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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: Joncooper on August 03, 2014, 04:32:51 PM
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Sunday after noon and after doing some target shooting and nothing worthwhile on tv , I thought i would read up on VA air gun laws and I have to say It's a pretty interesting read . I digress just for a moment , some time around the late 70s In the UK I was prosecuted by a land owner for trespassing with a firearm my " firearm " of choice back then was BSA Air sporter any way long story short , I read with interest that with in the state of VA air arms are NOT classed as fire arms. Also It is legal to shoot on your own property providing the projectile doesn't leave your property , which Is nice to know If a nose neighbor call the police . Nothing was said about noise levels so technically ALL airguns are back yard friendly . ::)
I guess different states have different laws but its worth a read .
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There is plenty said about noise levels - just in other statutes related to NOISE. That would include drum circles, chainsaws, parties, home made explosives - and yes, Sumatra .25s.
But, yes, the statutes in VA do let you shoot airguns, provided you don't violate any other statutes (see above). Best thing is just to be a good neighbour.
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I do not care what my neighbors think. LOL I live in the country (out of city limits). Just the other day one neighbor shot another neighbors dog with an air rifle. Not my business, but both are too scared to call the police because they are undocumented. They shoot my dog I will call 911 and INS. :)
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Sunday after noon and after doing some target shooting and nothing worthwhile on tv , I thought i would read up on VA air gun laws and I have to say It's a pretty interesting read . I digress just for a moment , some time around the late 70s In the UK I was prosecuted by a land owner for trespassing with a firearm my " firearm " of choice back then was BSA Air sporter any way long story short , I read with interest that with in the state of VA air arms are NOT classed as fire arms. Also It is legal to shoot on your own property providing the projectile doesn't leave your property , which Is nice to know If a nose neighbor call the police . Nothing was said about noise levels so technically ALL airguns are back yard friendly . ::)
I guess different states have different laws but its worth a read .
Hey Joncooper! I'm not far from you,just down I 95 South and I enjoy the great Va. air rifle laws ;D I have a nice 30 yd range layout with a substantial backstop, to enjoy safe backyard shooting. My neighbors are fine with it and one donates an endless supply of "beverage" cans for target use!! ;D
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As Commonwealth of Pennsylvania game laws are so plainly written, it appears that you can't shoot 'NOTHIN' around here. (Locally pronounced, 'gnaw-thin'.) ;)
Please, please,PLEASE, someone tell me that I'm reading it wrong!!! :(
Cheers,
Smoketown
(Recently transplanted from 'airgun friendly' Arizona.)
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I can find no airgun laws in Kentucky...besides hunting laws which are pretty good.
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As Commonwealth of Pennsylvania game laws are so plainly written, it appears that you can't shoot 'NOTHIN' around here. (Locally pronounced, 'gnaw-thin'.) ;)
Please, please,PLEASE, someone tell me that I'm reading it wrong!!! :(
Cheers,
Smoketown
(Recently transplanted from 'airgun friendly' Arizona.)
Smoketown....I really feel for ya mate , I lived in Arizona for awhile and really loved the desert all that space to shoot in and nobody around for miles ...Awsome
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Michigan has wacky firearm laws. As I understand them: A gun w/ a rifled barrel < 30" which shoots a .177 or larger projectile is a firearm. My 1377 is reqistered with the sheriff. A muzzleloader is not a firearm???? You can open carry in a school, but only if you have a concealed carry (called CPL in MI) permit.
My understanding is shooting on your own prorerty is a local thing.... I even had a member of my LGC tell me I was breaking the law and subject to arrest for shooting in my basement :-/. I live in a sub, shooting on my property is not practical. I'd have to check my township rules to see if it is illegal, but I'd bet it's not.
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KzooRichie. I can tell you any "powder powered" muzzleloader is considered as a "Firearm". It makes "Fire". That's the bottom line.
As far as your local subdivision goes...make sure that they understand the bylaws, just as you should. "They", should be able to show you the violation, which could be by following your local sherrff, county ordinance.
The deal about "Noise"...is a real toughy...and very subjective. Be careful unless you have paperwork to argue with the fine public officer that pays you a visit.
