I had a case 10 years ago that left me a felon. I am a 60 year old disabled veteran and would like to take my grandson rabbit hunting. I know since the federal change in terminology of a firearm, black powder guns are now illegal. I have not been able to determine 100% that i would be legal to have a pellet pistol/rifle. Can someone tell me the law?
Are airguns legal for felons
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lemaymiami
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As noted above you're going to have to check your state for any possible restrictions. It might just be me - but I'd expect to find a few in states run by Democrats....
As far as hunting small game goes, if you're allowed -then something in 22 cal pellet would be just the ticket for rabbit, squirrel, etc. I still have, fifty years later, the old Benjamin single shot pump air rifle that I killed a lot of small game with as a boy. One of these days it's going to my son, for use by one of his sons.... the oldest one is eight.
Be a hero... take a kid hunting (or fishing...).
As far as hunting small game goes, if you're allowed -then something in 22 cal pellet would be just the ticket for rabbit, squirrel, etc. I still have, fifty years later, the old Benjamin single shot pump air rifle that I killed a lot of small game with as a boy. One of these days it's going to my son, for use by one of his sons.... the oldest one is eight.
Be a hero... take a kid hunting (or fishing...).
I'm trying to assemble a collection of pump up vintage air guns for my grandkids, who need more "outdoor" time and less "technology" time. So far, my old Benjamin from 1958 (rebuilt at the factory 20 years ago), a Sheridan Blue Streak, and a Crosman 22. Along with those is a RWS 177, Crosman Nitro 22, and a Benjamn Trail 25. A few Daisy air rifles are still in their boxes, 25, Red Ryder.
Oops, looks like I have one more air gun than grandkids. Better stop collecting and start shooting.
Oops, looks like I have one more air gun than grandkids. Better stop collecting and start shooting.
Sav .250
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Check out PelletGunZone. Laws by state,
Arkansas Paul
Member
In Arkansas you would be fine.
I had a guy come to the office the other day and ask the same question. He was a felon and wanted to purchase an air rifle for his son for christmas.
I thought he would be fine, but I don't have the authority at work to give someone the green light on something like that as I am not an attorney yet.
I got one of the deputy Prosecutors advice and he advised that it was fine. In Arkansas it is okay because the law states that a felon cannot own a weapon that propels a projectile by means of an explosive or burning propellant. Air is neither and thus is not prohibited.
Your state may look at it differently.
I had a guy come to the office the other day and ask the same question. He was a felon and wanted to purchase an air rifle for his son for christmas.
I thought he would be fine, but I don't have the authority at work to give someone the green light on something like that as I am not an attorney yet.
I got one of the deputy Prosecutors advice and he advised that it was fine. In Arkansas it is okay because the law states that a felon cannot own a weapon that propels a projectile by means of an explosive or burning propellant. Air is neither and thus is not prohibited.
Your state may look at it differently.
BSA1
member
State Laws vary greatly. Without posting what State you live in this topic is meaningless.
I assume you are no longer on probation or parole.
I suggest you start with a letter to your state's attorney generals office and get his/her opinion in writing from their legal department.
I assume you are no longer on probation or parole.
I suggest you start with a letter to your state's attorney generals office and get his/her opinion in writing from their legal department.
Town I live in folded air rifles and slingshots into firearms regulations but allows, sometimes seems to endorse, open and concealed carry. I can carry a .357, but a slingshot in my back pocket can get me a talking to downtown.
Go figure,
blindhari
Go figure,
blindhari
SlayerOfBunnies
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Are you sure BP is out? I was under the impression a felon could own black powder guns as well as air guns, etc.
If not (due to state regs, etc.) you could always learn to bow hunt. You won't get nearly as much small game but you will appreciate the critters you bring home.
If not (due to state regs, etc.) you could always learn to bow hunt. You won't get nearly as much small game but you will appreciate the critters you bring home.
45223
Member
Depends on the state. But in many states felons can get airguns that are even stronger than some actual firearms. Look up big bore airguns.
john baker
Member
You may want to seriously look into whether black powder ownership is legal in your state, in many states it is legal to own as long as it meets the definition of an antique. Antique meaning
A. Any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and
B. Any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica
is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
C. Any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term antique firearm shall not include any weapon which includes a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock or any combination thereof.
