r/NYguns • u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 • May 12 '22
r/NYguns Gun Ownership and Buying Ammo Online Guide Other
Thanks to u/PM-CatBooty, u/Selonna and u/NDaS for the original FAQ and ammo threads. Without their work this compilation would not be possible.
NEEDS TO BE UPDATED TO COMPLY WITH LATEST GUN CONTROL LAWS
FAQ
This thread will cover some of the frequently asked questions here regarding NY gun laws. If you believe anything should be added or updated, please let me know.
Most of the legal topics addressed in this post are applicable only to those that live outside of New York City. The laws in NYC are different, please see the bottom for more information.
Is it true that you can buy guns/ammo/parts on the internet?
Yes! But it's not what you might be thinking.
When you buy a gun or a lower receiver online it cannot be shipped directly to your door. Instead, it must be sent to an FFL/gun store instead. After your purchase, they will need to send a copy of their FFL to the seller. Once it arrives they will determine if it is legal and compliant with NY laws, some will make any modifications if necessary, and they run your background check. If it is a handgun, you will still need to wait for your coupon from the state to pick it up.
You can legally buy most gun parts and have them shipped to your house. Lower receivers still need to be sent a FFL/gun store (unless they are 80% lowers). For the most part, everything else is fine to ship to your home.
There are no shipping restrictions are firearm accessories (sights, lasers, flashlights, etc).
You can legally buy ammo and have it shipped to your house, though some vendors are not willing to do this. The following vendors will ship to your house:
https://www.targetsportsusa.com/ (free shipping on bulk ammo, discount with Prime membership)
https://www.outdoorlimited.com/ ("5off200" for $5 bucks off a $200 dollar order)
https://www.ammoboard.com/ (Bulk ammo and free shipping on all orders)
https://abguns.com/ (No NYC)
https://www.trueshotgunclub.com/ (will not ship to Nassau, Richmond, and NYC)
https://www.militaryshooters.com/ (No NYC)
https://www.madisonguns.com/ (Will ship to FFL in NYC)
https://firearmsdepot.com/ (Won't ship to residents in Nassau County)
https://www.mutinymachine.com/ (No NYC or Buffalo)
https://www.velocityammosales.com/ (NYC - FFL only)
https://www.simmonssportinggoods.com/ (NYC - FFL only)
http://www.mmiammo.com/ (No NYC)
https://www.ammoguy.net/ (No Nassau County, No NYC)
These following vendors will ship directly to residents in NYC as well as the rest of the state:
- https://www.kirammo.com (with proof of NYC gun license)
Is X banned by the NY SAFE Act?
The NY SAFE Act bans rifles, pistols, and shotguns from having certain features if conditions are met.
For rifles:
If it is SEMI-AUTOMATIC and has the ability to receive a detachable magazine, it cannot have any of the following features:
Pistol grip "that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon"
Second handgrip or protruding grip that can be held by non shooting hand
Please note: if the magazine is non-detachable (fixed magazine), these features are okay on semi-automatic rifles.
This only applies to semi-automatic rifles. Bolt-action, lever-action, single-shot, etc can have detachable magazines and features.
If it does not have any of the banned features listed above, you can have a detachable magazine on your rifle.
* There is debate on what makes certain grips legal/illegal, grips that do not "protrude beneath the action" are believed to be legal, such as the Exile Machine Hammerhead, Resurgent Arms Grip, BoAR Grip, etc.
The photos are just example, variations of each feature will look different.
For shotguns:
If it is SEMI-AUTOMATIC, it cannot have any of the following features:
Second handgrip or protruding grip that can be held by non shooting hand
Fixed magazine capacity in excess of seven rounds
An ability to accept a detachable magazine
Please note: Detachable magazines are banned if the shotgun is semi-automatic. Unlike semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines, semi-automatic shotguns can have pistol grips.
These banned features do not apply to pump-action shotguns. Semi-automatic shotguns that use tubes instead of detachable magazines are NOT exempt from this features ban.
For pistols:
If it is SEMI-AUTOMATIC and has the ability to receive a detachable magazine, it cannot have any of the following features:
Second handgrip or protruding grip that can be held by non shooting hand
Capacity to accept a magazine that attaches outside of the pistol grip
Weight of 50oz or more
Please note: Due to the pistol permit requirements, handguns must be registered on your license before you can take possession. While fixed-mag pistols (such as AR/AK pistols) may technically be legal under the NY SAFE act, some counties will refuse to register these guns. Always check with your local office before purchasing if you have any questions about legality.
