Gun control laws are designed and implemented, in part, to keep firearms out of the wrong hands. These laws, largely set at the state level, include universal background checks that close the so-called gun show loophole, restrictions for individuals with a history of certain mental health issues, licensing requirements, and bans or restrictions on types of firearms commonly used in mass shootings or other crimes.

24/7 Wall St. Key Points:

• Gun control laws in the U.S. are set largely at the state level. 
• The resulting patchwork of firearm regulations across the 50 states is helping to fuel an interstate market for gun trafficking.
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In the states that have these and other gun control laws, law-abiding citizens still have little difficulty accessing firearms for legitimate, legal purposes. The same cannot be said for those with criminal records seeking to obtain a firearm for the wrong reasons.

In states that have done little to regulate gun sales, however, it can be far easier for prohibited persons to access firearms. These inconsistencies have helped fuel an interstate black market for firearms. The transfer of guns across state borders for illicit purposes is evidenced by tracing data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Federal firearm tracings offer a rough approximation of gun crime. When firearms are recovered at a crime scene or taken from a suspect, they are often reported to the ATF for tracing. In these cases, the ATF assists in criminal investigations by using serial numbers and other markings to determine when and where a firearm was originally purchased. While not all guns traced by the ATF were used in a crime — and not all firearms used for illicit purposes are traced — federal tracing data offers valuable insight into gun violence trends in the United States.

Using 2023 ATF firearm tracing data, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states with the worst gun trafficking problem. States are ranked by the share of firearms traced by the ATF that were originally purchased in a different state.

Among the 50 states, the share of traced firearms that were originally sourced from a different state ranges from 15% to over 80%. The states where the largest share of firearms that were linked to a crime in 2023 were sourced from a different state tend to have strong gun control laws, while many of the states where a relatively small share of traced guns came from out-of-state have adopted a hands-off approach to firearm regulations. (Here is a look at the U.S. states with the highest rates of gun theft.)

The gun violence prevention group Giffords Law Center assigns each state a letter grade rating the strength of their firearm laws. Grades range from “A,” for the states with the strongest laws, to “F,” for the states with the weakest. Of the 10 states where the largest share of traced firearms came from out-of-state, nine have a gun law grade of “A” or “A-“. Meanwhile, eight of the 10 lowest ranking states on this list have a grade of “D-” or lower. (Here is a look at the states with the most restrictive gun laws.)

In addition to their public safety goals, gun control laws have substantial economic implications. The disparities in state-level firearm regulations fuel an illicit market that burdens not only public safety but also the economy. States with weaker laws contribute to increased trafficking, driving up law enforcement and judicial expenses in both the source and receiving states. Furthermore, these illegal activities undermine legitimate businesses, including firearm retailers, and exert pressure on resources geared toward crime prevention and public health.

On the other hand, states with strong gun control laws may see reduced crime-related expenses, potentially fostering a more stable economic environment while improving consumer trust in legal markets. Ultimately, gun policy reform can be a powerful tool in reducing the economic toll of violence and trafficking across the country.

Why It Matters

Gun control laws are put in place, in part, to help keep firearms out of the wrong hands — and in the U.S., these laws are set largely at the state level. While some states have implemented strong gun safety laws, others have not. In theory, criminals will have greater difficulty obtaining a firearm in states where guns are tightly regulated. Partially as a result, in many of the states with strict gun control laws, thousands of guns that are linked to crime are ultimately determined to have originally been purchased in another part of the country.

