What exactly are the NY state rules on ARs in this area? I know that NY has a state ban similar to the expired 94 ban, so pre-ban mags and rifles are still relevant. Is there any other information to know about gun laws in this area of the country?

There are no restrictions in WC other then the NYS AWB. If your preban/postban rifle was legal under the expired Federal AWB it is legal to possess in WC today.  Magazines with a capacity greater then 10 rounds must have been manufactured prior to 09-14-1994.

It is illegal to possess a handgun in NYS unless you have a NYS Pistol License.

So you can still import pre-94 guns and mags into the state, you just can't buy post-94 semis and mags?

You are limited to one feature so a pistol grip is generally all you can have on rifle manufactured after 09-13-1994. You can "import" newly manufactured rifles with no more then the one feature.

Quoted: So you can still import pre-94 guns and mags into the state?

YES and I highly recommend it.  Only pre-94 mags can have over a 10 round capacity and only pre-94 rifles can have all of the "evil" features.  You can also buy just a preban AR-15 lower  receiver and put a brand new evil upper receiver on it or any other new parts. The only thing that has to be preban is the lower receiver. Again, highly recommended.

Here is a good website to confirm preban status.
www.mp5.net/info/preban.htm

IMO, it's only worth buying an expensive preban M4 or carbine AR-15.  If you just want a 20 inch barrel A2, get a cheap post ban gun because the only evil features you are missing out on are the bayonet lug and flash hider which are pretty much useless anyway.  But add a telecoping stock into the mix and the preban price isn't so bad.

Most sellers won't tell you what the serial number is but always ask what the serial number range is (first 4 digits).  Never assume something is preban by the way it's advertised until you can confirm the serial number.  Many people advertise AR-15s as prebans but in reality they are "no bans" with preban features, which means they are way too evil for us New Yorkers to own.

Thanks for the info!