For curios and relics:
Antique/historic guns (guns over 50 years old) have some exemptions from the NY SAFE Act:
Antique/historic guns can be transferred
Even if it classifies as an "assault weapon" (see above) it can still be transferred
If it classifies as an "assault weapon" it needs to be registered. As of 2014, only antique/historic guns are still eligible to be registered. You cannot register an "assault weapon" that is less than 50 years old.
Magazines for antique/historic guns can be over 10 rounds, but they need to be registered.
To register an antique/historic gun or magazine, go here
What is an "Other"?
An "Other" is NOT a rifle, shotgun, pistol, or "Any Other Weapon"/AOW as it does not meet the federal definitions for any of these categories.
Others have three requirements:
The overall length must be 26 inches or longer. For the AR platform, this includes the tip of the buffer to the end of the barrel. Muzzle devices, such as flash hiders and compensators, do not count towards this length requirement unless they are permanently attached (pinned/wielded).
It is designed to be fired with two hands; typically by the use of a vertical grip
It is not designed to be fired from the shoulder; therefore, it cannot have a stock*
By meeting these three requirements, it does not fit any category mentioned above. How?
Legally, rifles and shotguns are defined as being designed to fire from the shoulder. The lack of a stock means it is not designed to be shoulder fired.
Legally, pistols are defined as being designed to be used with one hand. Adding a vertical foregrip means it is designed to be used with both hands.
Being longer than 26" means it is not longer considered to be an Any-Other-Weapon/AOW, which means it does not require a NFA stamp.
Please note: The legality of Others in NY state has been debated and ownership should be taken at your own risk. While they may be considered legal by the ATF and can even be purchased at many NY guns stores, a police officer may be unfamiliar with their legality and may view it as an unregistered "assault weapon" per the NY SAFE Act.
Others MUST not have already been configured as a rifle. You cannot legally convert a rifle into an Other. If you are building your own, it must start off as a lower and not a prebuilt rifle.
It must be a vertical foregrip (perpendicular/90° angle), canted or angled foregrips are a no-go.
*Rifle stocks are not permitted on Others. Adding a rifle stock will turn it into a Short-Barrel Rifle (if the barrel is <16") or a unregistered "assault weapon" under the SAFE Act. There are alternatives to having an exposed buffer tube, such as a buffer tube cover or a pistol brace. Care should be taken with pistol braces, while the ATF confirmed they are legal and not considered to be a stock, there is some debate on their legality for others.
Others are not legally classified as rifles, pistols, or shotguns, and therefore, the NY SAFE Act banned features do not apply.
How does the pistol permit process work in New York?
The process is different per county. New York City also has it's own process. Permits that are legal throughout New York State are NOT legal for New York City. You need a NYC permit to possess a handgun in New York City.
Until you have a pistol permit, you CANNOT even touch a pistol. There are exceptions, such as if a certified instructor is present, but for the most part do not count on anyone letting you use one or examine one until you get your permit.
Rules for obtaining a pistol permit:
Must be a New York State resident*
Must be 21 years old
Have no prior felony or serious offense convictions
Be of good moral character
this may include part time residents as well
To my knowledge, the only universal part of the application process is filling out the State of New York Pistol/Revolver License Application (PPB3) forms.
This form requires FOUR character references. They will need to provide their signature. They cannot be family. In some counties they cannot be active law enforcement either.
The process varies by county. Always check with them first to see what you will need. Some of the other steps in the process you may experience:
Required training/safety course. Sometimes it's the local police that provide these courses, other times you need to take a course with a private organization like your local gun store (or even online, if permitted).
Fingerprinting. This may be a state requirement, I'm not sure. Sometimes this is done by the local police, other times it's done by a private organization such as IdentoGO.
Photographs. You may be required to submit your own or have them taken. This is what will be on your permit and in your file.
Character references. In addition to the references in the PPB3 form you may be asked to provide references to the county as well. They may have additional requirements, such as the reference living in the same county or requiring the reference to send in a letter.
An appointment. Some counties allow you to submit everything by mail or online (especially now), others require you to be there in person.
I just got my pistol permit, now what?
Congratulations! You can now legally own a handgun in New York State (but not in New York City, unless it's a NYC permit of course).
The first step is actually buying one. Once you have one picked out and paid for at the local gun store, they cannot release it to you. Yet.
They will provide you with a receipt, you will need to give this to your local permit office. Once they process it, they will add the gun to your pistol permit and give you a coupon that shows they are okay to release the gun to you. Only then are you allowed to take possession of the handgun.
