GTA
Fun Shoot By State Discussion Gate => Discussions By States => Indiana Fun Shooting Events => Topic started by: Geoff on May 21, 2013, 06:36:24 PM
-
From the following it does not seem that we can shoot ANYTHING in our own backyard.
"Sec.6-331 DischargeofFirearmsandotherWeapons.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge,shoot,or otherwise use any weapon except
as provided by Ind. Code§35-41-3-2orfor practice at a range approved by the Chief of Police.
(b) It shall be unlawful to shoot across or upon any public street or place or toward a public
way from any private premises,any bullet,pellet,missile or object impelled, from any gun,
firearm, pistol,or weapon operated by means of any explosive charge,or by springs, air
pressure,or other means,or impelled from a slingshot, or any other device having force
directed by the user thereof except as provided by Ind. Code§35-41-3-2.
-
That's the way it is in Noblesville. You can even get in trouble for a youth recurve or a paintball gun. Even airsoft is technically illegal. Crazy.
-
Back in 70s and 80s I got more rabbits out of the yards in town with my old crosman 760 then I did in the woods with a shot gun kids would be in jail for it now.miss the good old days.
-
Try contacting SAF ( Second Amendment Foundation ) they are big on reversing laws in cities, towns, counties, epically when the run afoul of state law. The NRA May get all the headlines, but these guys get laws repealed, or changed. Thankfully here in Virginia, our last gov signed a law making the use air guns on your private property legal state wide. There were a few counties, and cities that had similar laws as yours, the new law invalidated those. SAF is not afraid to go to court to protect citizens rights, so they might be a good group to contact, just to see if they can help.
Casey
-
thank you for the heads up Casey.
-
If you setup a good backstop and sideskirts, you can seek approval by the Chief of Police. They can approve it, or tell you the modifications you need to make, for their approval.
Edit: I believe that Crosman website has tips for setting up a safe backstop, that you can use for your documentation and specifications. They do a lot of this for promotion of the sport.
-
If you setup a good backstop and sideskirts, you can seek approval by the Chief of Police. They can approve it, or tell you the modifications you need to make, for their approval.
the only problem I see with that is if he says NO ! I wont be able to shoot in my backyard as he is likely (I would) to send an officer by in a week to see if I am doing it. ;D
-
Your welcome, I know many don't want to push these things as far as court, but with the backing of an organization like SAF to do the heavy lifting, it's at least worth a try. And when they win, everyone in your locale wins.
Casey
I know many who simply build safe stops, and ranges, then only use quiet air guns, but if they get caught, it could be an offense that affects ones ability to own other arms.
-
If you make your best effort at creating a safe backyard setup with sufficient berm or backstop, you will get favorable consideration as a serious target shooter. It's kinda up to you to make the effort. I'd keep it as "local", as I could. They'll get to know you as a good guy. Always best to keep it on a local "handshake" versus "lawyers". The law has offered you an alternative that you can take advantage of. You just gotta do it.
They are bound to help you as much as they can, to help you...if they see your efforts.
-
Solid points Bullit, when my un-friendly neighbors called the police on me, the second time, the responding officer actually knew the law, unlike the first one. He actually walked with me out back to see my range, and when he saw my setup, and that it was controlled, with a natural hill behind it, and on the vacant area of the woods past my own property, he was impressed. Funny thing the next couple of times the neighbors called, he would just pull up out front, ask me from the car, "just the air gun?" then go tell the caller that I was not shooting a firearm, and it was legal, so stop wasting their time, or he would charge them. That stopped the harassment from all the neighbors. Best part was maybe a month ago when the ground hog showed up a couple of them called nd asked if I was going to take care of it. Yeah I did, but didn't tell them. Never know who might decide to try and make trouble. Bullit the only reason I mentioned SAF was just for the awareness that there is a group that will step up and help out all of us 2nd amendment defenders. I do agree if there is a legal way to avoid lawyers, and courts, why not try.
Casey