Understanding NY-Compliant Guns
New York restricts which firearms are available for purchase throughout the state. A NY-compliant gun is any firearm that:
- Does not have a magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds (applies to both handguns and long guns, including detachable and fixed magazines, except for grandfathered magazines)
- Is not defined as an “assault weapon” under New York’s SAFE Act
- Is not otherwise prohibited under New York law
Because some local municipalities may impose additional restrictions, it’s important for buyers to verify both state and local regulations before purchasing a firearm.
How To Legally Buy A Gun In New York
Residents may purchase firearms as long as they meet the minimum legal age and are not prohibited possessors.
- Handguns: Buyers must be at least 21 years old and obtain a Pistol Permit (or Pistol License in New York City) before purchasing.
- Rifles & Shotguns: Buyers must be at least 18 years old. Semi-automatic rifles do not require a state license outside of certain municipalities, though local regulations may apply.
Statewide Restrictions
Additional information about licenses, as well as New York concealed carry permits, can be found here.
All black powder, muzzle-loading, and antique firearms must ship to a federally licensed dealer (FFL). These items can only be transferred after completing Form 4473 and a background check, but they are generally exempt from magazine capacity restrictions.
Ammunition must be purchased from or shipped to a licensed FFL. Additionally, all magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds are prohibited for both handguns and long guns, except for grandfathered magazines lawfully owned prior to the SAFE Act.
NY-Compliant Rifles
All .22 LR rifles with tube-fed magazines are permitted and are exempt from New York's magazine capacity restriction, regardless of action (semi-auto, bolt action, lever action, etc.)
Ruger 10/22 Carbine Semi-Automatic .22 LR Rifle, 18.5" Barrel, 1:16 Twist, 10+1 Capacity, Black Polymer Stock, Cross Bolt Safety - 31210
All other rifles with an internal / fixed magazine must not have a capacity greater than 10 rounds. To be considered legal in New York, semi-auto rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine must not have any of the following features:
- A folding or telescoping stock.
- A pistol grip.
- A thumbhole stock.
- Foregrips, handstops, or another protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.
- Bayonet lugs.
- Flash suppressors, muzzle brakes, or compensators.
- Threaded barrels.
- Grenade launchers.
These regulations effectively preclude New York residents from owning most commercially available AR-15 rifles. However, many excellent options like the Springfield M1A are still available for purchase.
Springfield Armory MA9222NT M1A Loaded *NY Compliant* Semi-Auto .308 22" 10+1 Walnut Stock Black Parkerized
Additionally, in the city of Buffalo, it is unlawful for a semi-auto centerfire rifle to have a magazine with a capacity greater than five rounds. This further limits the selection of NY-compliant rifles to models like this 5-round Ruger Mini 14 for Buffalo residents.
Ruger 5802 Mini 14 Semi-Auto .223 / 5.56 18.5" 5+1 Hardwood Stock Stainless Steel
NY-Compliant Shotguns
New York's shotgun laws are not nearly as restrictive. Shotguns with revolving cylinders are expressly prohibited, but most other shotguns are allowed.
To be considered legal in New York, semi-auto shotguns must not have any of these features:
- A folding or telescoping stock.
- A thumbhole stock.
- Foregrips, handstops, or another protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.
- A fixed magazine capacity in excess of seven rounds.
- The ability to accept a detachable magazine.
New York also expressly prohibits the following:
- Shotguns that include both a buttstock and a pistol grip, if the pistol grip is installed by the manufacturer instead of the buttstock.
- "Other" firearms with a smooth bore and a pistol grip (regardless of barrel length), including but not limited to Mossberg Cruiser, Mossberg Shockwave, and Remington Tac-14 models.
- Birds head and raptor grips.
Additionally, the City of Buffalo has passed legislation banning any semi-auto shotgun with a magazine capacity greater than 5 rounds.
NY-Compliant Handguns
In New York, most handguns are legal as long as they do not exceed a 10-round magazine capacity, including both fixed and detachable magazines (except for grandfathered magazines lawfully owned prior to the SAFE Act).
Semi-auto pistols that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine must not have any of these features:
- A folding or telescoping stock.