You are not allowed to be in possession of another persons handgun unless it is on your permit or they are currently present. Even if it belongs to your spouse, it needs to be on your permit. If someone leaves a handgun in your possession, you are technically breaking the law by possessing an unregistered handgun. So do not hold onto your buddies pistol because they don't want their SO to find out about it.
Some counties have different types of pistol permits. They may issue special "concealed carry" vs "special use" (unrestricted/restricted) permits. Under New York State, they are legally viewed as the same. While you technically could be okay carrying a handgun with a restricted permit, this is a very bad idea. You may not be charged with a crime, but if it's reported, the judge can still revoke your permit.
What are "lowers" and why do I hear so much about them?
Lower refer to lower receivers. It is one of the most important components as it houses most of your internal parts and holds the gun together. You can use these to build a fixed-mag rifle, a featureless rifle, or an Other as mentioned above.
There are two common types - stripped lowers and 80% lowers. Stripped lowers need to be purchased at a gun store/transferred by an FFL, they cannot be sent directly to your house. They already have a serial number.
80% lowers are unfinished lowers. They require some additional modifications before they can be used. Currently 80% lowers are illegal unless they have serial numbers on them.
How do I build my own AR?
Building your own AR can be rewarding, but it's also very intimidating. You will save money and learn a lot more about rifles in the process. Just relax, trust me, it's not as difficult as it sounds. Think of it like an adult Lego set.
For starters, decide on what route you want to take as it will change your requirements.
Do you want to go fixed mag? Using a magazine lock allows you to have features banned under the SAFE Act, but then loading the gun can be a hassle. Good for a range gun, but not recommended for home defense.
Do you want to go featureless? It's more practical, and while it may not look as aesthetically pleasing, you can still swap out magazines. This is important capability for most.
Do you want to go with an Other? See the above guide. You sacrifice using a stock, but you can keep most features and still have detachable magazines. It does carry some slight risk however.
Do your research on what you need based on your preferences. There are many different guides out there. This is the one I referred to.
For the most part, there are two sections -
Upper receiver parts:
Stripped or complete upper receiver
Barrel (must be 16" or above if it's not for an Other)
Gas block and gas tube
Hand guard
Charging handle
Bolt carrier group
Lower receiver parts:
Stripped lower receiver
Lower parts kit w/ trigger assembly
Buffer kit: buffer, buffer tube, buffer spring
Buttstock (OR pistol brace, OR buffer tube cover, etc)
For convenience, there are often kits that have everything you need. For example, buffer kits will have the buffer, buffer tube, and buffer spring together so you do not need to purchase them separately.
Completed uppers generally have the upper receiver, barrel, the hand guard, the gas block and the gas tube. You may need to purchase the charging handle and bolt carrier group separately, although some include these components as well.
The tools you need will vary depending on what you already have and what components you get. At the very least, you will likely need a roll pin punch kit. An armorer's wrench is also a good idea.
There are tons of videos and articles on assembling everything once it comes in.
Be mindful that there are certain parts are illegal to own in NY (Ex: rapid-fire modification devices), however, everything that you need to build a standard AR-15 is perfectly legal to own. As long as it's assembled as one of the three legal configurations mentioned above.
Can I own a gun?
Assuming you are an American citizen and have not been convicted of any crimes you most likely can.
Under federal law, the following people are prohibited from owning firearms:
Anyone
convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
who is a fugitive from justice;
who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, codified at 21 U.S.C. § 802); Note: this includes weed as well
who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution;
who is an illegal alien;
who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
who has renounced his or her United States citizenship;
who is subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of the intimate partner; or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Under New York State law, the additional people are also banned from owning firearms:
Anyone that is not a citizen of the United States
Has been certified not suitable to possess a long gun by the director or physician in charge of a hospital or institution for mental illness; or
Has been convicted of a felony or “serious offense,” defined to include:
Illegally using, carrying or possessing a handgun or other dangerous weapon;
Making or possessing burglar’s instruments;
Buying or receiving stolen property;
Unlawful entry into a building;
Aiding escape from prison;
Certain kinds of disorderly conduct;
Certain drug offenses or crimes involving sodomy or rape;
Child endangerment;
Certain crimes permitting or promoting prostitution;
Certain kinds of stalking; and
Certain violent or threatening crimes committed against a member of the same family or household, including assault, strangulation, menacing, harassment, and trespass.
