Are air rifles with <16in bbls legal?

[cpileri]

Are air rifles with <16in bbls legal?
There are 17 and 22 cal 'AK trainers' that have i think a 14 inch barrel. Are they legal in the US without NFA registration? I am in TX, so no funky laws- not that CA or MD is part of the USA anyway...

I don't think they are firearms, but just want to be sure.

C-

 

[novus collectus]

As I understand it the 16" barrel just applies to guns that fire fixed ammunition. Blackpowder might be allowed but airguns are definetly (99.99% sure) allowed.

 

[progunner1957]

My understanding of this issue is that only arms that use cartridges containing a burning propellant (gun powder of any kind) are regulated by the BATFE.

Call or e-mail Straight Shooters in Minnesota for their input; they are an air rifle dealer that sells nationwide through the internet. Their website is www.straightshooters.com

Or you could call your friendly neiborhood BATFE office. :barf:

 

[novus collectus]

Off topic but blackpowder smoothbore pistols with shotgun barrels have been sold for years. The Le Matt revolver for one. Doesn't make it legal but is a sign that it is for non-fixed firearms as well.

 

[Handy]

Yes, you can buy stocked pistol airguns. I've seen several in stores.

 

[Twycross]

I figure if a ten-year old can walk into a sporting goods store and walk out with an air pistol without even a call home, there are probably no restrictions on barrel lengths

 

[arcticap]

In some towns here in CT air guns can't be sold. The state is also regulating how they can only be transported in vehicles as "merchandise", too many kids
were going on rampages shooting out car windows.

 

[Spotted Owl]

Airguns are not firearms, therefore they are not covered by the provisions of the NFA of 1934 (restrictions on barrel length, 'silencers', etc.). They can even be bought and sold mailorder without an FFL, waiting period, background check, etc.

There may be state or local laws in your area that regulate airguns, though, so be sure to check. My city prohibits sales of airguns to anyone under 16, but other than that, anything goes, including full auto.

IANAL, so YMMV.