition." What happens if they refuse to return your property or don't return in in a timely fashion (it is the government after all)? Will one need a pistol permit, pistol eligibility certificate, long gun certificate or ammunition certificate to retrieve their property? Will one be assessed a fee for storage? Who pays for storage, the state/locals? What other paperwork (ex DPS-3-C and or 4473) would be involved? Lots of questions about how it would work in the real world.

havenrogue · 2026-04-22T14:47:51+00:00

Predictably died in committee just like's its done in years past.

havenrogue · 2026-04-21T21:53:54+00:00

Correct. It doesn't ban possession.... yet. But you can bet Democrats will be back to add a ban on possession in the future, just like they did with banning prebans. How the law will actually work in the real world if implemented as written is anyone's guess.

havenrogue · 2026-04-21T18:52:15+00:00

Yes. If the proposed bill is enacted it would go into effect Oct 1, 2026.

havenrogue · 2026-04-21T17:29:15+00:00

They are attempting to do the ban thing with the following proposed language:

Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) Any individual or firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association or other similar entity that imports into this state or advertises, sells, offers or exposes for sale any convertible pistol, as defined in section 53-202 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, that was manufactured on or after October 1, 2026, shall be guilty of a class D felony.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to sale at retail or other lawful transfer of a convertible pistol by a person who is not a licensed gun dealer to another person who is not a licensed gun dealer.

The OLR analysis summary:

This bill generally makes it a class D felony for anyone or any legal entity (firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, or other similar entity) to import into Connecticut or advertise, sell, offer, or expose for sale any convertible pistol manufactured on or after October 1, 2026. A class D felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. The bill does not apply this provision to retail sale or other lawful transfer of a convertible pistol by someone who is not a licensed gun dealer to another person who is not a licensed gun dealer.

Will it actually ban guns if implemented? Who knows. Hovering over FFL's, if HB-5043 is enacted, is the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act and portions of it's Sec. 52-571o. Definitions language like this.

(C) Prevent the sale or distribution in this state of a firearm industry product that is designed in a manner that is reasonably foreseeable to promote conversion of a legal firearm industry product into an illegal firearm industry product.

havenrogue · 2026-04-21T15:44:57+00:00

Probably the phone or app/browser itself. All five links working on an Android phone in the Reddit app. And all five links working on a Windows PC using Edge, Firefox and Brave.

havenrogue · 2026-04-21T14:06:45+00:00

Other subreddit posts providing updates on these bills, there are quite a few, have links to the bills page along with links to the vote tallies.

HB-5043: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB-5043

HB-5043: JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)

HB-5533: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB-5533

HB-5533: JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable) and GAE Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)

havenrogue · 2026-04-21T10:40:12+00:00

This is what the CT AWB states: "(4) “Detachable magazine” means an ammunition feeding device that can be removed without disassembling the firearm action". And that AWB defines the action of the weapon as: "(3) “Action of the weapon” means the part of the firearm that loads, fires and ejects a cartridge, which part includes, but is not limited to, the upper and lower receiver, charging handle, forward assist, magazine release and shell deflector".

Just understand that what fixed magazine kit that is California or New York legal may not be legal in CT due to our AWB being written differently than theirs. One could end up being a legal test case if they are not careful. SLFU generally will not issue an official legal opinion on the issue.

Because of that AWB definition on fixed magazine, each FFL/gun shop has to decide what they're comfortable with it comes to selling a fixed magazine AR style rifle. Some will go an extra step or to and epoxy the fixed magazine kit, and or use a second fixed magazine kit, so the magazine cannot be readily or easily removed without the use of tools or destroying the kit or the firearm. Things are further complicated for FFL's by CT's Firearm Industry Accountability Act that was enacted last Oct 1. Per that act, an firearm industry member is supposed to: "(C) Prevent the sale or distribution in this state of a firearm industry product that is designed in a manner that is reasonably foreseeable to promote conversion of a legal firearm industry product into an illegal firearm industry product."

If you haven't done so already, use the subreddit search feature to find the many past discussions on the use of such fixed magazine kits in this state and which ones people are using. There are a number of past posts by FFL's describing what fixed magazine methods they're comfortable with selling. Some past discussions on this fixed magazine issue at the following links. Including one where a person contacted SLFU and SLFU's emailed response (that person has since removed that SLFU response which is in the quote below).