I know it not worthy guys...but let's educate ourselves so we can educate others ;)
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Well for the noise laws I am more in danger of breaking them with my Mesa Rectifier or 6505+, and air rifle in the back yard are legal in my town...
it is the Wa. hunting laws that worry me.
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State laws are one thing, local laws are another. Air rifles are classed as firearms in my city cause punk @@@ kids shooting out car windows.
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We are enjoying a wider adoption in Missouri. This year they opened deer season with airguns, considered "alternate weapons" with blackpowder, bows and atlatls for the extended deer season. .40 cal and above only, which rules out a lot of nice 9mm...but I still ordered a 909s for this year!
We can hunt just about anything except duck and turkey. I imagine they might open up on turkeys soon, too. No reason you can't throw a .22 or .25 into their head.
Also, in Missouri, this is the only reason I have airguns, is they are NOT considered firearms - so felons like me can safely own them. Yeah, I screwed up as a teenager, and its a black mark on my permanent record, but thankfully I can still stalk the woods with an airgun.
In my city (Kansas City) we are technically prohibited from discharging anything that creates a projectile, but with the large hill behind my house for a backstop, nice neighbors, and a quiet marauder, no one complains. I'm sure if I busted out the 909, someone would say something - I take that bad boy to the range. Now, just writing this, I wonder how quiet a sumatra with an LDC would be...
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I'd call your local police department and ask if you want to be sure.
I checked our city's website and under the City Ordinance for Firearms it states that it is legal to shoot on your own property providing the projectile doesn't leave your property and is captured in a safe manner like a pellet trap or something similar.
My mother-in-law works for the states attorney's office and said it was illegal to shoot a air gun in town when she found out I was shooting in my back yard. I showed her the City Ordinance but she still disagreed with me. I called local police department and they said NO I could not shoot an air gun in city limits. He said if a neighbor calls and complains they will come and arrest.
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KzooRichie, I'm just a couple Counties East of you and we do have some strange Laws. Seems like a lot of sellers can't get it right. I can order a .177 rifle from PA and they will ship it no trouble. But if I want the same gun as a refub direct from Crosman they say can't ship to Mi. Can also order SOME pellets from WallyWorld in both .22 or .177 but not all, some will say can't ship even to the store for pick-up.
Lucky I'm on our City Council as a couple years ago some wanted to ban all BB Guns, Bows from being shot in the city. After a good "discussion" I was able to get that dropped. Then some thought OK lets get our Police to check your backstop to make sure it is safe and give their OK. When asked how many have been shot by a arrow on record, NONE! If we have the Police say it is safe and someone does get hurt then it comes back on the City as we said it was safe. That failed also. Some times we just need to leave things alone.
So if you move East some you can shoot your BB/pellet guns and also your Bows without being arrested. I have shot my 45 in the basement and no one said anything. Well not true my Wife sure did!
Don
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I don't worry about getting arrested. I don't shoot in my yard. I just don't have the space.
As far as my basement goes, I can't imagine anyone caring or finding out. I'm not going to bother to check the legalities. I'm not really a scofflaw, but that's just crazy.
My LGC is in the process of building a dedicated airgun range. It should be finished in the next few weeks. It's our goal to have one of the nations best airgun ranges. If you read that other forum, you will see pretty regular updates. We have a ton of airgun shoots. Head west for one and we'll give you the red carpet treatment.
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Where Im at, you can't let the projectile leave your property. A sufficient backstop is necessary of course, but none of that matters if the officer wants to arrest you.
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I don't worry about getting arrested. I don't shoot in my yard. I just don't have the space.
As far as my basement goes, I can't imagine anyone caring or finding out. I'm not going to bother to check the legalities. I'm not really a scofflaw, but that's just crazy.
My LGC is in the process of building a dedicated airgun range. It should be finished in the next few weeks. It's our goal to have one of the nations best airgun ranges. If you read that other forum, you will see pretty regular updates. We have a ton of airgun shoots. Head west for one and we'll give you the red carpet treatment.
I wish some one would build a dedicated air gun rang In the Richmond VA area. Im sure people would pay good money to be able to use It .