50. Texas

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 15.0% of traced guns (7,169 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Louisiana; 1,150 guns, 2.4% of all recovered firearms in Texas
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Oklahoma; 497 guns, 1.0% of all recovered firearms in Texas
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Mississippi; 486 guns, 1.0% of all recovered firearms in Texas
• Texas’s gun law strength grade: F

49. Wisconsin

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 15.1% of traced guns (1,074 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Illinois; 180 guns, 2.5% of all recovered firearms in Wisconsin
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Indiana; 83 guns, 1.2% of all recovered firearms in Wisconsin
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 76 guns, 1.1% of all recovered firearms in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin’s gun law strength grade: C

48. Ohio

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 15.6% of traced guns (2,801 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Kentucky; 495 guns, 2.8% of all recovered firearms in Ohio
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Indiana; 305 guns, 1.7% of all recovered firearms in Ohio
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: West Virginia; 216 guns, 1.2% of all recovered firearms in Ohio
• Ohio’s gun law strength grade: D-

47. Alaska

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 15.8% of traced guns (207 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Colorado; 26 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in Alaska
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 15 guns, 1.1% of all recovered firearms in Alaska
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 14 guns, 1.1% of all recovered firearms in Alaska
• Alaska’s gun law strength grade: F

46. Alabama

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 16.0% of traced guns (1,429 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 303 guns, 3.4% of all recovered firearms in Alabama
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 186 guns, 2.1% of all recovered firearms in Alabama
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Mississippi; 171 guns, 1.9% of all recovered firearms in Alabama
• Alabama’s gun law strength grade: F

45. Arizona

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 16.5% of traced guns (1,903 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 237 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in Arizona
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 213 guns, 1.8% of all recovered firearms in Arizona
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: New Mexico; 129 guns, 1.1% of all recovered firearms in Arizona
• Arizona’s gun law strength grade: F

44. Virginia

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 17.5% of traced guns (2,155 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: North Carolina; 364 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in Virginia
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 193 guns, 1.6% of all recovered firearms in Virginia
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 170 guns, 1.4% of all recovered firearms in Virginia
• Virginia’s gun law strength grade: B+

43. Indiana

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 17.6% of traced guns (1,931 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Kentucky; 371 guns, 3.4% of all recovered firearms in Indiana
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Ohio; 204 guns, 1.9% of all recovered firearms in Indiana
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Illinois; 190 guns, 1.7% of all recovered firearms in Indiana
• Indiana’s gun law strength grade: D-

42. Georgia

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 18.1% of traced guns (3,646 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 656 guns, 3.3% of all recovered firearms in Georgia
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Alabama; 583 guns, 2.9% of all recovered firearms in Georgia
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: South Carolina; 435 guns, 2.2% of all recovered firearms in Georgia
• Georgia’s gun law strength grade: F

41. New Hampshire

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 18.8% of traced guns (124 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Maine; 28 guns, 4.2% of all recovered firearms in New Hampshire
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Vermont; 14 guns, 2.1% of all recovered firearms in New Hampshire
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Massachusetts; 13 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in New Hampshire
• New Hampshire’s gun law strength grade: D-

40. Missouri

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 19.1% of traced guns (1,736 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Kansas; 518 guns, 5.7% of all recovered firearms in Missouri
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Illinois; 217 guns, 2.4% of all recovered firearms in Missouri
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 142 guns, 1.6% of all recovered firearms in Missouri
• Missouri’s gun law strength grade: F

39. Florida

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 20.0% of traced guns (6,298 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 1,251 guns, 4.0% of all recovered firearms in Florida
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Alabama; 498 guns, 1.6% of all recovered firearms in Florida
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 451 guns, 1.4% of all recovered firearms in Florida
• Florida’s gun law strength grade: C-

38. Michigan

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 20.8% of traced guns (1,933 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Ohio; 288 guns, 3.1% of all recovered firearms in Michigan
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Indiana; 183 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in Michigan
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Kentucky; 163 guns, 1.8% of all recovered firearms in Michigan
• Michigan’s gun law strength grade: B-

37. South Carolina

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 21.0% of traced guns (2,453 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: North Carolina; 700 guns, 6.0% of all recovered firearms in South Carolina
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 530 guns, 4.5% of all recovered firearms in South Carolina
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 170 guns, 1.5% of all recovered firearms in South Carolina
• South Carolina’s gun law strength grade: F

