The modern reference for New York firearms law.
Every statute tracked, every change documented, every source cited.
A complete walkthrough for first-time firearm buyers in New York, covering legal requirements, licensing, background checks, and the differences between purchasing inside and outside New York City.
Step-by-step instructions for purchasing a handgun in New York, including the pistol permit process, background check requirements, and key differences between NYC and rest-of-state procedures.
How to legally purchase a rifle or shotgun in New York, including the semiautomatic rifle license requirement, age restrictions, and the separate NYC permitting process.
Practical guidance for building or configuring an AR-platform or similar semiautomatic rifle that complies with the NY SAFE Act's one-feature test, including legal build strategies and features to avoid.
A practical guide to meeting New York's safe storage requirements under PL 265.45, including home storage obligations, vehicle storage rules, and the specific definitions of compliant storage devices.
How to legally transport firearms within New York State, including the rules for premises license holders, long gun owners, and the specific requirements for handgun and vehicle transport.
A cert petition in Johnson v. New York (No. 25-6940) is pending before the Supreme Court, raising a Second Amendment challenge to a New York firearms regulation. New York's response is due May 15, 2026.
Assembly Bill A00198 and its Senate companion S01026 would let any New Yorker voluntarily waive their right to purchase firearms, with a 21-day revocation waiting period. Both bills reached Third Reading in their respective chambers as of May 2026.
A10307 would require the State Police to notify local law enforcement and prosecutors within 24 hours of any firearm purchase denial, with a mandatory 5-business-day investigation requirement. The bill reached Third Reading in April 2026.
A10352, the Lead-Free Game Donation Act, would prohibit donating or distributing game taken with lead ammunition for human consumption in New York. Game taken by archery or non-lead firearm would remain eligible. Reached Third Reading April 2026.
S00626 would amend Penal Law Section 265.17 to explicitly cover ammunition in the criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon statute, closing a gap for prohibited persons. The bill is a Class D felony and reached Third Reading in the Senate in April 2026.
S04969 would require all NY general hospitals to adopt firearm violence policies, train staff, and advise firearm injury victims of available psychiatric services at discharge. The bill reached Senate Third Reading in April 2026.
The Firearms Policy Coalition filed Goldberger v. James on March 20, 2026, challenging the CCIA's Times Square gun-free zone. The complaint argues Frey v. City of New York was wrongly decided. Case is in early stages in the Southern District of New York.