Are threaded barrels illegal in NY?

Are Threaded Barrels Illegal in NY?

The state of New York has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country, and when it comes to threaded barrels, the answer is not a simple yes or no. To understand the legality of threaded barrels in New York, it’s essential to break down the relevant laws and regulations.

What is a Threaded Barrel?

Before we dive into the legality, let’s define what a threaded barrel is. A threaded barrel is a type of firearm barrel that has a thread pattern cut into the muzzle end, allowing for the attachment of a suppressor or silencer. The threads are typically cut to a specific pitch and diameter to ensure a secure fit for the suppressor.

New York State Gun Laws

New York has strict gun laws, and it’s essential to understand the relevant laws and regulations to determine the legality of threaded barrels. Here are some key points to consider:

• The NY SAFE Act: The New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (NY SAFE Act) was signed into law in 2013, and it’s one of the most comprehensive gun control laws in the country. The law bans the possession, sale, and manufacture of certain firearms and devices, including certain types of semi-automatic rifles and pistols.
• The Assault Weapons Ban: The NY SAFE Act also includes an assault weapons ban, which prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of certain semi-automatic firearms that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine and have a specific set of features, including a pistol grip, folding or collapsible stock, and a flash suppressor.
• The Machine Gun Ban: New York law also prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of machine guns, which are defined as firearms that are capable of firing more than one shot with a single trigger pull.

Are Threaded Barrels Illegal in NY?

Now that we’ve covered the relevant laws and regulations, let’s answer the question: are threaded barrels illegal in NY? The answer is no, but with some caveats.

• Suppressors: Threaded barrels with suppressors are illegal in New York, as suppressors are considered "machine guns" under federal law. The NY SAFE Act also prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of certain types of suppressors, including those that are capable of being attached to firearms.
• Threaded Barrels without Suppressors: Threaded barrels without suppressors are legal in New York, but there are some restrictions. Under the NY SAFE Act, threaded barrels are considered "assault weapon parts" and are subject to certain regulations. For example, threaded barrels must be securely attached to a firearm, and they cannot be easily removed or detached.
• Exemptions: There are some exemptions to the threaded barrel ban, including for certain types of firearms that are used for hunting or target shooting. For example, threaded barrels are allowed on certain types of rifles and shotguns that are used for hunting, as long as they are attached to the firearm and not easily removable.

Penalties for Illegal Possession

If you’re caught possessing a threaded barrel that is illegal in New York, you could face serious penalties, including:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon: This is a class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
• Criminal Possession of a Machine Gun: This is a class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm: This is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legality of threaded barrels in New York is complex and depends on the specific circumstances. While threaded barrels without suppressors are legal in New York, there are some restrictions and exemptions that apply. It’s essential to understand the relevant laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid serious penalties. If you’re unsure about the legality of a threaded barrel in New York, it’s best to consult with a qualified attorney or law enforcement officer.

Table: New York Gun Laws

Bullets: Key Points to Consider

• The NY SAFE Act bans the possession, sale, and manufacture of certain firearms and devices, including certain types of semi-automatic rifles and pistols.
• The assault weapons ban prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of certain semi-automatic firearms that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine and have a specific set of features.
• Machine guns are prohibited in New York, and the possession, sale, and manufacture of machine guns is illegal.
• Threaded barrels with suppressors are illegal in New York, as suppressors are considered "machine guns" under federal law.
• Threaded barrels without suppressors are legal in New York, but there are some restrictions and exemptions that apply.
• Penalties for illegal possession of a threaded barrel can be severe, including criminal possession of a weapon, machine gun, or firearm.