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AR-15 Laws in New York

Last verified: April 8, 2026

This is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney and verify current federal, state, and local regulations before purchasing or building any firearm.

AR-15 Ownership

Restricted

Assault Weapon Ban

In Effect

Magazine Capacity Limit

10 rounds

Short Barreled Rifles (SBR)

Prohibited

Suppressors

Prohibited

Permit Required

No

Registration Required

No

Details

SAFE Act: assault weapons ban. Featureless builds or fixed magazine required. Suppressors prohibited.

Buying in New York

Background CheckState POC (NYSPIN)
Waiting PeriodVaries by county (up to 30 days for permits)
Purchase Age21+ for semi-automatic rifles, 18+ for other long guns
Permit to PurchaseLicense required for handguns; semi-auto rifle permit required
Private Sale Background CheckRequired (universal background check)

Carry Laws

Constitutional CarryNo
Concealed Carry PermitShall-issue (post-Bruen)
Open CarryProhibited in NYC; restricted elsewhere

AR pistols generally follow the same carry laws as handguns in New York. Verify with local law enforcement.

Local Preemption

Local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions

New York City has significantly stricter laws than the rest of the state. NYC requires a separate premises permit for rifles and shotguns.

Check local ordinances in addition to state law before purchasing.

Neighboring States

How New York compares to its border states for AR-15 owners.

StateRestriction LevelMag LimitAWB
ConnecticutHeavy restrictions10 rds
MassachusettsHeavy restrictions10 rds
New JerseyHeavy restrictions10 rds
PennsylvaniaMinimal restrictionsNone
VermontSome restrictions10 rds

Laws last reviewed: April 2026. Always verify current laws before purchasing.

AR-15 Ownership in New York

AR-15 style rifles are heavily restricted in New York. Featureless builds or fixed-magazine configurations may be legal. Consult a local firearms attorney before purchasing.

Building an AR-15 in New York

New York has an assault weapon ban in effect. Featureless builds with a compliant grip (fin grip or similar), fixed stock, and no flash hider may be legal. Fixed-magazine configurations using devices like the CompMag or MagLatch are another option in some jurisdictions.

Consult a New York-licensed firearms attorney before starting any build.

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Product Recommendation Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on our understanding of New York law as of April 30, 2026. Laws change. Always verify compliance with your local FFL dealer before purchasing. AR15 Outfitters is not a legal authority.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. This information is provided for educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations with your state legislature or a licensed attorney before purchasing, building, or possessing any firearm or firearm accessory.