Buying a rifle or shotgun in New York is simpler than buying a handgun in most of the state, but the process is still more regulated than in most other states. The type of long gun you want to purchase and whether you live inside or outside New York City will determine which steps you need to follow.
Two Different Tracks: Semiautomatic vs. Non-Semiautomatic
Since September 4, 2022, New York requires a separate semiautomatic rifle license to purchase or take ownership of any semiautomatic rifle[1]. This applies to all semiautomatic rifles, not just those that qualify as "assault weapons" under the SAFE Act. You must be 21 or older to obtain this license.
For non-semiautomatic rifles (bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action, single-shot) and most shotguns, no state license is required outside NYC, and the minimum purchase age is 18[2].
Buying a Non-Semiautomatic Rifle or Shotgun (Outside NYC)
This is the simplest firearm purchase process in New York. No state license is required for bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action, or single-shot rifles and most shotguns outside of the five boroughs.
- Visit a licensed dealer. All purchases from a dealer require a federal background check via ATF Form 4473 and a NICS check through the New York State Police[3].
- Present valid identification. Bring a valid New York driver's license or state ID. Your address on the ID must be current.
- Wait for NICS approval. If the check returns "proceed," the dealer can complete the sale. If there is a delay, you must wait until the check clears or 30 calendar days pass without a denial. Unlike some states, New York does not impose a statutory mandatory waiting period for long guns at this time, though proposed legislation (S.362) could change this.
- Receive a locking device. The dealer is required to provide a gun locking device with every firearm transfer, along with a safety warning label[4].
Buying a Semiautomatic Rifle (Statewide)
The semiautomatic rifle license requirement applies to every semiautomatic rifle, not just those that might qualify as "assault weapons." A Ruger 10/22, a Browning BAR hunting rifle, and an AR-15-pattern rifle all fall under this requirement if they are semiautomatic.
- Confirm eligibility. You must be at least 21 years old[5]. Those aged 18 to 20 may still purchase non-semiautomatic long guns but cannot purchase any semiautomatic rifle.
- Obtain a semiautomatic rifle license. Apply through your county licensing officer. The license requirement applies to all new semiautomatic rifle purchases or transfers of ownership after September 4, 2022. Semiautomatic rifles owned before that date are grandfathered and do not require this license for continued possession.
- Complete the purchase. Follow the same dealer process as above, with the additional step of presenting your semiautomatic rifle license to the dealer.
Buying a Rifle or Shotgun Inside NYC
New York City is unique in the state: it requires a separate permit to possess any rifle or shotgun, regardless of action type[6]. To buy a long gun within the five boroughs:
- Apply for an NYC rifle/shotgun permit through the NYPD License Division online portal[7].
- Submit to fingerprinting and a background investigation.
- Wait for approval. NYC permits are valid for three years and must be renewed.
- Purchase from a dealer and present your NYC rifle/shotgun permit.
SAFE Act Compliance
Regardless of where you buy, you cannot legally purchase any rifle or shotgun that qualifies as an "assault weapon" under the SAFE Act[8]. For semiautomatic rifles, this means any rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has even one prohibited feature (pistol grip, folding stock, threaded barrel, etc.) is banned from sale. Magazines are limited to a maximum capacity of 10 rounds[9].
Private Sales
If you are buying from a private seller rather than a dealer, the sale must still go through a licensed dealer for a background check under GBL 898[10]. The only exemption is transfers between immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, children, and stepchildren). The dealer may charge up to $10 per transaction. Note that dealers are not required to facilitate private transfers -- if one dealer declines, you may need to contact others.
Common Mistakes When Buying Long Guns
- Attempting to buy a semiautomatic rifle at age 18, 19, or 20 (minimum age is 21 for all semiautomatic rifles since 2022)
- Purchasing a rifle inside NYC without first obtaining an NYPD rifle/shotgun permit
- Buying a semiautomatic rifle that has a detachable magazine plus any single prohibited feature (this makes it an assault weapon under the SAFE Act)
- Assuming that a private sale does not require a background check (it does, except for immediate family)
- Purchasing magazines that hold more than 10 rounds (a Class D felony)
See also: SAFE Act Compliance: Building a Legal Rifle in New York