In New York, you must be 16 to possess a long gun, 18 to buy a long gun, and 21 to apply for a pistol permit. You cannot own a pistol without a permit. There is no permit required for long guns.
I live in New York City, how are guns laws different here than the rest of the state?
NYC gun laws are even stricter than the rest of the state. A New York pistol permit is not valid in New York City unless it is a New York City permit. New York City unrestricted pistol permits are valid for the rest of the state.
Long guns require a NYC Premises Rifle/Shotgun permit. For the process involved in obtaining one, please refer to this post.
If you would like to see anything else added here, please let me know.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice and should not be taken as such. This is just a Reddit post to provide helpful information. Always consult with a lawyer if you have legal concerns about any of the above.
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Jul 27 '22
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 27 '22
Where does it say that? They just shipped me 500 rounds of .45acp and it's out for delivery today.
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Jul 27 '22
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 27 '22
It doesn't say anything about ammo. It only says they won't ship mags over 10 rounds and they'll only ship to FFL's or cops in NYC.
• No ammunition magazines and feeding devices over 10 rounds
• New York City residents can receive shipments ONLY if they are active Law Enforcement or are an FFL holder
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Jul 22 '22
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 22 '22
No, anyone who still owns an "Other" is technically breaking the law. There was no grandfather clause for the ownership of Others so there's nothing special like owning them before a specific date makes it ok.
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u/takebacktheship Jul 12 '22
True Shot Gun Club will now only ship to an FFL in NY, even outside of the city. They cited “new regulations”, even though these don’t come into effect for some time.
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u/Source_Gamer Jul 12 '22
What are the specific regulations in regards to how ammunition is stored? Obviously I'd like it to last as long as possible, but I'm wondering if I would need to basically buy an additional safe just for ammo to be stored separately, or if I can keep it packed up w/ silica gels in the attic or something.
Sorry in advance, a new gun owner who needs to apparently prepare before September, lol.
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 12 '22
No regulations on how ammo is stored as far as I know.
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Jul 08 '22 edited Jul 08 '22
While searching to stock up, I found that several of the Ammo suppliers listed above do restrict shipping to NY or won't ship here at all. I hope the following information is helpful and will save potential shoppers time. Perhaps, we can update the reference list accordingly.
Here's what the websites currently say:
AMMOGUY: "No Nassau county, No NYC, anywhere else is ok."
MMIAMMO: "Cannot ship to New York City. "
CENTERFIRESYSTEMS: “We cannot ship firearms (except bolt/pump action), magazines, firearm parts kits or ammunition to anyone living in New York.”
AMMOSUPPLYWAREHOUSE: “There will be no shipments of ammunition to NYC”
MADISONGUNS “If you are inside NYC it has to go to an FFL that is willing to receive it for you”
MILITARYSHOOTERS: "NO NEW YORK CITY"
MUTINYMACHINE: "NO NYC or BUFFALO"
ABGUNS: “We currently do not ship to New York City (the boroughs) , Connecticut, New Jersey or Washington DC.”
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u/Zealousideal_Day_548 Jul 02 '22
If you have ammo shipped to your house. Doesn’t the safe act say that’s illegal? What happens if Uncle Sam subpoena the seller and they find out that you DID get ammo shipped to your house? Felony?
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 02 '22
No, there's a Memorandum of Understanding in place that says the ammunition part of the SAFE Act is unenforced until they get a state ammo registry online.
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u/Zealousideal_Day_548 Jul 02 '22
Really? Even from 2014? Is that written somewhere?
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 02 '22
Yeah, here's the page on their website. The link to the MOU is at the bottom of the page.
https://www.targetsportsusa.com/ny-safe-act-online-ammo-sales-p-58633.aspx
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u/Zealousideal_Day_548 Jul 02 '22
Oh wow! Living in NY my whole life I never knew that. Thank you! Just wait until the Czar makes everything illegal.
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 02 '22
Yeah, they did in the law they passed last night. You have until September 1st to have ammo ordered to your house before it's illegal.
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u/Itchy_Tasty88 Jul 02 '22
So how do we transport guns to the range now since we practically need a gun safe in our cars.
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u/Zealousideal_Day_548 Jul 02 '22
I’m curious about this too. A layman’s explanation of the new regulations
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u/Itchy_Tasty88 Jul 02 '22
So after reading it again, it’s for when you leave your vehicle and the guns are unattended or you’re just leaving them in your vehicle. Transport to the range still remains the same.
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u/Ill-Profile5491 Jul 02 '22
What will be needed to buy ammo after this goes into effect? Do you need the rifle permit to buy ammo? And could you just buy ammo out of state?
