Question about the legality of Airsoft "type" Guns

M

Marlin009

New member
Walmart, and other stores, sell airsoft guns that are semi-auto and full-auto that use co2 cartridges.

If someone were to, hypothetically, take some PVC and build something that would shoot airsoft pellets using compressed air, would that be a problem?
This hypothetical device would not have a trigger, but would be activated by a ball valve.

I've done some research but there is very little of anything resembling a legal document about them. There are blogs and videos that would lead one to believe that the full-auto's for sale are legal but I haven't found anything about building one.

I asked a Mod if this was an acceptable topic, realizing it's not the norm, and got the green light. :cool:
 
18 USC 921 said:
(3) The term “firearm” means
(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;
(B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon;
(C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or
(D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm.
Click to expand...
So, as far as federal law is concerned, airsoft guns are not firearms.
State and local laws may differ in definitions, but most places do not define airsoft guns as firearms (there are one or two states that do, so look up the law for where you live!)
 
Remember those full-auto BB guns that were powered by a can of R-12 Freon? Environmental issues aside, I wonder what we would have thought at the time if we had known that R-12 would end up going for $30 per 12-ounce can?
 
Well, it's not hypothetical now. :cool: I need to paint the tip.

painted.jpg
 
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