You might be asking, “Can I shoot a pellet gun in my backyard?” and you have every right to ask that question. There are many state and local laws on the books which regulate how people can or cannot use guns.
For instance, some states prohibit shooting firearms within 500 feet of dwellings. It’s important for everyone to know the regulations about their specific area before they start firing away with their BB gun!
Yes, you are allowed to shoot in your backyard or on private land if you have permission and it is legal for 18+ years old. However, each jurisdiction will vary depending on the laws that govern them.
What Is A Pellet Gun?
The first thing you should do is determine what type of gun you have. A BB Gun is a type or style, while pellet guns are a specific make and model.
Pellet guns use air to project the pellets rather than gunpowder. They run on compressed air, CO², or a combination of both and are much quieter than firearms.
That uses gun powder to fire the bullets at high velocity. Due in part because they do not rely upon an exploding charge within their barrel for propulsion like firearm ammunition does.
What projectiles do pellet guns shoot?
A pellet gun or more commonly known as an air gun a specific type of pellet. Which is commonly made of steel with lead shot inset in the head.
For stability and weight pouring out from its rear end so it can be propelled by an expanding gas behind them at high velocity towards your intended target.
A typical example would have many tiny holes in the barrel which creates a small shot pellet. Which may be expelled at speeds of up to one thousand feet per second (300 meters).
Unlike bullets, pellets do not contain gun powder so they are much quieter than firearms and will seldom penetrate walls because it doesn’t have enough power behind them for that kind velocity required by ammunition made from metal.
Now we know what is a pellet gun we need to look at where the law stans when it comes to shooting in your backyard.
What the Law Says About shooting an Air Gun
The law does not differentiate between hight powered guns and air guns and both are classified as firearms.
It is considered illegal to discharge a projectile from any gun into, or within 100 yards of public property. This includes your backyard in the case that it can be seen by someone else on their private land.
The law is not really clear on this. Some say it’s illegal to shoot a pellet gun in your backyard while others state that you cannot use an air rifle or pistol for target shooting within 100 yards of any dwelling, business building, and outside the limits of city parks but can still be used at private clubs with permission.
The only way to know for sure is if you ask and get a response from your local law enforcement.
A good rule of thumb, though it’s not legally binding anywhere in the United States or Canada where air guns are concerned: If there could be someone standing on every side within 100 yards when firing a pellet gun then don’t do it.
Is It Legal?
Air gun enthusiasts have a new way to enjoy their hobby without the hassle of some government regulation.
Ammunition is widely available too, but only for those over 18 years old in most places.
So if you’re underage, all hope isn’t lost!
You just need to make sure that your local laws allow it before buying any bullets or anything else related.
Contact the local bureau, your local law enforcement agency, or government office that regulates air guns in the jurisdiction where you live.
For more information about what projectiles are allowed to use. Also, they will let you know if a pellet gun is legal to shoot one from within 100 yards of any person not participating as well.
Things to consider before shooting in your back yard or garden
Ok, so it may not be illegal for you to shoot your pellet gun in your backyard however there are some things to consider before you take out the practice.
Before you get started, you may need to check with your local law enforcement agency or government office that regulates air guns in the jurisdiction.
These groups will let us know if a pellet gun is legal for use within 100 yards of any person not participating as well and what types of projectiles can be used while shooting one from outside this distance.
You then need to consider the safety element as some yards or gardens are shared with other people or even pets.
Trees make for great targets to shoot at, however, if you have a neighbor’s house over the back fence line. It becomes more difficult because of safety concerns from both sides and this doesn’t just include your yard but their property as well!
If you are going to be overlooked by neighbors maybe have a talk to them and let them know you are just using a pellet gun.
If they are concerned, offer to move the target range away from their house.
Some people might not have a problem with this and will be perfectly fine shooting at targets in your backyard or garden.
While others may want you to find somewhere else more suitable. For safety concerns like trees on other property instead of theirs!
Why use your yard or garden for shooting?
Using an air gun in your backyard can be a great way to introduce your kids to shooting safely.
The use of air guns is also great to use to take out pests such as rats. using a full-powered gun would be too loud and would go through the rat instead of just killing it.
The most overwhelming reason people shoot air guns in the backyard is to become a better shot.
The benefits of shooting in your backyard outweigh the dangers if you follow some simple precautions like never pointing an air gun at anyone.
Cautions when using pellet guns
A police officer is trained to take out freights and if they see you using a pellet gun unsafely. The outcome could become deadly.
Why as pellet guns are not a real gun however from a distance they can look very similar.
It is important to be aware of your surroundings and not shoot on public property or any place where somebody could confuse you for someone with an actual firearm.
While a pellet gun may be classed as less powerful than a gun they still carry some power and if you are inexperienced or not careful it can easily cause injury.
this is the reason the law classifies them still as a firearm so that people carry out the same care and safety they would with a real gun.
The law is in place to keep people safe from harm, so it’s important that when using your pellet guns you think about the risks involved.
Backyard Air Guns FAQ
Let’s have a look at some of the FAQs about airguns and using them in the backyard.
Do you need a background check to buy a pellet gun?
The sound of air guns and pellet guns may be loud but the noise they make isn’t harmful.
In fact, these devices don’t even require a background check to purchase them since they’re not considered firearms by law because it’s just an air-powered projectile instead of a bullet that has been fired from an actual gun or rifle.
Adults 18 years old and older can buy these without consequence so give this weapon some consideration if you are looking for something new!
Just one more thing before I seal the deal: Air rifles should always have safety features on their triggers like double action with automatic trigger release which means nothing will happen until both fingers are squeezed at once unlike single action where all it takes is one finger to shoot.
Does a pellet gun count as a firearm?
Pellet guns are not considered to be firearms under federal law.
This is because they don’t use explosives, but rather compressed air as the force behind their shots.
Will a pellet gun stop an intruder?
The use of a medium-powered air gun is one way to protect yourself and your family from intruders. If an intruder doesn’t get stunned by the first shot, it may give you time to escape and call for help.
The best target would be their face, especially their eyes which will blind them or kill them right away if they are hit in that area with just one shot!
How far will a .177 pellet go?
On average, a 177 pellet can travel up to 400 feet.
Can a felon own an air gun?
The legality of whether a felon can possess or not depends on the state, but federal law does not prohibit felons from possessing bows, crossbows, and air rifles.
Conclusion About Pellet Guns
Pellet guns are a great way for kids to learn the ropes of target shooting. They’re not as intimidating and dangerous, but they can still be lethal if used improperly or at close range by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
In order to keep everyone safe when using these weapons responsibly on your property, you should contact city hall first in order to find out about any laws that may apply before going forward with it!