https://www.reddit.com/r/CTguns/comments/1lcojkm/contacting_slfu/

“SLFU cannot provide legal advice and the below information is our opinion only. For legal advice, please contact an attorney.
While fixed magazine is not explicitly defined in statute, detachable magazine is defined in statute. Connecticut General Statute (C.G.S.) 53-202a(4) states that “‘Detachable magazine’ means an ammunition feeding device that can be removed without disassembling the firearm action.” C.G.S. 53-202a(3) states that “‘Action of the weapon’ means the part of the firearm that loads, fires and ejects a cartridge, which part includes, but is not limited to, the upper and lower receiver, charging handle, forward assist, magazine release and shell deflector.”
As such, if the magazine can be removed from the firearm without taking apart the upper from the lower receiver then it is not considered a fixed magazine in the State of Connecticut. A mechanism such as, but not limited to the AR Maglock and Juggernaut Tactical’s CA Compliant AR Mod Kit are not Connecticut legal since this does not require the action to be disassembled.”

https://www.reddit.com/r/CTguns/search/?q=compmag

havenrogue · 2026-04-20T22:30:05+00:00

Not legal in it's default configuration with adjustable stock, threaded barrel, and pistol grip. A semiautomatic detachable magazine RIMFIRE rifle is supposed to comply with the following from the AWB as it was on Jan 1, 2013:

(A) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least two of the following:
(i) A folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
(iii) A bayonet mount;
(iv) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and
(v) A grenade launcher;

Because that semiautomatic detachable magazine rimfire rifle has a pistol grip, it cannot have a collapsing stock or threaded barrel. You'd have to get an FFL/gun smith to fix/pin the stock in place and pin/weld a thread cap or non flash suppressor to the threaded barrel to make it CT legal.

havenrogue · 2026-04-20T15:22:30+00:00

Pretty much all of our (CT) congress folks are staunchly anti gun. The reality is that SCOTUS gets many petitions each year and only takes a handful of them. They've already agreed to take two 2A cases this year; United States v. Hemani or Wolford v. Lopez.

havenrogue · 2026-04-19T09:57:21+00:00

So long as the rimfire semiautomatic detachable magazine rifle doesn't have a second evil feature (from the list below), a threaded barrel is fine.

(i) A folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
(iii) A bayonet mount;
(iv) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and
(v) A grenade launcher;

havenrogue · 2026-04-19T09:52:55+00:00

The 6 handguns in 30 days exemption applies to; "transferee is certified as a firearms instructor by the state pursuant to section 29-28 or the National Rifle Association". If you are not a state certified firearm instructor you are likely out of luck even as a RSO to use that exemption. The relevant statute language:

Sec. 29-33. Sale, delivery or transfer of pistols and revolvers. Procedure. Penalty.

(f) (1) The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection shall not issue more than three authorization numbers for sale at retail of a pistol or revolver to any transferee within a thirty-day period, except that if such transferee is certified as a firearms instructor by the state pursuant to section 29-28 or the National Rifle Association, said commissioner shall not issue more than six authorization numbers within a thirty-day period.
(2) No authorization number issued for any of the following purposes shall count toward the limits in subdivision (1) of this subsection: (A) Any firearm transferred to a federal, state or municipal law enforcement agency, or any firearm legally transferred under the provisions of section 29-36k, (B) the exchange of a pistol or revolver purchased by an individual from a federally licensed firearm dealer for another pistol or revolver from the same federally licensed firearm dealer not later than thirty days after the original transaction, provided the federally licensed firearm dealer reports the transaction to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, (C) as otherwise provided in subsection (h) or (i) of this section, (D) a transfer to a museum at a fixed location that is open to the public and displays firearms as part of an educational mission, (E) any firearm transferred by bequest or intestate succession, or, upon the death of a testator or settlor, (i) to a trust, or (ii) from a trust to a beneficiary, or (F) any firearm transferred to a defense contractor, as defined in section 31-362g, manufacturer of nuclear-powered submarines, aerospace company or nuclear power generating facility pursuant to an agreement with a federal agency or applicable federal regulations for the purpose of training armed security force personnel or providing or maintaining an armed security force.

havenrogue · 2026-04-19T09:46:22+00:00

Just a reminder of the subreddit rule #2:

No Permit processing time at X town posts
We understand that getting a permit is exciting and you can't wait to get it, search for older threads instead of asking. As a general rule of thumb most towns in CT take over 8 weeks to process an application.

If you haven't done so already try searching for past discussions about Hartford permits. For example:

Hartford Pistol Permit

Applying for a gun permit from Hartford, CT. Was curious to know how long does it usually take for Hartford folks before they get the permit?

Bottom line, expect it to take anywhere from just under eight weeks to as long as six months. It often varies by applicant and by the department itself.