36. Louisiana

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 21.3% of traced guns (2,602 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 859 guns, 7.0% of all recovered firearms in Louisiana
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Mississippi; 484 guns, 4.0% of all recovered firearms in Louisiana
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Alabama; 203 guns, 1.7% of all recovered firearms in Louisiana
• Louisiana’s gun law strength grade: F

35. North Carolina

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 21.8% of traced guns (5,046 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: South Carolina; 1,322 guns, 5.7% of all recovered firearms in North Carolina
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Virginia; 851 guns, 3.7% of all recovered firearms in North Carolina
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 517 guns, 2.2% of all recovered firearms in North Carolina
• North Carolina’s gun law strength grade: C-

34. Pennsylvania

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 22.3% of traced guns (2,868 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 388 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in Pennsylvania
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Ohio; 259 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in Pennsylvania
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Virginia; 245 guns, 1.9% of all recovered firearms in Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania’s gun law strength grade: B

33. New Mexico

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 22.9% of traced guns (861 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 254 guns, 6.7% of all recovered firearms in New Mexico
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Arizona; 111 guns, 2.9% of all recovered firearms in New Mexico
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Colorado; 77 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in New Mexico
• New Mexico’s gun law strength grade: B-

32. Utah

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 23.0% of traced guns (757 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Arizona; 73 guns, 2.2% of all recovered firearms in Utah
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 69 guns, 2.1% of all recovered firearms in Utah
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 61 guns, 1.9% of all recovered firearms in Utah
• Utah’s gun law strength grade: F

31. Arkansas

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 23.3% of traced guns (615 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 152 guns, 5.8% of all recovered firearms in Arkansas
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Missouri; 62 guns, 2.3% of all recovered firearms in Arkansas
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Tennessee; 57 guns, 2.2% of all recovered firearms in Arkansas
• Arkansas’s gun law strength grade: F

30. Oklahoma

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 23.9% of traced guns (1,050 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 266 guns, 6.1% of all recovered firearms in Oklahoma
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Arkansas; 112 guns, 2.5% of all recovered firearms in Oklahoma
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Missouri; 99 guns, 2.3% of all recovered firearms in Oklahoma
• Oklahoma’s gun law strength grade: F

29. Maine

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 23.9% of traced guns (116 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: New Hampshire; 30 guns, 6.2% of all recovered firearms in Maine
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 18 guns, 3.7% of all recovered firearms in Maine
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Massachusetts; 8 guns, 1.6% of all recovered firearms in Maine
• Maine’s gun law strength grade: C+

28. Iowa

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 24.6% of traced guns (725 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Illinois; 90 guns, 3.1% of all recovered firearms in Iowa
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Missouri; 62 guns, 2.1% of all recovered firearms in Iowa
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Nebraska; 59 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in Iowa
• Iowa’s gun law strength grade: F

27. Mississippi

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 24.8% of traced guns (1,068 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Tennessee; 334 guns, 7.8% of all recovered firearms in Mississippi
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Louisiana; 168 guns, 3.9% of all recovered firearms in Mississippi
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Alabama; 125 guns, 2.9% of all recovered firearms in Mississippi
• Mississippi’s gun law strength grade: F

26. Kentucky

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 25.0% of traced guns (1,839 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Ohio; 346 guns, 4.7% of all recovered firearms in Kentucky
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Indiana; 335 guns, 4.6% of all recovered firearms in Kentucky
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Tennessee; 262 guns, 3.6% of all recovered firearms in Kentucky
• Kentucky’s gun law strength grade: F

25. Montana

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 25.9% of traced guns (354 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Washington; 44 guns, 3.2% of all recovered firearms in Montana
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 29 guns, 2.1% of all recovered firearms in Montana
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Wyoming; 27 guns, 2.0% of all recovered firearms in Montana
• Montana’s gun law strength grade: F

