Live in NY and Thinking About Buying a Glock-Style Pistol?

Here’s What You Should Know Before May 31, 2027

If you’ve been considering purchasing a Glock or another Glock-pattern pistol, now is the time to educate yourself about an important change to New York firearm law.

Under legislation enacted as part of New York’s 2026–2027 state budget, beginning May 31, 2027, New York law will restrict licensed firearm dealers and gunsmiths from selling, transferring, disposing of, or shipping firearms that meet the statutory definition of a “convertible pistol,” subject to specified exceptions. View the enacted legislation (A10005C / S9005C).

The legislation defines a convertible pistol based on specific design characteristics, including a semiautomatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar that can be readily altered so a pistol converter can be installed or attached. The law does not ban Glock by brand name. A related standalone proposal, S399B, addresses the same general subject of pistol converters and convertible pistols.

Which Firearms May Be Affected?

New York has not yet published the official model-by-model list required by the enacted legislation. The law directs the Superintendent of the New York State Police to publish a list of pistols determined to meet the statutory definition before the applicable effective date and annually thereafter.

Because the law is based on firearm design rather than brand name, owners and prospective buyers should avoid assuming that every model from a particular manufacturer will—or will not—be affected.

Many Glock-pattern pistols use design characteristics addressed by the statute, and industry discussion has focused heavily on Glock and Glock-compatible designs. However, the final legal status of any particular model should be confirmed against official New York State guidance and the State Police list when published.

We will publish the official list as soon as it is available. Check back for updates on this post.

What This Means for New York Residents

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a Glock-style handgun, the upcoming restrictions could affect which models are available for future dealer sales or transfers in New York.

Obtaining a New York pistol license takes time, and the process varies by licensing jurisdiction. Depending on where you live and your individual circumstances, completing the licensing process can take months. Waiting until the 2027 implementation date approaches could reduce your options if a firearm you are considering is ultimately classified as a convertible pistol.

Importantly, the enacted law contains exceptions involving certain previously lawfully owned convertible pistols and specified transfers. Existing owners should consult the final law, official state guidance, and qualified legal counsel when necessary rather than assuming that the new restrictions automatically make a currently lawfully possessed pistol illegal.

Don’t Wait Until the Deadline to Get Informed

Whether you’re considering your first handgun or adding to an existing collection, planning ahead gives you time to understand the law, complete required training and licensing, and make an informed decision.

At First & Last Resort, we believe education comes first. We encourage every prospective firearm owner to:

1.     Understand New York State and local firearm laws that apply to you.

2.     Complete high-quality firearm safety and responsible ownership training.

3.     Understand and complete the pistol licensing requirements in your jurisdiction.

4.     Make informed purchasing decisions based on current law and official guidance—not last-minute panic.

Firearm laws continue to evolve. For official resources, licensing information, safe-storage requirements, concealed-carry guidance, and updates, visit the First & Last Resort NYS Gun Laws & Resources page.

Stay Prepared. Stay Informed.

Responsible firearm ownership begins long before a purchase. It starts with education, training, an understanding of the law, and a commitment to safe and responsible decision-making. We also encourage you to consider our Prepared Fitness and Emergency Preparedness sessions as an additional way to ramp up your capabilities to defend yourself and those who matter most.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Firearm laws, regulations, administrative guidance, and local procedures can change. The enacted New York legislation discussed above establishes restrictions involving “convertible pistols” and requires the New York State Police to publish a list of pistols determined to meet the statutory definition. As of this revision, readers should not treat unofficial model lists as a final legal determination. Always verify current requirements with official New York State and local authorities and consult qualified legal counsel when appropriate.