Exploring the AR-15 in WNY

In New York State, gun laws are considered strict. 

"New York is probably ... the most difficult state and most controlled state for firearm sales" Michael Benevento of the Niagara Gun Shop said.

The SAFE Act, which became law in 2013, created restrictions on semi-automatic rifles, more specifically AR-15's. 

"It's one of the best selling guns. It's definitely one of the best selling guns we have" DD's Ranch owner Dean Adamski said. 

Adamski has seen how AR-15's are viewed nationally after the rifle was used in multiple mass shootings across the US. 

"99.99% it's used for hunting for sports shooting and target shooting."

In New York State, firearms can only have magazines that hold a maximum of ten rounds. This is fairly unusual as most states are much more relaxed. 

"In certain states you can have twenty, thirty, forty round magazines that are not illegal" Benevento said. 

Benevento believes that could be why AR-15's are used in many of the shootings, as they can often hold much more ammunition that other firearms.