New York Bill Limits Ammunition Sales

Posted on August 9, 2012

New legislation introduced in New York would severely limit the amount of ammunition sportsmen and gun owners could purchase.

Senate Bill 7828, sponsored by Senator Jose R. Peralta (D-Queens), would prohibit any person from purchasing or receiving more than 500 rounds of ammunition in a 30 day period. It would also prohibit any retail dealer of ammunition from selling a person more than 500 rounds. Under the bill, ammunition dealers would be required to record and keep personal information from purchasers including their name, address, date of birth, telephone number, and the details of the ammunition purchased.

The bill does include limited exemptions for shooting ranges, law enforcement agencies, members of the armed forces, and licensed firearms dealers. However, these exemptions provide no protection for most sportsmen or recreational shooters. They would still be limited to no more than 500 rounds in a 30 day period.

Sportsmen regularly go through countless rounds of ammunition in preparation for upcoming hunting seasons or to practice their skills at a local range. For example, waterfowl, dove, and upland bird hunters will often shoot thousands of practice rounds leading up to their hunting seasons to hone their wingshooting skills.

“This bill would make it illegal for you to buy two cases of shotgun shells and 100 rounds of .22 ammunition to take your kids out target shooting,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance In-House Counsel and Associate Director of State Services. “Limiting the amount of ammunition sportsmen can purchase only serves to take away the rights of law abiding citizens while doing nothing to prevent crime.”

Take Action! New York sportsmen should contact their state senators and ask them to oppose Senate Bill 7828. Visit USSA’s Legislative Action Center to find your state senator’s contact information.