// STATE GUIDE — NY

Buying Ammo & Guns Online in New York (2026)

Q: Can I buy ammo online and have it shipped to New York?

Online ammo purchases in New York cannot be shipped directly to your door. They must go to a licensed dealer for a background check. Check with your preferred retailer about their NY shipping policy before ordering.

Q: What is the magazine capacity limit in New York?

New York restricts magazines to 10 rounds or fewer. Possession of magazines holding more than 10 rounds may be a criminal offense. Some grandfathered magazines may be exempt under specific conditions — consult an attorney for guidance.

Q: Are AR-15s legal in New York?

New York bans semi-automatic centerfire rifles with detachable magazines AND one or more defined features (pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding stock, etc.). AR-15s in standard configuration are generally prohibited. Compliant builds exist but require careful legal review.

Q: Does New York require a background check to buy ammo?

Yes. New York requires a background check for every ammunition purchase, including online orders. This check is performed at a licensed dealer. There is typically a fee of $1–$19 per transaction.

Q: Which online ammo retailers ship to New York?

Retailers commonly shipping to New York include: Lucky Gunner, MidwayUSA, Brownells, Ammunition Depot. Always verify current shipping policies on the retailer's website, as they can change. Retailers known not to ship here: SG Ammo, Target Sports USA.

UPDATED 2026ISR 24HEDITORIAL REVIEW

// DIRECT ANSWER

Buying ammo online in New York (NY) requires all shipments to go through a licensed dealer for a mandatory background check — direct-to-door shipping is prohibited. Firearms purchases follow federal FFL transfer rules with additional state-level requirements. Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds. New York is among the most regulated states for firearms and ammunition.

// 01 — AMMO SHIPPING RULES

New York Ammo Shipping Rules

New York requires all ammunition purchases to go through a licensed dealer with a background check. Online sales must ship to a licensed dealer. New York City has additional local restrictions.

⚠ Background Check Required: Every ammunition purchase in New York requires a point-of-sale background check through a licensed dealer. Budget extra time (typically 1–3 business days) for dealer processing in addition to shipping time.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) governs baseline ammunition eligibility requirements. New York adds state-level requirements on top of federal minimums. Online retailers are responsible for complying with both federal and NY state law, which is why shipping policies differ significantly by retailer.

// 02 — FIREARM PURCHASE RULES

New York Firearm Laws (2026)

All firearm purchases in New York — whether from a brick-and-mortar store or shipped from an online retailer — must go through a licensed FFL dealer. Federal law mandates a background check (NICS) for every retail firearms sale.

NY SAFE Act (2013) classifies many common semi-automatic rifles as "assault weapons." Standard-capacity magazines (10+ rounds) are banned. NYC has additional registration and permitting requirements.

New York imposes a waiting period between purchase and pickup for some or all firearms. Handguns typically require separate permitting beyond a standard NICS check. Always verify current waiting period requirements with your local FFL dealer before purchasing.

// 03 — MAGAZINE CAPACITY

Magazine Limits in New York

ROUND LIMIT

New York state maximum magazine capacity

New York prohibits magazines (and feeding devices) capable of holding more than 10 rounds. This applies to pistol magazines, rifle magazines, and drum magazines. Magazines imported, manufactured, or sold in violation of this limit may result in criminal charges.

When purchasing firearms or magazines online, ensure the retailer ships NY-compliant versions. Many manufacturers offer state-compliant models. Online retailers serving New York should automatically sell compliant products — if they don't, contact the retailer before purchasing.

// 04 — RETAILERS SHIPPING TO NY