As to your original question about "air rifles" like others have said, it would be very helpful if you were to let us know which state you reside in. and to your
A. Any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and
B. Any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica
is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
C. Any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term antique firearm shall not include any weapon which includes a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock or any combination thereof.
As to your original question about "air rifles" like others have said, it would be very helpful if you were to let us know which state you reside in. and to your
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TruthTellers
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I thought black powder muzzleloaders were legal for ex-cons and felons? The only state I know that has a fit about muzzleloaders is NY and even then it's just for pistols.
Panzerschwein
member
Indeed. Much to my dismay, when me and my 'ol Peepaw tried to order a Reminton .22 caliber air rifle from Midway, we could not since Illinois considers it a firearm!! Sorely disappointed, Pops bought the .177 after I left and it's a nice smooth shooting gun.
OP, I wish you luck. I know that being a "felon" immediately puts a stigma on you, but know that through the strength and will of Jesus Christ you can overcome your past. It seems that at least some airguns are legal for you, I recommend getting one and taking your g-son rabbit hunting.
lemaymiami
Member
Have to chime in a second time.... BSA's advice to ask for a letter from your state's attorney general (every state's attorney general does this on every topic almost daily...) before going ahead is very good advice. I'd have an attorney (even the greenest kid out of law school) write the letter formally requesting a ruling. The response may be slow in coming but will cover you fully if they say you're allowed to have one (an additional benefit is that usually each state's attorney general will usually publish the results of this kind of question and make a point of notifying every law enforcement agency of the guidelines, if any..).
Back when I was in police work those kind of advisories were always part of in-service training bulletins for every officer...
Back when I was in police work those kind of advisories were always part of in-service training bulletins for every officer...
Onward Allusion
Member
Larger than .177 can't be over 700 fps. Soooooo, a 1,400 fps .177 air rifle is fine.
BSA1 said:
I don't know where you guys live, but in Arkansas, Joe On The Street can't get an AG opinion. The AG is in the Executive Branch of government, and her opinions are limited to responding to specific requestors (i.e., government officials). She CAN'T legally issue an opinion to the greenest kid out of law school, unless that kid has been elected to something. I suspect that it is the same way in almost every state, or the AG's offices would be completely swamped with citizen requests for opinions.lemaymiami said:
With that said, AG opinions are often available online in a searchable format, so the OP could go to his or her AG's website and search to see if anybody who is eligible to get an AG opinion has asked this question in the past.
Derry 1946
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This is not a question to be answered by folks on a forum or through DIY research. Hire an attorney who practices criminal law in your state and who ideally specializes in firearms laws. Pay for his or her advice. Enjoy shooting whatever you legally can, carefree in the knowledge that you are on safe legal ground. Happy hunting!
zb338
Member
In New Jersey a BB rifle is treated as any other rifle regardless
of caliber and a BB pistol is treated as a pistol same as if it was
a .45 Auto. You can get in trouble real easy in that State. In my
humble opinion, no one should live there.
Zeke
of caliber and a BB pistol is treated as a pistol same as if it was
a .45 Auto. You can get in trouble real easy in that State. In my
humble opinion, no one should live there.
Zeke
At the risk of going against the above good advice, I will note that while most states make a distinction between modern firearms and antiques or replicas of antiques and air/gas guns, the criminal codes usually do not, just referring to deadly or dangerous weapons. So someone can buy a BP revolver or an air pistol with no restrictions, but carrying it concealed or using it in a robbery or assault is the same as if it were a modern Glock.
Jim
Jim
blarby
Member
Oregon also restricts them, sadly.
bikemutt
Member
I believe WA does as well
"She CAN'T legally issue an opinion to the greenest kid out of law school, unless that kid has been elected to something."
WA is the same.
And I think issuing opinions is still optional. I believe some WA legislators asked the AG for clarification on I-594 (the Bloomberg background check initiative) and the AG announced he won't be issuing any opinions about 594.
WA is the same.
And I think issuing opinions is still optional. I believe some WA legislators asked the AG for clarification on I-594 (the Bloomberg background check initiative) and the AG announced he won't be issuing any opinions about 594.
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