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Here in Florida, the laws against airguns, BB guns, slingshots, pea shooters, etc. are pretty much non-existent, with one exception...St Augustine. The USA's oldest city is doesn't allow any of the fore mentioned items inside the city limits.
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On my property here in Maine, I could probably fire a howitzer and nobody would bat an eye. :P ;D Seriously though, out here in the country nobody bothers you. Airguns are not considered firearms. I did find this one law, which as far as I know is not enforced with any regularity.
"Maine prohibits giving, selling, offering to sell, or furnishing a child under the age of sixteen with an air pistol or air rifle."
I'm not sure how long that has been on the books. This is one law that I'm sure is broken quite a bit.
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Im up here in Canada eh! Anything over 500fps is considered a full blown firearm eh. We need a Possesion license for these guns here. But thats what Canada is all aboot eh! (http://9thcivic.com/forum/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/2/canada.png)
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I've long considered MN a "nazi" state(closer to socialist/fascist)
makes me wonder if airgun fun can be had anywhere???
I recall hours of roaming with airgun without having a guardian present.
http://pelletgunzone.com/air-gun-laws/ (http://pelletgunzone.com/air-gun-laws/)
coupled with statute 609.66 DANGEROUS WEAPONS (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.66).
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I think it prudent to call the police department, but not from your own phone. If you get an answer you aren't happy with and the wrong cop you may well get put on a watch list as someone wanting to shoot in the town. May also get visited by officers who want to look at all your 'weapons'.
Why ask for trouble?
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May also get visited by officers who want to look at all your 'weapons'.
Better have a warrant.
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As Commonwealth of Pennsylvania game laws are so plainly written, it appears that you can't shoot 'NOTHIN' around here. (Locally pronounced, 'gnaw-thin'.) ;)
Please, please,PLEASE, someone tell me that I'm reading it wrong!!! :(
Cheers,
Smoketown
(Recently transplanted from 'airgun friendly' Arizona.)
Smoketown here`s a read for you maybe this will help you with the Pa airgun laws http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/crimes-and-offenses/00.063.004.000.html (http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/crimes-and-offenses/00.063.004.000.html)
one thing it doesn`t say is that hunting with air guns is a no-no that would be in the hunting guide
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State, county & city laws can & do vary. SD city airguns are considered "firearms" & can't be shot outdoors with certain exceptions. Pretty sure airsoft is the same. You can't even shoot a slingshot anymore in SD city, not legally. I can plink legally in relatives backyards that are out of city. Often the neighbors dictate what's acceptable, as I wouldn't wanna hear "He's got a gun" anywhere I shoot. I have friend with a large lot & backyard that has cool neighbors, we shoot all the time. I broke my gun in indoors.
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Sean i also do most of my shooting indoors if you noticed i shoot mainly pistols which do very well indoors at 10m
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Indiana does not consider air rifles a firearm, but it is not allowed to fire any projectile on the direction of a street or a public area. I asked the police department (while I was at the town hall) if i can shoot my air rifle in my backyard for target shooting and pesting =)
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KzooRichie. I can tell you any "powder powered" muzzleloader is considered as a "Firearm". It makes "Fire". That's the bottom line.
As far as your local subdivision goes...make sure that they understand the bylaws, just as you should. "They", should be able to show you the violation, which could be by following your local sherrff, county ordinance.
The deal about "Noise"...is a real toughy...and very subjective. Be careful unless you have paperwork to argue with the fine public officer that pays you a visit.
I know it not worthy guys...but let's educate ourselves so we can educate others ;)
Well I could be wrong, the laws here are weird. The question was laws... Not common sense. When I took my RSO training at the LGC that's what we were taught.
My 1377 is a firearm in MI. No fire there.
Sadly, the laws are so hard to get your head around that many vendors don't even bother shipping stuff to MI.
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Im up here in Canada eh! Anything over 500fps is considered a full blown firearm eh. We need a Possesion license for these guns here. But thats what Canada is all aboot eh! (http://9thcivic.com/forum/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/2/canada.png)
Man, that stinks. I hope my state doesn't become another Canada. (No offense. I like Canada. Just their laws stink)
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Im up here in Canada eh! Anything over 500fps is considered a full blown firearm eh. We need a Possesion license for these guns here. But thats what Canada is all aboot eh! (http://9thcivic.com/forum/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/2/canada.png)
Man, that stinks. I hope my state doesn't become another Canada. (No offense. I like Canada. Just their laws stink)
I like Canada too, but their taxes stink too. ;)
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I've long considered MN a "nazi" state(closer to socialist/fascist)
um...socialism and fascism are polar opposites...