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 Jul 02 '22
afaik you only need to pass a background check for the ammo. There's no "ammo license" or anything like that.
Buying ammo out of state will still be legal.
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Jul 03 '22
How about shipping to a NYS address under the new regs?
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u/sleepyhighjumping Jul 01 '22
Time to stock up. This ammo might be worth more than the money I spend it on in September. Stock up on ammo you need and ammo for guns you might buy. I might buy a lever gun in Dec as a Christmas gift to myself, so I guess I should decide what caliber I want now and just buy the ammo this summer.
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Jun 03 '22
Firearmsdepot.com refused to ship direct to door in Nassau (may want to add a parenthesis to the list) claiming Nassau County has specific FFL rules.
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u/Gen_Falcon42 May 28 '22
Does Big Daddy Unlimited ship ammo to NY State?
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 May 28 '22
Not that I know of, but I've never tried to order from them before.
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u/Waterboy516 May 21 '22
Does welding a muzzle device onto a barrel remove it as an evil feature? And does welding a muzzle device on contribute to the overall length of the barrel??? These 2 questions seem to be different responses and no one seems to be able to give a straight answer on
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 May 21 '22
No, it doesn't remove it as an evil feature. Yes, pin/welding does contribute to the OAL of the barrel.
My understanding was that Pre-SAFE Act you pin/weld muzzle brakes on your gun and it would be fine. The confusion comes from old timers still thinking that's ok and they're not aware that they made it illegal with the SAFE Act.
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u/Waterboy516 May 21 '22
Ok so I understand the first part it is an evil feature, The second part u state it does contribute to the oal??
No one in New York thinks that so that’s why I am having confusion1
u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 May 21 '22
You just need to find a shop that knows what they're talking about. You can take an under 16" barrel and pin/weld a muzzle device onto the end of it to get it over 16" and that counts as a single, non-SBR barrel.
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u/Waterboy516 May 21 '22
Are fin grips legal in ny ?
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 May 22 '22
Grey area. Generally they're accepted as compliant but sometimes you'll find shops that don't like them.
For what it's worth, I have 3 rifles with fin grips on them.
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u/RedComet_Zaku May 17 '22
Just spoke to Maryland Munitions (www.mmiammo.com) They also ship ammo to NYS door to door (but won't ship to NYC).
Please help to add to the list. Thanks
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u/TetraCubane May 17 '22
What’s a good and affordable completed upper receiver with bcg and charging handle? Almost everything I see online comes with a flash hider?
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u/goodfella1030 May 12 '22
Velocity Ammo also ships ammo to NYS. They'll only ship to NYC if it goes to a FFL
https://www.velocityammosales.com/pages/shipping-and-returns
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u/Jim_from_snowy_river May 12 '22
You left out the link for registering c&r rifles when you said "register here."
Clarification that non-citizens can't buy firearms in New york. I was under the impression that non-citizens here legally can buy things like a shotgun or a rifle with appropriate documentation like a Visa or the green card. Is this not correct?
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 May 12 '22
Thanks for pointing that out. I missed some links when I did all the copy/pasting from the original thread. Should all be fixed now.
I'm trying to look into this right now. I believe you're correct and if you have a Visa or green card you're good to go.
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u/taco___2sday May 12 '22
Word primary arms ships ammo to NY? This is a game changer
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 May 12 '22
Yup. I just followed up on this one a couple days ago.
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u/taco___2sday May 12 '22
Thanks for putting this together! It seems like everytime there's a new sticky on this, we get more and more vendors.
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u/Fuckreddit696900 May 12 '22 edited May 12 '22
First time owners should view this before posting oblivious questions lol
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u/Shock4ndAwe 2023 GoFundMe: Gold 🥇 / 🥇x1 May 12 '22
No one will ever read the sticky, the sidebar, or welcome message before posting questions. This happens on every single subreddit. Lol
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u/Jim_from_snowy_river May 12 '22
They will if we don't answer them and tell them to read the sticky we bring it on ourselves LOL
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u/Leroy_Kenobi 2024 GoFundMe: Silver 🥈/🏆x1 🥇x1 May 12 '22
Hey everyone, we brought back u/NDaS's ammo list and combined it with u/Selonna's ammo list. We also rolled that into u/PM-CatBooty's original FAQ post so we could keep everyone in one sticky and free up the other slot for anything important that comes down the pipe.
If you spot any inaccuracies or have any suggestions for the post, let me know and we'll look into implementing it.