RECREATION

Laws for Purchase of Air Pistols in New York State

By Dan Gurrisi

December 27, 2018

Reviewed by Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA

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New York State Black Powder Laws

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According to the Brady Campaign to Stop Gun Violence, New York State has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the United States. In certain municipalities in New York State, these laws extend themselves to the purchase and possession of air pistols, which are not firearms, but non-lethal guns where a projectile is propelled by compressed air.

NY State General Air Pistol Laws

Unless a particular municipality specifically requires otherwise, the purchase and use of an air pistol does not require a firearm license in New York State. The only statewide restrictions regarding air pistols are that the user may not be under the age of 16 and may not possess the air pistol on any school grounds, including universities.

Read More: Laws for Air Guns

Municipality Specific Laws

In the 5 boroughs of New York City and the City of Yonkers, the possession of an air pistol is illegal, unless the user obtains a firearm license from the local police department.

In the upstate cities of Buffalo and Rochester, a license for an air pistol is not needed. However, air pistols are required to be stored as if they were lethal firearms. Additionally, anyone carrying an air pistol automatically consents to impairment testing, should they encounter police.

Laws Regarding Air Pistol Dealers

There are no statewide laws regarding dealers of air pistols. However, in the five boroughs of New York City and the City of Yonkers, dealers are required to be licensed by the city police department and must follow regulations similar to those for lethal firearm dealers.

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