ARE AIRGUNS CONSIDERED FIREARMS?

The question of whether airguns are or should be considered firearms comes up more often than you may think.  When considering the good old youth standards like the Daisy Red Ryder or Crosman Pumpmaster, it’s plain to see that Airguns are clearly NOT firearms.  However as you get into the more modern, high powered PCP and big bore airguns, the lines start to get a little blurred.

It changges the conversation as it becomes less about how the projectile which goes down the barrel and more about the FPE Foot Pounds of Energy, long range capability, and precision accuracy that new pellet guns are achieving compared to ”REAL” traditional firearms.

Here’s how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have previously classified airguns:

“The term ‘firearm’ is defined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. Section 921(a)(3), to include ‘(A) any weapon (including a starter gun), which will, or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon….’ Based on Section 921(a)(3), air guns, because they use compressed air and not an explosive to expel a projectile, do not constitute firearms under Federal law – unless they are manufactured with the frames or receivers of an actual firearm. Accordingly, the domestic sale and possession of air guns is normally unregulated under the Federal firearms laws enforced by ATF”

Source:Wikipedia

As you can see, that’s pretty cut and dry. Or is it?  Where the federal government may have their official stand, that is not at all the final word! Let’s take a look at how the rest of the world views airguns and then circle back around to us here at home. 

UK, Canada & Australia

We simply don’t have the time to review each country’s position on airguns, but we’ll take a quick look at a few, starting with the UK.  In the UK, any airgun producing over 12 foot-pounds requires an FAC license, essentially classifying any airgun shooting over 12 foot-pounds as a firearm.

Canada takes a slightly different approach to accomplish the same end.  Rather than looking at energy, they focus on velocity and energy.  Anything shooting over 495 FPS and generating 4.2 foot-pounds or more is considered a firearm. 

Lastly, let’s take a look at Australia.  For those who don’t know, Australia has some of the most draconian anti-gun laws on the planet! Quoted from Wikipedia: Airguns are – “regardless of action type, caliber and muzzle energy — are considered firearms for legal purposes; e.g., air rifles are considered Class A firearms and as such are subject to licensing and registration.” 

Other countries take different approaches like limiting caliber to .177 or even stipulating that all airguns must be smoothbore.  The result is the same, significantly limiting or, in some cases eliminating the average citizen from owning airguns that have any use beyond punching paper at close range.  But we live in the United States of America!

USA Laws

The United States, has the 2nd amendment which is supposed to protect its citizens’ rights, we would have liberty across the board for all things airguns.  Someone with that assumption would find themselves very surprised.  While the BATF clearly states that airguns are not firearms at the federal level, it does not prevent states and local municipalities from passing legislation and local ordinances that impose similar restrictions seen in other countries around the world. 

Take a look at the shipping restrictions section on our website: (HERE).  

Here are some standouts: 

In New York City, specific zip codes completely forbid airguns of any kind.  Other places with the same restrictions are Washington DC, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and those are just some of the big names.  In Illinois, any airgun over .18 cal shooting greater than 700 FPS is treated as a firearm and requires the same credentials and background checks.  

You can always reference our shipping restrictions page below, but we are not lawyers, and the laws can turn on a dime. Before you make your purchase, be sure to check your local laws to make sure that it’s OK in your location.  While it’s true that airguns are physically not “firearms,” it does not prevent state and local governments from treating them as firearms.

We usually ship out your order within 48 hours after your payment is cleared, we do not take any responsibilities delayed by shipping companies. The order fulfillment times are in addition to the shipping times, regardless of the shipping method or companies. Tracking numbers will be updated 3-5 days after your order has been SHIPPED. If you don't have a tracking number after 7 business please email us at AirGunTacticalShop@Gmail.com.

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