The above post by D-wheel is the pratical advise that we can count on him giving every time.

The only thing that I can add is that if I were a NYC resident I would also buy a Ruger Mini-14. Five rounds of 12 gauge buckshot and five rounds of .223 is a whole lot of firepower to bring to a real world gunfight. After that apply for a pistol permit. I know it is a lot of trouble and expense but don't let the fuckers keep you from owning a gun. MIKE.

TheSneak;

DFW knows whereof he speaks...he is extremely knowledgable and has experience to back up that knowledge.

I am currently putting together a HD shotgun for a friend and his wife who live in an apartment...

870P receiver with Wingmaster 18" Cylinder barrel
Wilson 1 shot extension & spring kit (I like these because they allow all 5 rounds from a box of Buck)
Short "standard" Speedfeed stock / fore end combo

They will probably add a SureFire 618 later. The gun will be loaded with Federal Tactical (reduced recoil, but using hardened, plated shot) #4 Buck...their choice.

Sound familar?

The non-pistol grip stocks really are faster to handle in many circumstances because the hand and wrist are not "locked in" to a position as with the PG stock. IMO the standard stock shoulders faster and generally handles better. OTOH, the PG model allows better "pointability" with one hand (works for one shot with the pump at least) and is a bit better for weapon retention if that becomes an issue. For HD, the difference is probably not a big deal so long as the gun fits you well...but remember that many of us cut our "shotgun teeth" using these guns for wing shooting ducks, dove and quail (for sure I did!) and FAST is the name of that game unless you are pass shooting ducks / geese. With a bead front sight, your eye is the "rear sight" of the shotgun, thus "fit and feel" must be correct for YOU...which is why shotgun stocks are such a major topic with shotgunners.

In your shoes, I would definitely want some sort of extra ammo capability...either on the gun (not my favorite place, but your circumstances are different from mine) or readily accessable when I grabbed the gun, and for certain, an oversize safety button.

If you choose to leave a round chambered, recognize that almost all sporting long guns only use the "safety" to block the trigger. They can...and may...fire if dropped or banged around really hard.

Good luck...I hope you never need your shotgun for anything except practice!

New York City has two definitions of firearm. The New York City Charter has a broader meaning of firearm to include any firearm (defined by the New York Administrative Code), rifle, shotgun, assault weapon, or machine gun. The New York City Administrative Code more narrowly defines firearm as any pistol or revolver, a shotgun having a barrel(s) less than eighteen inches in length, a rifle having a barrel(s) less than sixteen inches in length, or any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle with an overall length of less than 26 inches. Assault weapons (defined in the NYC Administrative code) are not considered firearms except as specifically provided, making this second definition different than the New York State Law.

The definition of assault weapon includes semiautomatic center fire or rimfire rifle or semiautomatic shotgun, which has one or more of the following features:

folding or telescoping stock or no stock;
pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
bayonet mount;
flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor;
barrel shroud;
grenade launcher.
In addition, the commissioner shall, by rule, designate specific semiautomatic center fire or rimfire rifles or semiautomatic shotguns, identified by make, model and/or manufacturer's name, as within the definition of assault weapon, if the Commissioner determines that such weapons are particularly suitable for military and not sporting purposes:

Any shotgun with a revolving-cylinder magazine;
Any part, or combination of parts, designed or redesigned or intended to readily convert a rifle or shotgun into an assault weapon.
The definition of assault weapon shall not include any rifle or shotgun modified to render it permanently inoperative.

It is unlawful for any person to possess or dispose of an assault weapon except for members of the military, persons employed with defense contracts for testing, and persons voluntarily surrendering an assault weapon to the Police Commissioner.

Ammunition feeding device means magazines, belts, feedstrips, drums or clips capable of being attached to or utilized with firearms, rifles, shotguns or assault weapons.

The presence of a rifle, or shotgun, or rifle or shotgun ammunition, in a vehicle, room, dwelling or structure, without a rifle and shotgun permit therefore and a certificate of registration therefore, or the presence of an assault weapon in a vehicle, room, dwelling or structure, shall be presumptive evidence of possession thereof by all persons occupying the vehicle, room, dwelling or structure at the time.

It is unlawful to alter, change, remove, disfigure, obliterate or deface the name of the make, model, manufacturer's or serial number of a rifle, shotgun, handgun, or assault weapon.

Whenever the Mayor declares a state of emergency in New York City, the following activities are prohibited:

the sale or transfer of possession of any ammunition, guns and other firearms of any size description;
the displaying by or in any store or shop of any ammunition, guns and other firearms of any size or description;
the possession in a public place of a rifle or shotgun by any person, except police or military in performance of official duty;
the possession of any rifle or shotgun in any place, public or private, by a nonresident who has not been issued a permit by the Police Commissioner.
It is unlawful to fire or discharge any gun, pistol, rifle, fowling piece or other firearm in the City, except for certain premises designated by the Police Commissioner.

Non-residents of New York City may apply for a rifle or shotgun permit subject to the same conditions, regulations, and requirements as residents of New York City.



SOURCES:

New York city Charter Chapter 18-C, 18-D, New York City Administrative Code 3-105, 3-109, 3-131, 10-301 through 10-312, and New York Consolidated Laws, Articles 400.


The Mini-14 is not named in the NYC Admin Code. I could not find any reference to the size of the mag on a pump shotgun. MIKE.