'Firearm' Defined

[Shotgun693]

I heard an ATF Agent say that pneumatic rifles fall under the definition of Firearms under Federal Law. The gun in question is a .357 rifle. This would be new to me. Anyone have info or know where is would fall in statute?

 

[Brian Pfleuger]

The BATF definition is found in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/921

 

[Shotgun693]

I just don't see where this applies to pneumatic rifles.

 

[Don H]

ATF agents can be mistaken.

 

[FrankenMauser]

Some states define air rifles as firearms, but Federal Code does not.

 

[Nickel Plated]

Yep, as far as the feds are concerned, if it doesn't use fire then it's not a "firearm". If it does use fire then it MAY be a firearm.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Yep, as far as the feds are concerned, if it doesn't use fire then it's not a "firearm". If it does use fire then it MAY be a firearm.

And then it may depend on which law you're reading, and what the context is. Many laws include their own definitions, either at the start or at the end, and a definition from one law may not be applicable to another law -- especially if the other law includes its own definitions.