Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default 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

  2. #2
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    Default 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

  3. #3
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    YORK, Pennsylvania
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    Default 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.

  4. #4
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    bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?

    Quote Originally Posted by MARINE DIVISION TWO View Post
    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 :

    "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.
    Last edited by eagleclaw; September 29th, 2019 at 04:54 PM.

  5. #5
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    YORK, Pennsylvania
    (York County)
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    Default 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.

  6. #6
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    Bucks County, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?

    What did it do to you that you want to shoot it?

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?

    Quote Originally Posted by eagleclaw View Post
    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 !

  8. #8
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    Dec 2007
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    YORK, Pennsylvania
    (York County)
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    Default 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.
    Last edited by gunsrfun1; September 30th, 2019 at 09:08 AM.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
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    Glockin, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
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    Default Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?

    Quote Originally Posted by MARINE DIVISION TWO View Post
    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 .

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Is it legal to shoot an air rifle on my property?

    Quote Originally Posted by MARINE DIVISION TWO View Post
    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.
    Last edited by eagleclaw; September 30th, 2019 at 11:07 AM.

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