Last updated March 2026 · By Nick Hall, NY gun buyer who has visited every shop on this list in person
Gun stores are thin on the ground in New York these days. Draconian new laws came in to force in the wake of Sandy Hook and now it’s not so simple to get a handgun license.
It’s still possible, though. So, if you’re in New York and you’ve got your NYP-issued license in your hand, where can you go to buy a gun in New York?
Well here are some of the best gun shops in NYC and the surrounding area. Let us know if you think we’re missing one and we’ll be sure to include it.
The 7 Best Gun Stores in New York City.
1. Woodhaven Rifle and Pistol Range
74-16 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven, NY 11421
An on-site range and seriously knowledgeable staff mean this shop has become a favorite with local law enforcement. It’s a pretty unique place, although you do have to buy your ammunition from them if you want to hit the range and it isn’t the cheapest day of plinking. But then you’re on a shooting range, in New York, which is actually pretty cool these days.
The prices for the firearms are pretty competitive, although you can save more money online,
2. Beretta
Upper East Side, 718 Madison Avenue, NY, 10065
The flagship store from Beretta is just one of those stores you have to see. It’s like an Apple store, but with guns.
It’s set over three floors and focuses on shotguns on the third floor. There you’ll find a qualified Master Shooter, who will sell you a gun that ranges from $300 to $130,000. He’ll give you some pointers on your technique too.
You don’t get pistols, which is a shame. But then the laws have tightened in New York and it’s not that simple to sell handguns anymore, or even let customers touch them.
3. D F Brothers Sports Center Ltd
7919 New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
This looks like one of those proper old-school, slightly grimy gun stores from the outside.
Inside, you’ll meet professionals who really know their shit. They’re obviously up to speed with New York gun laws and everything they sell is legit and legal.
You;ll find some cool guns in there and if you’re a gun guy then you’ll probably find a new friend. Like the Littlest Hobo, but different somehow.
4. John Jovino Gun Shop
183 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
Jovino survived the downturn in business that came from basically a blanket handgun ban by focusing on Law Enforcement.
Now, 95% of his business comes from serving officers, who obviously have the right paperwork. Glocks, Sig Sauers and Smith & Wessons are his stock in trade now.
5. Caso’s Gun-A-Rama
2626 Danforth Avenue, Jersey City, NJ, USA
Yes, it’s slightly out of NYC, in the sticks of New Jersey. So what makes this small hole-in-the-wall gun shop so special? The people that run it.
It’s a family-run business, they all know their stuff and you only have to look at all the gushing Google reviews to see this place is one of the best gun stores in the New York area. It doesn’t matter that it’s small, it doesn’t matter they’ll probably have to order in any special requests. They offer a personal service, and that counts for something these days.
6. RT Smoke N Gun
4 S 6th Avenue, Mt Vernon, NY
Not far out of town towards the upscale area of Greenwich, but actually in Mt Vernon, you’ll find the RT Smoke N Gun store.
It’s a great store, with a huge stock, a range to try them on and knowledgeable staff that really know their guns. They’ll helpyou with the paperwork and all in all the customer service is second to none.
So pay them a visit!
7. Bullseye Tactical Supply
106 Main Street, Township, New York
Owner Chris has forged his reputation on ongoing relationships with customers, who know don’t go anywhere else for their guns.
It’s rare to get that kind of bond with a local business these days and gun enthusiasts head to Township from all over New York.
New Jersey gun stores are in short supply these days. But Bullseye Tactical Supply is still going strong and it’s one of the best gun shops in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gun store in New York?
Coliseum Gun Traders on Long Island and John Jovino on Centre Street in Manhattan are well-known. Westchester Guns and Range USA have strong reputations upstate. Selection is limited by NY gun laws.
Is it hard to buy a gun in New York?
Yes. New York requires a pistol permit for handguns (may take 6 to 18 months), has an assault weapons ban, 10-round magazine limit, and universal background checks. Long gun purchases are simpler.
Are there gun stores in New York City?
Very few. NYC has additional restrictions on top of state law. Most NYC-area buyers shop in Westchester, Long Island, or across the river in Connecticut or New Jersey (which is also restrictive).
Can I buy an AR-15 in New York?
Only in NY-SAFE Act compliant configurations. Fixed magazines, no pistol grips, no telescoping stocks. Featureless builds are available. Standard AR-15s are prohibited under New York assault weapons ban.
What is the NY SAFE Act?
The Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (2013) bans assault weapons by features, limits magazines to 10 rounds, requires background checks on ammo purchases, and mandates safe storage.
Do I need a permit to buy a handgun in New York?
Yes. You need a pistol permit issued by your county. The process involves application, fingerprinting, background check, and often references. Processing takes months. Each handgun is listed on the permit.
Are suppressors legal in New York?
No. Suppressors are completely illegal in New York. Machine guns, SBRs, and SBSs are also prohibited. New York is one of the most restrictive states for NFA items.
What are gun store transfer fees in New York?
Typically 50 to 100 dollars due to additional state compliance requirements. The permitting process for handguns adds significant time and cost beyond the basic transfer fee.
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