Firearms: What You Need to Know

A firearm includes any pistol or revolver, certain shotguns or rifles, and assault weapons. It does not include an antique firearm.

See New York State Penal Law §265.00 for additional information.

An assault weapon is defined as a semi-automatic pistol or rifle that uses a detachable magazine or a semi-automatic shotgun, and which has at least one other characteristic listed in the Penal Law, or a revolving, cylinder shotgun.

See New York State Penal Law § 265.00 (22) for additional definitions, including a list of the characteristics that classify as an assault weapon.

New York generally prohibits the possession of a handgun, short-barreled rifle or shotgun, or assault weapon outside one’s home or place of business, unless you are licensed to possess or carry a firearm. New York City has its own licensing laws different from the rest of New York State, and an individual must possess an appropriate license or permit from New York City to carry a firearm within the City.

The use of handguns is not permitted unless the shooter has a valid New York State pistol permit; New York City handgun license; or falls under one of the exemptions as set forth in New York State Penal Law § 265.20.

Federal law and New York State law both prohibit an individual with a felony conviction from being eligible for a permit to possess a firearm. Also, people in New York who are convicted of certain domestic violence crimes are prohibited from legally possessing firearms.