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The Definitive Guide to Virginia’s Air Gun Laws

John Pierce

John Pierce

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The Definitive Guide to Virginia’s Air Gun Laws
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What kinds of firearms are encompassed by the term “air guns?” In fact, the name is a bit misleading since the term covers not only those firearms that are powered by compressed air or CO2 but also those that are spring driven. This includes what are commonly referred to as BB guns, air rifles, paintball guns, and Airsoft guns.

The term also includes both handguns and rifles and encompasses firearms that shoot traditional BBs, lead pellets, Airsoft pellets, and paintballs.

Now that we know what we are talking about, let’s turn to the legal requirements ...

Read more at http://monachuslex.com/?p=1162
 
peter nap

peter nap

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The Wolfhound said:
Down here in Virginia, I do find it relevant and well researched. Nicely done, John.
Click to expand...

+1

Well David, a couple of things:

1. A lot of city people use air guns to practice and this allows them to do so legally.

2. A lot of localities haven't gotten the word they have to obey the law.

3. Hopefully we'll be able to tack archery on to this law which is important to burbanites before bow season.

THE BIG ONE

5.He's the Administrator and owner of this site and can post any damn thing he wants!
 
Grapeshot

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davidmcbeth said:
W-A-S-T-E of time IMO. You just post a link? What's the point of your post OP?
Click to expand...

Really? You query one of the site owners who lives in Virginia why he posted in the Virginia sub-forum about laws pertaining to Virginians?

Many people train/practice with paint ball or BB guns + many a youngster will be introduced to shooting with BB guns, it's still considered a right of passage by some.

Is it relevant? - yes. Is it well done and interesting? - Yes. Next question.
 
zoom6zoom

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From the article:
Localities may, under both federal and state law, impose restrictions on the sale of air guns to minors but may not impose such restrictions on adults.
Click to expand...

I guess some states are ignoring federal law then; perhaps someone would like to file some actions. New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts and Michigan are four states that specifically regulate air rifles and/or BB guns. In addition, the cities of New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC also limit air gun usage. Several of these states have defined air rifles as "firearms" and require a permit to purchase or possess. cite: http://www.airrifle.com/about_airguns.htm
 
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TFred

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zoom6zoom said:
From the article:

Localities may, under both federal and state law, impose restrictions on the sale of air guns to minors but may not impose such restrictions on adults.
Click to expand...

I guess some states are ignoring federal law then; perhaps someone would like to file some actions. New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts and Michigan are four states that specifically regulate air rifles and/or BB guns. In addition, the cities of New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC also limit air gun usage. Several of these states have defined air rifles as "firearms" and require a permit to purchase or possess. cite: http://www.airrifle.com/about_airguns.htm
Click to expand...
The article is about Virginia law. Not about any other state's laws.

When John says "Localities may....", he is referring specifically and only to localities within the state of Virginia. Virginia law prohibits them from imposing laws in conflict with state law.

It is sad but no surprise that many other states have far more restrictive laws on air guns than Virginia does.

TFred
 
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zoom6zoom

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Fred, I realize the article is about Virginia laws. However, the article (at least to my reading or understanding) says that Federal law would prohibit states (all of 'em) from having such restrictions. Which was the point of my post.
 
peter nap

peter nap

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zoom6zoom said:
Fred, I realize the article is about Virginia laws. However, the article (at least to my reading or understanding) says that Federal law would prohibit states (all of 'em) from having such restrictions. Which was the point of my post.
Click to expand...

It's actually a pretty good article Zoom.
Federal law doesn't prevent states from regulating them, they just aren't regulated by the Federal Government.

As to being a destructive device, The ATF has to view in the light of being used in the past as a sporting weapon. John missed the fact that Lewis and Clark used either a 54 or 58 air gun on their expedition.Large caliber air guns go well back before flintlocks.
 
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