Air pistol laws?

Man In The Hat 27 · Post by **Man In The Hat 27** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 1:52 pm

Hey everyone. I have a quick question. I have an air pistol that makes a decent Indy pistol replica. I was going to buy CO cartridges and pellets for it, and practice my shooting. However, someone recently told me that having an air pistol is illegal, unless you register it, like a real gun.

I tried looking this up, but didn't have too much luck. Is there any truth to this? do I really need to register it? By the way, I live in NY state. If anyone could help me out with this, I would rerally appreciate it.

Regards, Matt

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 2:09 pm

Best to call your local police department.

Remember... when Air Soft pistols are outlawed, only Outlaws will have Air Soft Pistols.

English Adventurer · Post by **English Adventurer** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 2:30 pm

Remember... when Air Soft pistols are outlawed, only Outlaws will have Air Soft Pistols

You may laugh, but all air cartridge pistols here in the UK have to been on a firearms licence!
In fact, it probably won't be long before all types of gun are banned, including deactivated and replica ones.

Ian

Farnham54 · Post by **Farnham54** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 3:08 pm

Well, in Canada, any air rifle over 500 Feet per Second is considered a firearm and they must be registered. It could well be a similar law in PA, but I'm not sure.

Regards.

Farn

Indiana Grendel · Post by **Indiana Grendel** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:03 pm

I would either contact your local police department, as Renderking suggested, or just go to a local Wal Mart and try to buy one. They'll put you through whatever paces local law enforcement requires.

Also remember, there is a difference between owning/purchasing a firearm of any sort and carrying one. In Texas, you can purchase or own one with little difficulty if you have no criminal record, but you can only carry one concealed if you have a state issued permit.

CO2 and BB guns are usually not a problem for anyone to own, though. Just don't stick it in a holster and go walking down the street with it.

Cheers!

IG

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:32 pm

At Academy Sports & Outdoor, they are sitting on the shelves right next to the paintball guns. Whereas, the real things are kept behind the counter, in a safe behind a metal gate.

I was, on one occasion, asked to leave the store because I pulling the slide back and examining the mechanics of the gun. According to the clerk, it's against the law to cock the gun in the store. I obliged and exited the store.

Just know what you can and can not do before you go shopping.

Pyro.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:24 pm

Ah HA, at last a reason I'm glad to be living in Tennessee rather than Texas!

Not be able to pull the slide on a gun to check before buying is like trusting a car dealer that the car is great without opening the hood. I'd double check that 'law'. I bet you it was a store policy rather than an actual law. I've even been in antique shops selling watches where they get positively ill if you ask to wind a watch to see if it runs! Now, come on, shop folks, let's not get carried away!

Regards. Michaelson

Man In The Hat 27 · Post by **Man In The Hat 27** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:50 pm

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll try the local police tomorrow. And to think, I was just at wal-mart 2 hours ago, and checking with them never occured to me

Well, cheers. Matt

Ryan243 · Post by **Ryan243** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:16 pm

Pyroxene wrote:I was, on one occasion, asked to leave the store because I pulling the slide back and examining the mechanics of the gun. According to the clerk, it's against the law to cock the gun in the store. I obliged and exited the store.

Just know what you can and can not do before you go shopping.

That's not a law. That's just a clerk and/or a store being stupid.

Marcus Brody · Post by **Marcus Brody** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 8:26 pm

Even here in California, a 17 old can get an airsoft gun. Myself and a couple of friends are actually going to get some tomorrow. Unfortunately we're stuck with spring airsoft guns, because gas guns aren't exactly within our budgets. At least spring guns are better then the electronic kind.

I'm even thinking about getting a tactical holster, leg or shoulder with two magazine holders.

Yes, you can't exactly walk around the streets with the pistols out, but we get away with playing with them at Golden Gate Park since it's so big.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 10:07 am

MB... be sure you switch to the real-deal when you get to the right age. Exercise your Second before you lose it first.

Marcus Brody · Post by **Marcus Brody** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 3:51 pm

I think I get my dad's Walther PPK and S&W .357 Magnum. Not sure I would want to fire the PPK though, it's one of the German ones, not the kind made by Interarms. Then there's my dad's brother who is a real gun nut; I probably get his guns too. Mom won't let me shoot until I'm 18, but that's like in 5 months. Whee!

IndyMac · Post by **IndyMac** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 8:11 pm

Last I knew the age for possesing an air gun in N.Y. was 16, but in the current climate I would be careful about carry in public. In N.Y. even a dummy gun can get you in trouble. If a person feels threatened by the fact that they see you with it and makes a complaint hire a good lawyer. The days of Officer Friendly advising you to excercise care and sending you on your way are over in many areas. Even calling the local P.D is not 100% reliable as the officer answering the phone may not be up on the penal law, or can't be bothered. It happens! Call them, but also check to see if the local library has a copy f the N.Y.S. Penal Law(Current), If not see if the county has a law library you can access. When you call the Police Dept. make sure you get the officers name too, can't hurt if you end up in court.

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:25 am

Renderking Fisk wrote:MB... be sure you switch to the real-deal when you get to the right age. Exercise your Second before you lose it first.

Amen Ren. Fighting the good fight in NJ for us !

K

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:33 am

Ren wrote:

Exercise your Second before you lose it first

I live in Massachusetts, and we've all but lost it. I haven't seen a gun since I've moved out of Pennsylvania.

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:39 am

Bottom line: If you carry a replica out in public airsoft or other, you are inviting trouble from the police and and other armed for real nasty people.

Don't do it unless you are in a private residence, in a play or show, or shooting a film. Even shooting a film can at the least cost you your gun without clearances from townships, et. al.

Not to mention getting killed because you are " carrying a gun " or worse taking it out to draw it or practice your moves in public.

I cannot be clearer about this, an officer cannot take much if any time to ask you if you turn toward him with a fake gun : " Hey, is that real ? " You will likely get a shout in command voice to either "Drop the Gun" or if its holstered "On the Ground, Hands Out in Front of You, Palms Up !" If you move suddenly toward your belt to take it off or give any physical indication that you are trying to use a weapon, you may get shot.

When in doubt, keep your hands in sight, follow the officers instructions, surrender your gun and gear and call a good attorney. Be polite and courteous, even if it ******* you off. You can always work these things out later, after you have calmed down and explained yourself.

As to ownership, go to your local department and ask to see the officer in charge of firearms permits and start there. Then check with your State Police about AirSoft et. al.

I am sorry but I need to post this:

NOTE: This post does not constitute actual legal advice and counsel, and cannot be construed by any reader of this board as a retainer agreement for legal representation. It is friendly advice. Seek local counsel if you require further legal assistance.

Peace
Ken

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Feb 04, 2004 12:18 pm

Well stated. Thank you very much, Ken. High regards. Michaelson