Nys Legal Ar 157 min read
New York has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but a new legal interpretation of the state’s assault weapons ban may make AR-15s and other firearms commonly used in mass shootings legal.
The New York State Office of the Attorney General released a legal opinion on January 29, 2019, that concluded the state’s assault weapons ban does not apply to AR-15s and other firearms because they are not specifically named in the law.
The opinion was issued in response to questions from New York lawmakers about the legality of AR-15s in the state in the wake of the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in February 2018.
The Parkland shooting reignited the national debate about gun control and spurred calls for tighter restrictions on firearms.
In a statement accompanying the opinion, New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “The purpose of this legal opinion is to provide clarity to New York’s assault weapons ban in the wake of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. It is my hope that this opinion will help to avoid confusion and ensure that gun owners in New York understand the law.”
The opinion did not specify which firearms are specifically excluded from the state’s assault weapons ban, but it said that “semiautomatic rifles that employ a detachable magazine and have one of a number of specific features” are not protected by the law.
AR-15s are commonly used in mass shootings and have been used in some of the deadliest shootings in recent U.S. history, including the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
The opinion has drawn criticism from gun-control advocates, who argue that the AR-15 is a particularly lethal weapon and should be banned in New York.
Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat from Long Island, said in a statement, “The Attorney General’s opinion is a gift to the gun lobby and a slap in the face to New Yorkers who have lost loved ones to gun violence.”
Gun-rights advocates argue that the AR-15 is a legal and common firearm that should not be banned.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) said in a statement, “This is a great day for the Second Amendment. This opinion provides clear guidance to law-abiding gun owners in New York about what they can and cannot do under the state’s assault weapons ban.”
The legality of AR-15s in New York will likely be challenged in court.
Table of Contents
What AR rifles are legal in NY?
What AR rifles are legal in NY?
The AR-15 rifle is legal in New York state as long as it is not classified as an assault weapon. There are a number of features that can make a rifle an assault weapon, and the AR-15 can be classified as an assault weapon if it has any of the following features:
A folding or telescoping stock
A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
A forward grip
A barrel shroud
A grenade launcher
The AR-15 is also classified as an assault weapon if it has a detachable magazine and one of the following features:
A bayonet mount
A flash suppressor
A muzzle brake
A muzzle compensator
A threaded barrel
As long as your AR-15 rifle does not have any of these features, it is legal in New York state.
Can you legally build an AR-15 in New York?
Can you legally build an AR-15 in New York?
It depends on what you mean by “build.” Generally, you are allowed to assemble a firearm from parts you have purchased, as long as the parts are legal for you to own in the first place. However, under New York’s strict gun laws, there are certain restrictions on what types of firearms are legal to own.
The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle that is based on the Colt AR-15 design. It is a popular choice for gun enthusiasts due to its modularity and customizability. However, due to its popularity, the AR-15 has also become a target for gun control advocates.
In New York, the AR-15 is classified as a ” assault weapon .” This means that it is illegal for civilians to own unless they have a special permit. There are a few exceptions, such as for law enforcement and military personnel, or for individuals who have obtained a “muzzleloader” permit.
So, while it is technically legal to build an AR-15 in New York, it is not legal to own one unless you have a special permit.
What is the legal barrel length for an AR-15 in New York?
In New York, the legal barrel length for an AR-15 is 16 inches. This is the length of the barrel from the closed bolt face to the muzzle. It is important to note that this is the only legal length for an AR-15 in New York. While other barrel lengths may be available for AR-15s, they are not legal in New York.
Do you have to register an AR-15 in NY?
Do you have to register an AR-15 in New York?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. In general, firearms in New York must be registered with the state police. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. AR-15s may not need to be registered if they are not considered assault weapons.
For a firearm to be considered an assault weapon in New York, it must meet certain criteria. These criteria include things like the type of firearm, the type of ammunition it fires, and the features of the firearm. If your AR-15 does not meet these criteria, then you do not need to register it with the state police.
However, it is important to note that there are other laws that may apply to your AR-15. For example, New York has a ban on certain types of firearms. If your AR-15 falls into one of the banned categories, then you may be required to register it with the state police.
It is important to consult with an attorney if you are unsure about whether or not you need to register your AR-15 in New York.
Can I own a 15 round magazine in New York?
Can I own a 15 round magazine in New York?
Yes, in New York, it is legal to own a 15 round magazine. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on magazine capacity in certain states. In New York, there is no limit on magazine capacity.
Are AR 10s legal in NY?
Are AR 10s legal in NY?
AR 10 rifles are legal in New York. They are considered a “semiautomatic assault rifle” and are legal to own in the state. However, they are subject to the same restrictions as other assault rifles in the state. They cannot be sold to civilians, and they must be registered with the state police.
Can you own an AR in New York State?
Can you own an AR in New York State?
The answer to this question is yes, but with some restrictions. The New York State Police website states that “a license is not required to possess a rifle or shotgun, but a license is required to possess a handgun.” This means that rifles and shotguns can be owned without a license, but handguns must be licensed.
The New York State Police website also states that “an AR-15 style rifle is a rifle that resembles the military style AR-15 assault rifle.” Because of this, AR-15 style rifles are considered “assault weapons” and are subject to additional restrictions.
In New York State, “assault weapons” are defined as “rifles or shotguns that have been modified to have one or more of the following features: a pistol grip, a forward grip, a folding stock, a thumbhole stock, a bayonet mount, a flash suppressor, or a grenade launcher.”
As a result, AR-15 style rifles cannot be legally owned in New York State unless they have been specifically modified to remove one or more of the above features.
