Thank you Wogpotter. Your post made me do some more research and it seems sadly that you are correct. From NY state police site ~
http://www.troopers.ny.gov/FAQs/Firearms/Permits.cfm
If it is shot, or if the loading components (ball, caps, powder) are present then a pistol permit for that gun is required.
I'll leave it at home. We will not be shooting any handguns at the NY range. Boy I'm glad I live in Texas! My B-I-L is fed up with all those gun regulations and they will all move down here in a few years anyway.