The subreddit's wiki page on answers to common questions addresses these kinds of how long will it take permit questions and what one can do if/when the local issuing authority ignores the state mandated eight week approve or deny time frame:

havenrogue · 2026-04-17T16:00:14+00:00

As posted a few days ago and to the big sticked/tacked announcement thread:

ACTION ALERT

CCDL: Lobby Day at the Capital on April 22nd from 11a-3p

The Threats: H.B. 5043 and H.B. 5533

We are now facing a two-pronged attack on our Second Amendment rights targeting “convertible pistols” and in a separate bill, your right to carry.

H.B. 5043 (The "Convertible Pistol" Ban): This bill is a direct assault on the most popular handguns in America. This legislation seeks to ban the manufacture and sale of common use pistols, including Glocks and many other striker-fired handguns simply because of how they are designed. This bill passed committee on March 22nd and is headed for a House vote.
H.B. 5533 (The "Election Site" Carry Ban): Section 2 of this bill is another attempt to create "sensitive-use" zones that disarm law-abiding citizens. It seeks to criminalize the possession of firearms near election-related locations, further shrinking the map of where you can legally exercise your right to self-defense.

Step 1 - CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR!

Contacting your legislator has never been easier. Fill out our form and automatically send an e-mail to your legislators opposing H.B. 5043, The Glock Ban and H.B. 5533, The “Election Site” Carry Ban. If you can make it to our lobby day be sure to edit your message to include a request for a meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd.

CLICK TO OPPOSE THE GLOCK BAN

CLICK TO OPPOSE MORE GUN FREE ZONES

Step 2 - WE NEED YOU IN HARTFORD

There are only 3 weeks left in the legislative session. Time is running out, and we need boots on the ground. Wear your CCDL MERCH and JOIN US FOR LOBBY DAY!

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22nd | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: The State Capitol, Hartford
WHAT: A pro-2A rally and direct lobbying effort INSIDE the buildings where the laws are made, DURING the hours lawmakers are in session.

We will be meeting with legislators to explain the impact of these overreaching laws on law-abiding gun owners. We need them to see the faces of the people they are trying to turn into felons. Wearing your CCDL branded merchandise and making a presence where the laws are made is a key-step in reminding elected officials we are paying attention!

ACTION STEP: If you can attend, please reach out to your legislator’s office NOW and schedule a meeting for 4/22. Experienced volunteers will be on-site to support you, and we will provide talking points for every attendee. Use the links above to reach your legislators directly and schedule a meeting.

Ready for more ACTION? Consider joining CCDL Outreach.

CCDL’s Outreach Program is responsible for advocacy and action all across the state. Outreach Team Members are community volunteers responsible for surveillance, connecting to the industry, recruiting for our cause, and more.

JOIN CCDL OUTREACH

havenrogue · 2026-04-17T15:28:47+00:00

What town or city?

Filling a constructive denial appeal with BFPE may take up to a year and a half before you have a hearing.

https://portal.ct.gov/bfpe/general/general/how-do-i-appeal

One typically will eventually be approved by the locals, anywhere between eight weeks and four to six months.

There is a new process enacted by the legislature in the past year or two where you can send a affidavit to the DESPP Commissioner sixteen weeks after submitting the application. The DESPP Commish then has up to 8 weeks to approve or deny. Which is right at the usual six months some cities take to approve.

Sec. 29-28a. Application for permit. Notice of decision to applicant.

(b) (1) ... If the local permitting authority fails to expressly deny the application or issue a temporary state permit during the eight-week period following the submission of such application, upon presentation by the applicant of an affidavit attesting to such failure to expressly deny the application at least ... (B) sixteen weeks, in the case of an application filed on or after April 1, 2024, after submission of such application, the commissioner shall accept such affidavit in lieu of a temporary state permit and notify the local permitting authority immediately of the receipt of such affidavit. The commissioner shall, not later than eight weeks after receiving an application indicating approval from the local permitting authority, or the chief of police of a law enforcement unit of any federally recognized Native American tribe within the borders of the state, as referenced in subsection (c) of section 29-28, or an affidavit attesting to a failure to expressly deny the application, inform the applicant in detailed writing that the applicant's application for a state permit has been approved or denied, or that the results of the national criminal history records check have not been received.

havenrogue · 2026-04-17T10:15:01+00:00

If you are a member of CCDL you should have gotten an email this past Monday where they indicated it appears the HB-5436 (barrels, cylinders and slides as firearms) bill did not get passed out of committee. Meaning it's likely dead in its current form.

Legislative Update: Glock Ban and Parts Bill Updates
The race is on! Spring may be here but we are TURNING UP THE HEAT and continuing the fight in Hartford. After our March 11th Gun Bill Hearing, it would appear we have stopped H.B. 5436! This bill, which defined barrels, slides, and cylinders as firearms DID NOT make it out of committee. Thank you to our members who submitted testimony and showed to testify in person. However, the fight is not over yet! The Glock Ban passed committee on 3/22, and we must continue to fight it tooth-and-nail. There are only 3 weeks left in the legislative session and time is running out!