- A thumbhole stock.
- Foregrips, handstops, or another protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.
- A magazine that attaches outside of the pistol grip.
- Threaded barrels.
- Barrel shrouds.
- Unloaded weight of 50oz or more.
- A semi-auto configuration of an automatic firearm.
Glock 43X MOS, 9mm, Slimline Semi-Automatic Pistol, (2) 10rd Magazines, Front Serrations, w/ Glock Mounting Rail, MOS Optics Cut - PX4350201FRMOS
New York also expressly prohibits the purchase of the following:
- Firearms with a stabilizing brace that are not rifles or shotguns that are designed to be fired from the shoulder, regardless of barrel length.
- Lever action "Mare's Leg" firearms and any other "rifle" type firearms without a buttstock.
Other Prohibited Items
On top of the restrictions above, New York also regulates the sale of certain firearms accessories and self defense equipment. The following items are expressly prohibited:
- Any device, component, or combination of parts that increases the rate of fire of any firearm, including but not limited to bump stocks, trigger cranks, and binary triggers.
- Magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds.
- Batons.
- Exploding targets and binary compounds (Tannerite, etc.)
- Electronic dart guns and stun guns.
- Switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and cane swords.
- Billy clubs, blackjacks, bludgeons, plastic knuckles, and metal knuckles.
- Chuka sticks, sand bags, and sand clubs.
- Wrist-brace type slingshots.
- Shuriken or "Kung Fu stars."
Gun Laws In NYC Vs. New York State
New York City adheres to the laws established by the state legislature, but has imposed additional requirements for purchasing and carrying firearms within NYC. To own a handgun, residents are required to obtain a city handgun license and to purchase a rifle or shotgun, they must obtain a city-issued permit.
All applicants for gun permits must be at least 21 years or older. Applications are processed and approved by NYPD.
Why Are Some Guns Not Available In New York?
Certain firearms are unavailable in New York due to state and local laws. The SAFE Act and related legislation prohibit specific “assault-style” rifles, handguns, and shotguns, as well as firearms with certain prohibited features.
Magazines exceeding 10 rounds are generally prohibited, and some municipalities, such as New York City and Buffalo, impose even stricter limits. In addition, firearms or parts that can convert a semi-automatic firearm into an “assault weapon” are illegal, which prevents the sale of most AR and AK-style components.
Firearms may also be prohibited if they:
- Are classified as a prohibited "Other" firearm.
- Are a firearm that is not a rifle or a shotgun and feature a stabilizing brace or other device which allows the firearm to be fired from the shoulder.
Despite these restrictions, New York residents are still able to exercise their Second Amendment rights as long as they ensure all firearms are compliant with state and local laws.
How To Ensure Your Firearms Are NY-Compliant
To make sure your firearms are legal in New York, follow these steps:
- Check Magazine Capacity: All handguns and most long guns must have a magazine that holds no more than 10 rounds. Tube-fed rimfire rifles are generally exempt.
- Verify The Firearm Is Not An “Assault-Style” Weapon: Avoid AR and AK-style rifles, semi-automatic shotguns with prohibited features, and other firearms explicitly banned under New York law.
- Look For Prohibited Features On Semi-Auto Firearms: Semi-auto rifles, handguns, and shotguns are illegal if they have any prohibited features, such as folding stocks, thumbhole stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels, flash suppressors, or foregrips.
- Check Local Regulations: Cities such as New York City and Buffalo have stricter limits on magazine capacity and firearm features. Always confirm local rules before purchasing or transferring a firearm.
- Follow All Federal & State Laws: All firearms transfers must be facilitated by a New York FFL dealer who will complete the required background checks and paperwork.
- Maintain Proper Licensing / Registration: Certain firearms, particularly handguns in NYC, must be registered with local authorities after purchase. Keep your permits, licenses, and registration documents up to date.
NY-Compliant Firearms
Shopping For Legal Guns In New York? Look No Further
New York gun laws can be difficult to navigate, even for lifelong residents. That's why the Classic Firearms team has assembled all of our New York Compliant rifles, pistols, and shotguns on one page so you can shop with confidence.
Click here to browse our full selection of NY-Compliant guns today!
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