Q: I own a gun that I use for hunting, is it an assault weapon?

A: Most guns that are used for hunting are not assault weapons and are not affected by this law. Typical shotguns and hunting rifles are exempt as the law specifies military style assault weapons by design characteristics. For example, any pump, lever, or bolt action shotgun or rifle cannot be an assault weapon. To confirm that your rifle is not an assault weapon and to see common models and characteristics click here. To confirm that your shotgun is not an assault weapon and to see common models and characteristics click here.

Q: I own a handgun, is that an assault weapon?

A: Most handguns are not assault weapons and are not affected by this law. A traditionally designed handgun is not an assault weapon. For example a single shot pistol or a revolver cannot be an assault weapon. To confirm that your handgun is not an assault weapon and to see common models and characteristics click here.

Q: I am not sure if the gun I own is an assault weapon. How do I find out?

A: Most guns are not assault weapons and are not affected by this law. There are different military characteristics of guns that determine whether they qualify as assault weapons. To help you know whether or not your gun is affected by this law, please click on your gun type below:

PISTOLS

• PISTOLS THAT ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT WEAPONS
• PISTOLS THAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT WEAPONS
• BANNED FEATURES
• IMAGES OF PISTOLS THAT ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT PISTOLS

RIFLES

• RIFLES THAT ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT WEAPONS
• RIFLES THAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT WEAPONS
• BANNED FEATURES
• IMAGES OF RIFLES THAT ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT RIFLES

SHOTGUNS

• SHOTGUNS THAT ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT WEAPONS
• SHOTGUNS THAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT WEAPONS
• BANNED FEATURES
• IMAGES OF SHOTGUNS THAT ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS ASSAULT SHOTGUNS

Q: I have an assault weapon. Do I have to give it up?

A: No. If you have an assault weapon, you can register it with the State Police. You have until April 15, 2014 to register your weapon. A form will be made available on this website no later than April 15, 2013. Under state and federal law, some people are not allowed to possess a weapon, such as convicted felons, individuals who have been involuntarily committed, or individuals currently under an order of protection. These people will not be able to register. There is no fee for registering.

Q: How does registering my gun compare to getting a handgun license?

A: It is much simpler. To register, all you need to do is fill out a basic form. You do not need to appear in person or provide references or other information that is typically provided during the handgun licensing process.

Q: What do I do if I don’t want to register my assault weapon?

A: You can sell it to a New York State dealer or anyone out of state by January 15, 2014. Federal law has certain restrictions on shipping guns between states that you should consult before making a transfer.

Q: If I modify my gun by removing all design characteristics that makes it an assault weapon, do I have to register it?

A: No. If you modify your gun so that it is not an assault weapon, you do not have to register it. The modification must be permanent however. This includes, for example, removing the bayonet lug by cutting or grinding, grinding off the threads on the barrel, removing the foregrip so that it cannot be readily reattached, or any change that cannot be reversed through reasonable means.

Q: If I don’t currently own an assault weapon, how does the new ban on assault weapons affect me?

A: The ban on selling assault weapons mainly affects dealers and manufacturers. Newly banned assault weapons may not be sold in New York and dealers and manufacturers will know what weapons can and cannot be sold.