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Gun Rights Advocates Fight Against New Law Signed By Cuomo

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A gun advocacy group took the first step Tuesday to legally halting the newly-signed gun laws for New York state.

As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, the New York Rifle and Pistol Association said its position is clear.

"We believe that (Gov. Andrew) Cuomo's gun law is a blatant infringement on our Second Amendment rights," said Jacob Reeper, vice president of legislative and political affairs for the group.

Gun Rights Advocates Fight Against New Law Signed By Cuomo

The group explained Tuesday why it has taken the first legal step toward a possible lawsuit.

"He has literally turned millions and millions of gun owners into criminals with the passage of that law," Reeper said.

Reeper said the tighter restrictions are not clear for owners who possess guns that are now illegal. He believes a lawsuit is likely.

"Success would be all, or most, of Cuomo's gun laws struck down," he said.

Earlier this month, Cuomo signed the toughest gun control law in the nation and the first since the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre in Newtown, Conn.

Under prior state law, assault weapons are defined by having two "military rifle'' features spelled out in the law. The new law reduces that to one feature and include the popular pistol grip.

It also forces gun owners to renew their licenses every five years, stiffens penalties for using a gun in the commission of a crime and for bringing a gun on school property.

EXTRA: Read The Bill Here

What do you think about the new New York gun control law? Leave your comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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