New Jersey legal term
Handgun in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Handgun” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Handgun” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Handgun" means any pistol, revolver, or other firearm originally designed or manufactured to be fired by the use of a single hand. l. (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.