24. Minnesota

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 26.0% of traced guns (1,088 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Wisconsin; 170 guns, 4.1% of all recovered firearms in Minnesota
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: North Dakota; 81 guns, 1.9% of all recovered firearms in Minnesota
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Indiana; 79 guns, 1.9% of all recovered firearms in Minnesota
• Minnesota’s gun law strength grade: B

23. Oregon

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 26.2% of traced guns (1,232 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Washington; 340 guns, 7.2% of all recovered firearms in Oregon
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 164 guns, 3.5% of all recovered firearms in Oregon
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Idaho; 101 guns, 2.1% of all recovered firearms in Oregon
• Oregon’s gun law strength grade: A-

22. Colorado

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 28.0% of traced guns (1,945 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 288 guns, 4.1% of all recovered firearms in Colorado
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Wyoming; 119 guns, 1.7% of all recovered firearms in Colorado
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 117 guns, 1.7% of all recovered firearms in Colorado
• Colorado’s gun law strength grade: A-

21. West Virginia

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 28.6% of traced guns (469 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Ohio; 111 guns, 6.8% of all recovered firearms in West Virginia
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Virginia; 64 guns, 3.9% of all recovered firearms in West Virginia
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Kentucky; 56 guns, 3.4% of all recovered firearms in West Virginia
• West Virginia’s gun law strength grade: F

20. Nevada

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 28.6% of traced guns (1,372 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 244 guns, 5.1% of all recovered firearms in Nevada
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Arizona; 227 guns, 4.7% of all recovered firearms in Nevada
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 100 guns, 2.1% of all recovered firearms in Nevada
• Nevada’s gun law strength grade: B-

19. Washington

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 29.0% of traced guns (1,401 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Oregon; 285 guns, 5.9% of all recovered firearms in Washington
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Idaho; 176 guns, 3.6% of all recovered firearms in Washington
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 131 guns, 2.7% of all recovered firearms in Washington
• Washington’s gun law strength grade: A-

18. Tennessee

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 29.3% of traced guns (3,885 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Mississippi; 959 guns, 7.2% of all recovered firearms in Tennessee
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 469 guns, 3.5% of all recovered firearms in Tennessee
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Alabama; 288 guns, 2.2% of all recovered firearms in Tennessee
• Tennessee’s gun law strength grade: F

17. Idaho

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 30.3% of traced guns (405 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Washington; 102 guns, 7.6% of all recovered firearms in Idaho
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 40 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in Idaho
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 40 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in Idaho
• Idaho’s gun law strength grade: F

16. Kansas

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 31.5% of traced guns (1,178 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Missouri; 532 guns, 14.2% of all recovered firearms in Kansas
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Oklahoma; 100 guns, 2.7% of all recovered firearms in Kansas
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 86 guns, 2.3% of all recovered firearms in Kansas
• Kansas’s gun law strength grade: F

15. Vermont

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 32.6% of traced guns (97 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: New Hampshire; 29 guns, 9.7% of all recovered firearms in Vermont
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: New York; 10 guns, 3.4% of all recovered firearms in Vermont
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 7 guns, 2.3% of all recovered firearms in Vermont
• Vermont’s gun law strength grade: B-

14. Nebraska

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 33.7% of traced guns (619 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Iowa; 133 guns, 7.2% of all recovered firearms in Nebraska
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 68 guns, 3.7% of all recovered firearms in Nebraska
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Colorado; 55 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in Nebraska
• Nebraska’s gun law strength grade: C-

13. Delaware

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 34.2% of traced guns (389 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Pennsylvania; 131 guns, 11.5% of all recovered firearms in Delaware
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Maryland; 38 guns, 3.3% of all recovered firearms in Delaware
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 34 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in Delaware
• Delaware’s gun law strength grade: A-

