Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
I live in York Township. I've looked on their website, but cannot find an answer to this question:
Can I shoot an air rifle on my property?
The state law seems a bit vague on this, but apparently local laws can take precedence anyway.
Anyone know FOR SURE, regarding my township?
Thanks
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Air Rifles firearms are considered a FIREARM ! They have been used for small game hunting . Even if I was the distance considered from other homes safe I would be very wary of getting a visit from local PD or PGC . JMO
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Thanks. Not sure why I didn't think of this beforehand, but I just s/w one of the township commissioners. He actually wasn't sure, but said to call the regional police and ask them, since they would be the ones to enforce -- or not enforce -- any such ordinance. So I will call them tomorrow and let everyone know.
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MARINE DIVISION TWO
Air Rifles firearms are considered a FIREARM ! They have been used for small game hunting . Even if I was the distance considered from other homes safe I would be very wary of getting a visit from local PD or PGC . JMO
I don't believe air guns are considered a firearm. If they were local municipalities would not be allowed to regulate/ ban them.
According to the PA Crimes code a firearm is defined as :
Quote:
"Firearm." Any weapon which is designed to or may readily be
converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive;
or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.
It does not cover a projectile that is spring or gas propelled.
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Agreed, based on what I've read in the PA laws. However, those laws do allow a municipality, I believe, to regulate further. Anyway, I'll know for sure tomorrow.
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
What did it do to you that you want to shoot it?
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eagleclaw
I don't believe air guns are considered a firearm. If they were local municipalities would not be allowed to regulate/ ban them.
According to the PA Crimes code a firearm is defined as :
It does not cover a projectile that is spring or gas propelled.
So you don't consider Air Firearms a FIREARM ? Well you have never been a LEO as I was and had one pointed in your face by a 15 year old.The damage that can be caused even by a such firearm is not one to be experienced !
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Just checked with York Area Regional Police. Basically speaking, they are legal to shoot on my property in York Township, using common sense and good judgment. "Some restrictions may apply." That is, don't be stupid.
And they are not considered firearms from a legal perspective.
Thanks to all for your input.
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MARINE DIVISION TWO
So you don't consider Air Firearms a FIREARM ? Well you have never been a LEO as I was and had one pointed in your face by a 15 year old.The damage that can be caused even by a such firearm is not one to be experienced !
The damage one can cause versus whether it fits a certain statutory definition are two separate things. Hope that 15 year old got reamed out properly :).
Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MARINE DIVISION TWO
So you don't consider Air Firearms a FIREARM ? Well you have never been a LEO as I was and had one pointed in your face by a 15 year old.The damage that can be caused even by a such firearm is not one to be experienced !
It doesn't make a difference what I think. The crimes code doesn't define them as a firearm. There are state laws that regulate them under 6304. Local municipalities can even ban them if they want. Many have ordinances banning the juvenile possession of air guns in public.
Are you saying that if PA would have declared them firearms that incident you described wouldn't have happened? In addition if you were a LEO how is it that you do NOT know that air guns are NOT defined as firearms in PA? It's right in the crimes code.