What I think puts it in the firearm category is the facts that, it is a shoulder fired, scoped, pre cocked weapon that does not have to be drawn in the presence of the animal.
Draw locks are also illegal in NYS and are tantamount to a crossbow...see I didn't say crossgun, as much as I would have like to:p.
Most places that BAN crossbows also ban draw locks for compounds.
A crossbow has much more similarities to a gun, regardless of projectile, which is a bolt, not an arrow;).
As far as range goes, the compound has that won hands down. Yes, the crossbow is louder when fired, but it can be quieted to some extent with the right equipment.
I will make my point for the gazillionith time also( I like that Doc:D). The simple fact that it does NOT have to be drawn in the prescense of the animal, disqualifies it for archery.
Point and shoot...like a gun.