The NY governor was kind enough to provide us resident serfs with a FAQ page regarding the new gun law:
http://www.governor.ny.gov/2013/gun-reforms-faq
http://www.governor.ny.gov/2013/gun-reforms-faq
A: Most handguns are not assault weapons and are not affected by this law. A traditionally designed handgun is not an assault weapon. For example a single shot pistol or a revolver cannot be an assault weapon.