After pushing for and signing into law some of the nation’s toughest gun control measures in January, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Wednesday said he now wants to ease the restriction on gun magazines before it takes effect next month.
The measure signed by Cuomo prohibited the sale of magazines that can hold more than seven rounds of ammunition. It was slated to take effect on April 15, but it had drawn criticism from pro-gun groups because seven-round magazines are not all that common, according to the New York Times. On Wednesday, Cuomo conceded that his critics may have had a point.
From the Times:
But, Mr. Cuomo said Wednesday, seven-round magazines are not widely manufactured. And, although the new gun law provided an exemption for the use of 10-round magazines at firing ranges and competitions, it did not provide a legal way for gun owners to purchase such magazines.
As a result, he said, he and legislative leaders were negotiating language that would continue to allow the sale of magazines holding up to 10 rounds, but still forbid New Yorkers from loading more than 7 rounds into those magazines.
“There is no such thing as a seven-bullet magazine,” Mr. Cuomo said at a news conference. “That doesn’t exist. So you really have no practical option.”
