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If you live in New York and want to legally purchase a gun, there are certain laws you must follow to do so. You cannot just head down to your neighborhood gun store and walk out with a new handgun. Read on for more information on how to legally buy a gun in the state of New York.
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Step 1: Rifles and Shotguns
- Under New York State law, rifles and shotguns can be legally purchased without a permit, except in New York City. There is also no state licensing requirement for possession of a rifle or shotgun except by:
- A person convicted of a felony or other serious offense
- Anyone who has been declared to be mentally incompetent
- A minor at least 14 years old can hunt with a rifle or shotgun, provided he:
- Has a valid hunting license
- Is accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid hunting license
- New York City's gun laws differ with regard to rifles and shotguns. Residents must:
- Have a permit
- Obtain a license
- Register the shotgun or rifle
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Step 2: Handguns
(Creative Commons photo by robertnelson)- If you wish to legally purchase a handgun in the state of New York, you must:
- Obtain a permit to buy a handgun
- Register the handgun
- Obtain a license to possess the handgun
- Have a permit to carry the handgun
- In the state of New York, the waiting period to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun can be up to six months. Permits are issued by county.
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Step 3: Out-of-State Residents
- If you are an out-of-state resident traveling through New York, you should know that your license to own and carry your weapon does not apply; New York does not recognize licenses issued by other states. If you are merely passing through with your shotgun or rifle, you should be sure it isn't loaded. If you are traveling through New York with a handgun that you legally own, be aware that it must:
- Be unloaded
- Be placed in the trunk of your vehicle
- If there is no trunk, the unloaded firearm must be placed in a locked container, other than a glove box
