This redesign emphasizes the current New York statutory definition instead of leading with historical commentary.
NEW YORK FIREARM INFORMATION • IKKIN ARMS
NEW YORK SAFE ACT: ASSAULT-WEAPON DEFINITION
A clearer reference to New York's current statutory feature-based definition—without burying you in pages of old legislative text.
New York Penal Law § 265.00 contains the state's definition of an “assault weapon.” For semiautomatic rifles, the statute includes a feature-based test involving detachable magazines and specified characteristics. Other provisions address semiautomatic shotguns and pistols.
Compliance Question? Call 585-328-0250The SAFE Act's assault-weapon definition addresses firearm configuration. New York's semiautomatic-rifle license separately addresses purchasing or taking possession of a semiautomatic rifle. A customer may need to consider both.
For certain semiautomatic firearms, magazine type and listed characteristics are central to the statutory definition.
Call Ikkin Arms if you want us to inspect a firearm or discuss gunsmithing services we may perform.
SEMIAUTOMATIC RIFLES: THE CORE STATUTORY TEST
Under current New York Penal Law § 265.00(22), the definition includes a semiautomatic rifle that can accept a detachable magazine and has at least one listed characteristic.
STOCK & GRIP FEATURES
- Folding or telescoping stock
- Conspicuously protruding pistol grip
- Thumbhole stock
- Second handgrip or protruding non-trigger-hand grip
MUZZLE / BARREL FEATURES
- Flash suppressor
- Muzzle brake
- Muzzle compensator
- Threaded barrel designed to accommodate specified muzzle devices
OTHER LISTED FEATURES
- Bayonet mount
- Grenade launcher
This is a plain-language reference to the statutory list, not a substitute for reviewing the full statute.
RIFLES ARE NOT THE WHOLE DEFINITION
Section 265.00(22) also contains separate criteria for certain semiautomatic shotguns and semiautomatic pistols, as well as additional provisions and exclusions. If your question involves one of those firearms, use the official statute rather than assuming the rifle test applies.
EXCLUSIONS & EXCEPTIONS MATTER
The statute contains exclusions and other provisions that can affect whether a firearm falls within the definition. That is one reason a short feature checklist should not be treated as individualized legal advice.
SAFE ACT VS. SEMIAUTOMATIC-RIFLE LICENSE
SAFE ACT / CONFIGURATION
Asks whether the firearm's configuration falls within New York's statutory assault-weapon definition or another restriction.
Ikkin Arms Compliance Assistance →SEMIAUTOMATIC-RIFLE LICENSE / ACQUISITION
Asks whether the buyer or recipient has the license authority required to purchase or take possession of a semiautomatic rifle.
Semiautomatic Rifle License Guide →HOW IKKIN ARMS CAN HELP
CONFIGURATION REVIEW
We can inspect a firearm and discuss the gunsmithing or dealer services Ikkin Arms can provide.
GUNSMITHING OPTIONS
When appropriate, we can discuss configuration-related gunsmithing, magazine blocking and other shop work.
TRANSFER QUESTIONS
We can explain Ikkin Arms' FFL procedures when a sale or transfer involves our dealership.
Ikkin Arms is a Federal Firearms Licensee and gunsmithing business, not a law firm. For individualized legal interpretation or representation, consult a qualified attorney.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. The statute uses defined criteria. For the rifle provision, semiautomatic operation alone is not the entire test; the statutory magazine and feature criteria also matter.
No. The license requirement for acquiring a semiautomatic rifle and the statutory restrictions on firearm configuration are separate issues.
Call us first with the firearm and configuration information. We can explain whether an in-shop inspection or gunsmithing discussion is appropriate for the service you need.
The former federal assault-weapons ban is historical material and is not the best starting point for a customer trying to understand current New York requirements. This page now leads with current New York statutory information.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE
The former version of this page preserved extensive commentary and text from the 1994 federal assault-weapons ban. That material can be useful for historical context, but it can also obscure the current New York question. This page now prioritizes current New York law and directs customers to the official statute for the complete legal text.
General information only. Firearm laws and official interpretations can change. Verify current requirements through official New York sources or qualified legal counsel when legal advice is needed.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A SPECIFIC FIREARM?Call Ikkin Arms before making changes or arranging a transfer. We can explain the dealer and gunsmithing services we provide.
Call 585-328-0250