Look words up, then use them correctly.
And beware of sources with a financial interest in redefining those words.
Rod
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I love the airgun laws here in VA ;D
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I've long considered MN a "nazi" state(closer to socialist/fascist)
um...socialism and fascism are polar opposites...
Look words up, then use them correctly.
And beware of sources with a financial interest in redefining those words.
Rod
Thank you Brother Rod ;)
BZ
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Not much sense to air and spring powered rifles and pistols at all.
The rules are 'legal/illegal' rather than 'right/wrong'. Certainly not a case of making sense but too often a blanket crackdown on everything possible.
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Firearm" or "weapon" means any device which will expel, or is readily capable of expelling, a projectile by the action of an explosive and includes any such device, loaded or unloaded, commonly referred to as a pistol, revolver, rifle, gun, machine gun, shotgun, bazooka, or cannon. For a felon who is not sentenced under section 12.1-32-09.1, the term does not include a firearm or weapon that is a rifle that has a barrel sixteen inches [40.64 centimeters] or longer or a shotgun that has a barrel eighteen inches [45.72 centimeters] or longer and which is one of the following:
a. A firearm, including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system, manufactured before 1899.
b. A replica of any firearm described in subdivision a, if the replica is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition or uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
c. A muzzleloading rifle or muzzleloading shotgun that is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and cannot use fixed ammunition.
Right fom the nd state website. Airguns are not classified as weapons, or firearms. Though in your town it may be different. I know in my area I am ok, as the police have seen my back stops and know they are safe. Heck they have fired my airguns a few times.
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KzooRichie. I can tell you any "powder powered" muzzleloader is considered as a "Firearm". It makes "Fire". That's the bottom line.
As far as your local subdivision goes...make sure that they understand the bylaws, just as you should. "They", should be able to show you the violation, which could be by following your local sherrff, county ordinance.
The deal about "Noise"...is a real toughy...and very subjective. Be careful unless you have paperwork to argue with the fine public officer that pays you a visit.
I know it not worthy guys...but let's educate ourselves so we can educate others ;)
Well I could be wrong, the laws here are weird. The question was laws... Not common sense. When I took my RSO training at the LGC that's what we were taught.
My 1377 is a firearm in MI. No fire there.
Sadly, the laws are so hard to get your head around that many vendors don't even bother shipping stuff to MI.
You have a PM.
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Make sure that you check your local (City and or County) ordinances before you run out and start shooting, just because the State law doesn't say you can't. Many cities, towns, and counties have stricter laws than the State they're in, so while you may not be breaking a State law, you could be in violation of a local ordinance. Which may result in a visit by local law enforcement, ticket, fine and or weapons confiscation.
Also, don't expect every police officer to know all the laws/ordinances regarding airguns in particular. Most don't. Not knocking police officers, just saying. More often than not, they will err on the side of caution/safety and tend to think that what you are doing is illegal. It would help if you have copies of the actual laws and ordinances (most are available on State/City/County website).
Nathan
Nathan
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In my city, the law is simply that airgun shooting must be kept within your domicile. Noise is covered by a separate law that includes machinery , barking dogs, loud music, etc.. I have a jerk of a neighbor who used to shoot birds off the tree in my yard and also from the electric lines on my side of the street. Dead birds were always lying on the ground in front of my house. I called the police about this and all they did was talk to the guy. He worked at the police station as a mechanic and the patrol cops seemed to not want to do anything to the guy. My complaint eventually went to the police chief who visited him in person and that is when the jerk stopped.
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Out here in darndest WV, I still have been unsuccessful in finding any legal reference to airguns.
As family works in the city office, I will be investigating local ordinances in person when I have recuperated and been certified healthy enough to travel on foot or even drive.
My guess would be, local ordinances mean more than state, if they even exist (although what's not bothered to enforce, also doesn't exist.)
