air rifles, pellet/bb guns considered firearms

[rifle pimp]

Are these considered firearms and need to be secured the same as firearms with children in the house? Unloaded and not charged of course. Thanks

[Librarian]

No, not for that purpose.

Lots of places group them with firearms for usage, so shooting in your back yard might be prohibited.

[IA300]

12001. (a)(1) As used in this title, the terms "pistol," "revolver," and "firearm capable of being concealed upon the person" shall apply to and include any device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled a projectile by the force of any explosion, or other form of combustion, and that has a barrel less than 16 inches in length. These terms also include any device that has a barrel 16 inches or more in length which is designed to be interchanged with a barrel less than 16 inches in length.
(2) As used in this title, the term "handgun" means any "pistol," "revolver," or "firearm capable of being concealed upon the person."
(b) As used in this title, "firearm" means any device, designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled through a barrel a projectile by the force of any explosion or other form of combustion.

That is the answer I give in court, when I am testifying. Therefore, firearm laws do not apply to BB/Pellet guns for charging purposes. I am not saying a person can not be charged for 245(a)(1) for using a bb/pellet gun, but that person can not be charged with the (a)(2) count, which is specific to firearm use.

[Notorious]

Only in New York or New Jersey. Forgot which state classes them as firearms, but not CA.

[P5Ret]

I've only seen them defined as firearms in local ordinances for usage. So as Librarian says shooting in the backyard may be a problem.

[Ron-Solo]

They are considered a firearm under 171(b)PC as it pertains to taking them in a public building.

One of those things where you have to be careful of generalized statement. Under most situations, they are not considered firearms.

[fullrearview]

Some are pretty impressive though...

[IA300]

They are considered a firearm under 171(b)PC as it pertains to taking them in a public building.

One of those things where you have to be careful of generalized statement. Under most situations, they are not considered firearms.

Actually not considered a firearm, but 171b(a)(6) specifically talks about bb/pellet guns. Firearms are listed under subsection (a)(1).

(a)(6) states: Any instrument that expels a metallic projectile, such as a BB or pellet, through the force of air pressure, CO2 pressure, or spring action, or any spot marker gun or paint gun.

[Notorious]

Some are pretty impressive though...

I took a rabbit with my 177 Gamo Whisper from 30 yards.

[Ron-Solo]

Actually not considered a firearm, but 171b(a)(6) specifically talks about bb/pellet guns. Firearms are listed under subsection (a)(1).

(a)(6) states: Any instrument that expels a metallic projectile, such as a BB or pellet, through the force of air pressure, CO2 pressure, or spring action, or any spot marker gun or paint gun.

Yeah, I was trying to simplify things.

[BigKevLA]

Also you can not have one if you are are on probation, parole or PRCS.