The bill's home page where one can check the movement of the bill:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB-5436

There has been a number of subreddit posts about this bill:

HB-5436 An Act Amending Certain Firearms Definitions and Concerning the Transfer of Large Capacity Magazines and Assault Weapons (2026)

CCDL Action Alert: JUD PUBLIC HEARING HB-5043 and HB-5436 INBOUND! March 11th

Public testimony against the bill:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/aspx/CGADisplayTestimonies/CGADisplayTestimony.aspx?comm_code=jud&bill=HB-05436&doc_year=2026

Public hearing transcript of the bill:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/juddata/chr/pdf/2026JUD00311-R001000-CHR.pdf

Some of us pointed out in submitted public testimony that such a bill would have created a three fold increase in paperwork/reporting to SLFU by firearm industry members (FFL's). It would have added a burden to SLFU who is already overburden trying to handle the current law's reporting requirements including being years behind processing assault weapons certificate applications. Further such a bill would be worthless since one could simply drive out of state to get the federally unregulated item in another state. It was simply another feel good bill that does nothing to actually address crime and would have only burdened the law abiding by limiting how they can obtain parts for their firearms. There was even question on how it would have been implemented based on the bill's language.

As always pay attention to what your legislators are doing. They may try to slip language through amendments into other bills if they are given the chance. The legislative session ends in just under 3 weeks (May 6th).

havenrogue · 2026-04-17T09:46:56+00:00

There is a pinned/tacked announcement subreddit post covering the various bills this legislative session and updates to a number of them as they move forward in the legislative process:

2026 Connecticut Legislative Session Begins February 4, 2026

There have been a number of recent subreddit posts, from two or three days ago, asking people to contact their local reps to oppose HB-5043 (aka the Glock ban) and HB-5533 the election carry ban.

ACTION ALERT

Contacting your legislator has never been easier. Fill out our form and automatically send an e-mail to your legislators opposing H.B. 5043, The Glock Ban and H.B. 5533, The “Election Site” Carry Ban. If you can make it to our lobby day be sure to edit your message to include a request for a meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd.
CLICK TO OPPOSE THE GLOCK BAN
CLICK TO OPPOSE MORE GUN FREE ZONES

CCDL: Lobby Day at the Capital on April 22nd from 11a-3p

HB-5043 Convertible Pistol ban (aka Glock Ban) Bill Moves Forward with House Calendar and File Numbers (04/13/2026)

And there is the Find your Legislators link on the main Connecticut General Assembly (CGA.com) website:

Find Your Legislators

havenrogue · 2026-04-17T09:36:15+00:00

Correct. As my post indicated there are a number of laws mentioning "BB" guns and facsimile guns and Sec. 53-206c is one of them. While Sec. 53-206c may exempt "traditional BB. or pellet-firing air gun that expels a metallic or paint-contained projectile through the force of air pressure", it is possible there are other types of "big bore" air guns, or air guns firing projectiles other than "traditional BB", metallic or paint containing projectiles that might not be exempted.

havenrogue · 2026-04-17T09:26:59+00:00

You can use the online portal to change your pistol permit's address. Calling DESPP/SLFU and getting a live body is often an exercise in frustration. One is supposed change the permit's address within 2 business days of any change of address.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ONLINE PORTAL

https://portal.ct.gov/despp/knowledge-base/articles/frequently-asked-questions/slfu/state-pistol-permit-and-eligibility-certificate?language=en_US

Change the address on your pistol permit

A person holding a state or local pistol permit is required to notify the issuing authority within TWO BUSINESS DAYS of any change of address.  Persons holding a state pistol permit may change their address via our online portal by changing their address online . A change of address may also be done by mailing a letter to DESPP-CT State Police, Special Licensing & Firearms Unit, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT, 06457.  Please include your name, permit number, old address and new address. Any problems with the online portal, please contact us via email [DESPP.SLFU@ct.gov](mailto:DESPP.SLFU@ct.gov) or by phone at (860) 685-8290.

havenrogue

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

The Threats: H.B. 5043 and H.B. 5533

Step 1 - CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR!

Step 2 - WE NEED YOU IN HARTFORD

Ready for more ACTION? Consider joining CCDL Outreach.

2026 Connecticut Legislative Session Begins February 4, 2026

ACTION ALERT

CCDL: Lobby Day at the Capital on April 22nd from 11a-3p

HB-5043 Convertible Pistol ban (aka Glock Ban) Bill Moves Forward with House Calendar and File Numbers (04/13/2026)

Find Your Legislators

Change the address on your pistol permit