Uk/USA airgun power difference?

[harristch]

I heard that the airguns sold in USA are different then the ones they sell in UK, as in, for example an airgun selling in USA which has 20ft/lb has a different spring in Uk to make it under 12ft/lb so lets say diana 54 selling in USA has higher power then if u choose to buy from UK. Is it true? Asking this question as I dont live in either USA or UK, and looking into options of from where i get my next airgun as I want higher power.

[yote300wsm]

Tis' true. Canada has similar restrictions.

[Jay]

Yes, U.K. gun's(an a few other's) are reg. too 12FPE(? 500fps) by law from what I understand, where here in the U.S.A. we are not bound by such.

[RedFeather]

The UK guns are either FAC or non-FAC, one (I can't recall which) being full power but you have to get a license or such.  Also called "Export" (full power) or "Non-Export" (12fpe). 

[thekid]

Hey guys, Here in Canada if it goes faster than 500 fps, or has more than 4.6 fpe you need a p.a.l ( fire arms license).
In the Uk anything that produces more than 12 fpe requires an Fac.

To us Canadians, you guys have what we call fac or full power versions.

I can get the benjamin nssp at canadian tire for 399.99 and it only does 500fps in .22.
yet I can order full power version for 100.00 dollars less, we have to pay for the detune.

The law is a little fuzzy, because  generally our rifles advertise 495fps and when you crony the .22s, their energy output is generally higher than the allowed 4.6 fpe.

[dukemeister]

UK laws allow air rifles under 12 fpe to be owned without a licence, what they call a FAC. Hence, most manufacturers will turn out a de-tuned version (Non-FAC) of otherwise more powerful rifles that would require a FAC. 12fpe is quite a significant power level, so the law is not overly restrictive to the sport. A typical .177 pellet at 8.3 gr has a muzzle velocity of about 800 fps at 12 fpe.
Canadian law is similar, but more restrictive. A licence (PAL) is required to purchase and own any air rifle with a muzzle velocity over 500 fps and muzzle energy greater than 4.2 fpe. Some non-PAL shooters (myself included) prefer the larger .22 calibre since the muzzle energy at 500 fps can be much higher than 4.2 fpe... for example my non-PAL HW97K shoots 13.4 gr JSB exacts at about 475 fps and packs 6.7 fpe.
Laws regarding airguns in the USA vary widely. USA Federal law does not regard airguns as firearms and therefore doesn't require liscence, but some States and local laws override the Federal law and require liscencing of airguns. I'm sure it becomes very complex, But in general, most airguns are available full power in the USA.
Gun manufactures produce rifles in many different power levels by using different spring designs, pistons, and porting devices to control muzzle energy/speed to suit various markets/countries. Changing the spring is the most common method. Of course different makes and models are sold in different countries because of marketing, distribution, consumer demand, laws, etc. Most models are not available de-tuned to Canadian non-PAL specs, quite a larger number are available in UK non-FAC specs, and of course full power models are widely available for anyone with the proper licence.

[harristch]

Thanks all for the detailed reply. Apreciate it, so my best bet would be to have it shipped from USA to avoid any confusion.

[CitySniper]

ouch only 4.6 fpe....wow

[harristch]

I know, thats like putting 60m/phr limit on ferrari