[wizrd]

The situation in NY is way worse than any of you may perceive. New laws create a 'special class' of firearms owner - those who would like to buy a semi-automatic long gun. If you DO NOT HAVE A NY STATE PISTOL PERMIT - it will take you 6 months (average waiting period) in my county, (Oneida) to buy a new semi-automatic LONG GUN, (rifle OR shotgun) at this time. You have to apply for a permit - at the local pistol office - a 4 page application requiring you submit 4 character references, make arrangements to be fingerprinted, etc. The same as you would be required if you were a new pistol license applicant.
Again, this application period takes about 6 months.
If you now have a NY state pistol permit - a trip to the pistol office is still necessary - as they WILL STAMP the back of your present permit - 'Semi-Auto Long Gun permitted' - or some such other meaningless tripe. All I can say about NY right now - it's a good place to be FROM!