New York Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for New York Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact New York gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to New York can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

New York State Constitution

The New York Constitution has no specific clause regarding the right to bear arms, but Article XII, Section 1 discusses both "organized" and "unorganized" militia:

The defense and protection of the state and of the United States is an obligation of all persons within the state. The legislature shall provide for the discharge of this obligation and for the maintenance and regulation of an organized militia.

New York Constitutional Provision Article XII, Section 1: Defense; militia.

Furthermore, Article 2, Section 4 of the New York Civil Rights Law is very similar to the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms cannot be infringed.

New York Civil Rights Law Article II, Section 4: Right to keep and bear arms.

New York Gun Laws

New York Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
New York Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)

New York Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting in New York (Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation)
New York Hunting Regulations (Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation)
New York Hunting Licenses (Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation)
New York Obtain a License / Permit Online (Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation)
New York Hunter Education Program (Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation)

New York Shooting Ranges

New York Public Hunting and Shooting Lands (Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

New York Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

New York's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

New York Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of New York Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

New York Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

New York State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
New York State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
New York Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
New York Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

New York State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Alabama State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in New York (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo