New York Statewide Rule

Open Carry of Firearms in New York

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across New York (2026)

New York effectively prohibits open carry of handguns statewide, and the Concealed Carry Improvement Act treats visible carry the same as concealed carry under license rules.

Key Facts

Open handgun carry: Effectively prohibited
License covers both: Open and concealed
Long guns in public: Limited lawful purposes
Sensitive locations: Apply equally

Source: New York State Senate

Full Breakdown

Penal Law § 400.00 issues only one form of pistol license, which authorizes carry on or about the person. The 2022 CCIA revisions and Penal Law § 265.01-e treat any carry of a handgun, openly or concealed, as restricted to license holders and prohibit it in sensitive locations. Long guns are not generally allowed to be openly carried in public absent a lawful purpose such as hunting on appropriate land. Localities cannot authorize open carry where state law prohibits it.

Violations & Penalties

Carrying a handgun without a license, openly or concealed, is a class E felony; brandishing in public can elevate charges under menacing statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I openly carry a handgun in New York?

No. State law does not issue a separate open-carry license, and visible handgun carry without a pistol permit is treated as criminal possession statewide.

Is openly carrying a rifle legal in New York?

Only for lawful purposes such as transport to and from hunting or a range, in compliance with transport rules. Carrying long guns in public spaces invites disorderly conduct or menacing charges.

Sources

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