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New York Gun Laws

NY
strict

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
Yes
Mag Capacity Limit
10 rounds
Permit to Purchase
Yes (handguns + semi-auto rifles)
Firearm Registration
Yes (handguns)
Concealed Carry
Shall Issue (post-Bruen)
Open Carry
No
Red Flag Law
Yes
Background Check (Private)
Yes
NFA Weapons
Machine guns, SBR, SBS, Suppressors banned
State Preemption
Partial (handgun licensing only)

Key Notes

Permit required for handguns and semi-auto rifles. Assault weapons registered before Jan 15, 2014 grandfathered. NYC has additional restrictions. Minimum age 21 for semi-auto rifles.

  • •Yes (handguns + semi-auto rifles) Permit to Purchase — A license is required to purchase handguns (pistol permit) and semi-automatic rifles. The minimum age for semi-auto rifle purchases is 21.
  • •Machine guns, SBR, SBS, Suppressors banned (NFA) — All major NFA items are banned for civilians. Only destructive devices with under 3 oz of propellant may be legal.
  • •Yes (Assault Weapon Ban) — New York's SAFE Act bans assault weapons by feature. Assault weapons lawfully owned and registered before January 15, 2014 are grandfathered.
  • •10 rounds (Mag Limit) — Magazines holding more than 10 rounds are prohibited. Magazines that can hold more than 7 rounds may only be loaded with up to 7 rounds (provision partially struck down).
  • •Shall Issue (post-Bruen) Concealed Carry — After the Bruen decision, New York transitioned to shall-issue but added extensive 'sensitive places' restrictions and training requirements.
  • •Partial (handgun licensing only) State Preemption — The state preempts local handgun licensing only. NYC and other localities maintain their own additional firearms restrictions.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How New York Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

New York restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons." Standard AR-15 configurations with features like a pistol grip combined with a collapsible stock, threaded barrel, or flash hider may not be sold or transferred in their off-the-shelf form. Many New York builders run "featureless" configurations to remain compliant.

NFA Restrictions Apply

New York restricts some or all NFA items (Machine guns, SBR, SBS, Suppressors banned). Suppressors, SBRs, or other regulated items may not be available even with a federal tax stamp. Verify before buying a 14.5" barrel or pinned muzzle device intended for SBR conversion.

Permit Required to Purchase

New York requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (handguns + semi-auto rifles)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

New York extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

New York Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in New York?
New York has an assault weapon ban (Yes). Standard AR-15 configurations are restricted, but compliant "featureless" or otherwise-modified builds are typically legal. Always verify your specific configuration against current New York statute before purchasing.
What is the magazine capacity limit in New York?
10 rounds. Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.
Does New York require a permit to buy a firearm?
Yes (handguns + semi-auto rifles). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in New York before purchasing a firearm.
Can I conceal carry in New York?
New York concealed carry status: Shall Issue (post-Bruen). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in New York?
New York open carry: No. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in New York?
NFA item status in New York: Machine guns, SBR, SBS, Suppressors banned. Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.
Does New York require background checks for private sales?
Yes. Background-check requirements in New York extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current New York firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

NMNC

Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.