Is the Ruger Wrangler legal in Minnesota under the 2026 statutes?
Yes, for most private owners the Ruger Wrangler is not legal in Minnesota as of 2026 because its standard 16‑round cylinder exceeds the state’s 10‑round limit for handguns, a category that now includes revolvers. The only way to possess one legally is to have a grandfathered model that was lawfully owned before the capacity restriction took effect, or to replace the cylinder with a compliant 10‑round version and register the firearm according to state requirements.
Minnesota’s 2026 handgun and capacity rules
Minnesota statutes (Chapter 624.06) define a “handgun” to include any firearm designed to be fired with one hand, a definition that explicitly covers revolvers. In 2023 the legislature amended the law to impose a maximum cylinder capacity of ten rounds for all handguns, with no exemption for newer models. The amendment took effect on January 1 2024 and applies to any firearm acquired after that date.
The law also requires every handgun to be registered with the state police and to be owned by a person holding a valid pistol permit (Minn. Stat. 624.704). Failure to comply can result in misdemeanor charges, forfeiture of the weapon, and loss of the permit.
Why the Ruger Wrangler runs afoul of the law
The Ruger Wrangler, introduced in 2021, comes standard with a 16‑round cylinder chambered for .22 LR or .22 WMR. Because the firearm is classified as a handgun, the 10‑round limit makes the stock model illegal for purchase or possession by most Minnesotans. The only legal pathways are:
- Grandfathering – If the owner possessed a Wrangler before the January 2024 deadline, the firearm may be retained, but it must be registered and the owner must hold a pistol permit.
- Cylinder swap – Installing an aftermarket 10‑round cylinder brings the gun into compliance, but the modified firearm still requires registration and a permit.
No special exemption exists for .22 caliber firearms, and the state’s large‑capacity magazine ban does not differentiate by caliber.
How to stay compliant if you own a Wrangler
- Verify acquisition date – Determine whether the gun was bought before the 2024 cutoff.
- Register the firearm – Submit the required form to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension with proof of ownership and a copy of your pistol permit.
- Consider a cylinder modification – Certified gunsmiths can install a 10‑round cylinder; keep documentation of the work.
- Maintain a valid pistol permit – Permit renewal every five years is mandatory for continued legal possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a new Ruger Wrangler in Minnesota in 2026?
No. Retailers are prohibited from selling a Wrangler with the standard 16‑round cylinder because it violates the ten‑round capacity rule.
Is there any ammunition restriction for the Wrangler?
No specific ammunition ban applies to .22 LR or .22 WMR in Minnesota, but the firearm itself must meet the capacity limits to be lawful.
What penalty applies if I am caught with an unregistered Wrangler?
Possession of a prohibited handgun is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and possible forfeiture of the weapon.
Does a pistol permit automatically allow me to own the Wrangler?
A permit is necessary but not sufficient. The gun must also comply with the ten‑round capacity rule and be properly registered.
Could future legislation change the Wrangler’s status?
Yes. Minnesota lawmakers can amend capacity limits or reclassify certain firearms, so owners should monitor legislative updates annually.