New Mexico Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

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Prepare for the New Mexico Gun Laws and Firearms Safety Exam. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple choice questions offering hints and explanations. Ensure your success with our comprehensive exam materials.

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Which of the following firearms is illegal to possess in New Mexico?

Semi-automatic rifles
Sawed-off shotguns
Handguns with a magazine capacity over 10 rounds
Bolt-action rifles

The correct answer is: Sawed-off shotguns

In New Mexico, sawed-off shotguns are classified as illegal to possess due to their specific design and the potential for misuse. These firearms have barrels that are shortened below legal limits, which can make them easier to conceal and potentially more dangerous in terms of their lethality and use in criminal activities. Because of these concerns, state laws, in alignment with federal regulations, impose strict restrictions on owning or possessing sawed-off shotguns. Other firearms listed, like semi-automatic rifles, handguns with high magazine capacities, and bolt-action rifles, are generally permissible under New Mexico law, provided that they comply with local regulations. This distinction clarifies that sawed-off shotguns represent a specific risk in firearms legislation, prompting their classification as illegal for civilian possession.