A major legal development out of New York is sending shockwaves through the firearms industry. Nearly four years after the tragic 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting, accessory manufacturer Mean Arms (MEAN LLC) has reached a $1.75 million settlement with the state of New York.

The case centers on the company’s MA Lock device — a magazine locking mechanism designed for AR-style rifles. The product was marketed as a way to help firearms comply with New York’s strict assault weapons laws, which prohibit semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

According to New York Attorney General Letitia James, the lawsuit alleged that Mean Arms not only marketed the device as compliant but also included instructions showing how it could be removed. The state claimed this effectively provided a method to bypass New York’s firearm restrictions. Prosecutors argued the Buffalo shooter removed the device and used detachable magazines during the attack.

While the settlement does not necessarily establish an admission of wrongdoing, Mean Arms has agreed to:

• Pay $1.75 million in restitution to victims’ families and survivors
• Permanently cease selling the MA Lock in New York
• Remove claims that the device makes rifles compliant with state law
• Require packaging and resellers to clearly state the product cannot be sold in New York