Example: There are absolutely no DMV requirements in WV on vehicle exhaust, i.e., no emissions tests for an inspection sticker. They check operation (not alignment) of your lights, brake and turn signals, that's it. You could literally run straight pipes. Sounds like some do.
Here, if it doesn't legally protect, DE-regulate, and enrich the extraction industries and the absolute rule of their profit, they probably haven't bothered with it. The lack of environmental protections is turning a green paradise into a toxic, ugly industrial nightmare before our very eyes, ears and lungs.
If noise or other regulations existed or were enforced, it would interfere with gas drilling operations.
Over just this past year, the deer and fish have locally (unofficially of course, but overwhelming word of mouth, and out-of-state University testing) been proven inedible and toxic. The deer dig their way into and drink the extremely chemically salty "brine" (NOT NaCl!) from the gas industry's vast cancer (BTEX "evaporation") ponds, and last year, hunters were finding abandoned carcasses in the woods in truly alarming numbers. No one would take them home to eat after cutting them open, and smelling and seeing many colored liquids not found in nature..
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RHytonen, tread lightly or you will find the vast defenders of any industry after you. To them nothing that makes money can do wrong.
I am no enviro nut, but there have to be some limits or people will gladly poison the earth to make an extra buck. I rather be able to eat the deer and fish, than have another dollar at the end of the month.
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Bryan
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Was a factual analysis, but since someone could consider it a political debate I am removing this comment.
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Was a factual analysis, but since someone could consider it a political debate I am removing this comment.
I see your point. I'll remove the comment.
Bryan
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I think here in southern Alabama, the only law pertaining to airguns is "Don't be a fool and walk out in front of one"
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I think here in southern Alabama, the only law pertaining to airguns is "Don't be a fool and walk out in front of one"
I do not think there should be air gun laws. I am from the cave man era where we used a club to get our mates. :)
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I agree with booger..
laws here in MN are straight forward, don't brandish and you should be fine pretty much, until I read about a conviction of a felon found with a BB gun. They ruled he had a gun, overturned it and then I think again called it a pistol firearm. This was at different levels of court so I don't understand for sure the end result (dangerous weapon?).
If fired in my city it is another offense (no BB Pellet, Airsoft, paintball). So shooting always requires me to drive to have fun.
If it wasn't for a wife and two great kids, I think I would have moved by now.
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Here in Pa. not much in the way of laws against air gun except for Philly and not allowed to hunt with one which is why i shoot mostly CO2 I think is stupid but this state in so far behind times it doen`t surprise me
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Delaware has some rules. You can hunt with them (certain small game) no LDC's though...even if built into AG :o
Wilmington and Dover have specific rules about shipping them in to residents, I believe.
The town I live in has a "no shooting anything' in your yard rule that is ignored by everyone due to pretty much everyone being a hunter or shooter of some kind. Local LE"s just say: "If we see you, you have to stop" rule. Keep it up afterward and you get fined 25 bucks.
BZ
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I think everythings against the law in Illinois. I do know Walmart won't sell or order .22cal. airguns or pellets and MOST retailers won't ship air rifles to Illinois...not all thank goodness..but almost.
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RHytonen, tread lightly or you will find the vast defenders of any industry after you. To them nothing that makes money can do wrong.
I am no enviro nut, but there have to be some limits or people will gladly poison the earth to make an extra buck. I rather be able to eat the deer and fish, than have another dollar at the end of the month.
I don't care.
There is nothing worse they can do to me than they already endeavor to do.
And therefore, since we're already dead (from slow cancer) if they poison our community,
there is literally no punishment I can fear, for opposing them through any and all means necessary.
I've already run for local office on that platform and will continue to do so as the nosebeleeds start.
I will not go quietly, nor stand idly and see it happen to my family and neighbors,
and I will most certainly not go alone.
They have elected to make themselves my career.
Creating a threatened and invaded populace with nothing left to lose, is a very bad idea.
And as time goes by, I am less and less alone in that.
Rod
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I meant on this very forum, not in your local community.
Running against them is all one can hope to do, I hope one day people will come to the same realization as you but I think that won't happen until they themselves are sick.