12. Wyoming

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 37.7% of traced guns (104 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Colorado; 18 guns, 6.5% of all recovered firearms in Wyoming
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Montana; 15 guns, 5.4% of all recovered firearms in Wyoming
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Utah; 9 guns, 3.3% of all recovered firearms in Wyoming
• Wyoming’s gun law strength grade: F

11. North Dakota

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 38.8% of traced guns (255 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Montana; 45 guns, 6.8% of all recovered firearms in North Dakota
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Minnesota; 36 guns, 5.5% of all recovered firearms in North Dakota
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 20 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in North Dakota
• North Dakota’s gun law strength grade: F

10. South Dakota

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 40.7% of traced guns (338 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 55 guns, 6.6% of all recovered firearms in South Dakota
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 30 guns, 3.6% of all recovered firearms in South Dakota
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 25 guns, 3.0% of all recovered firearms in South Dakota
• South Dakota’s gun law strength grade: F

9. California

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 46.0% of traced guns (15,677 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Arizona; 4,372 guns, 12.8% of all recovered firearms in California
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Nevada; 2,065 guns, 6.1% of all recovered firearms in California
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Texas; 1,662 guns, 4.9% of all recovered firearms in California
• California’s gun law strength grade: A

8. Illinois

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 48.6% of traced guns (8,659 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Indiana; 2,796 guns, 15.7% of all recovered firearms in Illinois
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Missouri; 952 guns, 5.3% of all recovered firearms in Illinois
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Wisconsin; 663 guns, 3.7% of all recovered firearms in Illinois
• Illinois’s gun law strength grade: A-

7. Rhode Island

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 50.9% of traced guns (297 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Massachusetts; 55 guns, 9.4% of all recovered firearms in Rhode Island
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 42 guns, 7.2% of all recovered firearms in Rhode Island
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 23 guns, 3.9% of all recovered firearms in Rhode Island
• Rhode Island’s gun law strength grade: A-

6. Maryland

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 54.7% of traced guns (3,925 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Virginia; 1,020 guns, 14.2% of all recovered firearms in Maryland
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 507 guns, 7.1% of all recovered firearms in Maryland
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Pennsylvania; 330 guns, 4.6% of all recovered firearms in Maryland
• Maryland’s gun law strength grade: A-

5. Connecticut

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 54.7% of traced guns (841 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 112 guns, 7.3% of all recovered firearms in Connecticut
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Florida; 100 guns, 6.5% of all recovered firearms in Connecticut
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: South Carolina; 86 guns, 5.6% of all recovered firearms in Connecticut
• Connecticut’s gun law strength grade: A

4. Hawaii

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 61.0% of traced guns (36 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 8 guns, 13.6% of all recovered firearms in Hawaii
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: California; 8 guns, 13.6% of all recovered firearms in Hawaii
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Colorado; 3 guns, 5.1% of all recovered firearms in Hawaii
• Hawaii’s gun law strength grade: A-

3. Massachusetts

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 65.2% of traced guns (1,510 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: New Hampshire; 248 guns, 10.7% of all recovered firearms in Massachusetts
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Maine; 225 guns, 9.7% of all recovered firearms in Massachusetts
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 137 guns, 5.9% of all recovered firearms in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts’s gun law strength grade: A

2. New Jersey

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 79.0% of traced guns (2,504 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Pennsylvania; 532 guns, 16.8% of all recovered firearms in New Jersey
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 393 guns, 12.4% of all recovered firearms in New Jersey
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: North Carolina; 267 guns, 8.4% of all recovered firearms in New Jersey
• New Jersey’s gun law strength grade: A

1. New York

• Firearms linked to crime sourced from out of state, 2023: 80.7% of traced guns (6,280 total guns)
• Top out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Georgia; 954 guns, 12.3% of all recovered firearms in New York
• 2nd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Virginia; 634 guns, 8.1% of all recovered firearms in New York
• 3rd out-of-state source for guns linked to crime: Pennsylvania; 599 guns, 7.7% of all recovered firearms in New York
• New York’s gun law strength grade: A

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