Not sure if this has been touched on yet

[fishinwrench]

With the on going race for more fps/ft.lbs., repeaters and larger calibers.... How much longer is it gonna be before we can't just order airguns and pellets online and have them shipped to our front door?
One of the biggest joys of airgunning (to me) is that they are unregulated, no hassles, ect. I fear that if they don't stop with the constant race to make them as powerful as firearms that it won't be long at all until all the fun gets taken away.

What are your thoughts about that?

 

[Guest]

It's going to happen, but not until there is some outrageous crime committed (not likely), or (more likely) a way to tax it successfully in the name of safety.

 

[Quintoona]

Muzzleloaders remain pretty easy still. I'm not too worried about airgun regulation anytime soon.

 

[Yote]

It’s gonna happen sooner than you think.If these companies keep making full auto and the like .

 

[Eaglehorn]

My bet is that if and when some massive crime happens the politicians will start considering regulations. That probably won't happen for a while, though, considering the amount of time and money it takes to set-up an airgun vs. a powder burner. I imagine most criminals would rather buy a "firearm" for $500 that can easily hit something at 100 yards instead of $500 for an airgun that struggles at that range and is much less powerful (this is leaving out having to find good pellets, determining how to fill it up, etc.).

 

[sirk]

airguns + diabolo shape pellets were designed exactly to be safe and decelerate fast.

when you start moving towards high energy, high speed and bullets as ammunition, it is just question of time when the authorities will recognize it.
All it takes is a few accidents ...

 

[fishinwrench]

"Eaglehorn"My bet is that if and when some massive crime happens the politicians will start considering regulations. That probably won't happen for a while, though, considering the amount of time and money it takes to set-up an airgun vs. a powder burner. I imagine most criminals would rather buy a "firearm" for $500 that can easily hit something at 100 yards instead of $500 for an airgun that struggles at that range and is much less powerful (this is leaving out having to find good pellets, determining how to fill it up, etc.).

Excellent point there. Most firearm killings however are done at point blank range, not from 100 yards. So anything capable of killing someone at 10 yards is in the realm of easily being legislated upon.
Currently even convicted felons can possess airguns, and with airguns now being used to pursue game larger than a man I'm sure the days of no-hassle airgun ownership is going to be short lived.

Personally, and I'm sure this is going to piss off quite a few, but I wish they'd stop with the big game airgun thing. What's the point of that anyway? Especially if you know good and well that you are begging to be regulated in the same category as firearms.

 

[fishinwrench]

If these airgun companies wish to keep their sales percentage where it is now, and to possibly grow.....then making it more difficult for people to purchase one is NOT in their best interest. Yet the race for more power and bigger projectiles continues.

Doesn't seem very smart.

 

[outdoorman]

"fishinwrench"Currently even convicted felons can possess airguns,

Depends on where you live. New Jersey and Rhode Island define all non-powder guns as firearms. At least 23 states regulate air guns to some degree.

 

[fishinwrench]

"outdoorman"

"fishinwrench"Currently even convicted felons can possess airguns,

Depends on where you live. New Jersey and Rhode Island define all non-powder guns as firearms. At least 23 states regulate air guns to some degree.

Did not know that. So in those states you have to do a background check to purchase an air rifle ?

How about cordless drills, nail guns, and pneumatic staplers? Rediculous.

 

[Alan]

I am of the same mind. It is one thing to speak of what most folks think of as BB and/or pellets guns, and their lack of firearm power. But as we progress with all of the excitement about larger and larger calibers, cast lead bullets rather than pellets, the left press will soon latch on, and off to the races we will go. I'm of the opinion that it is inevitable, and no doubt sooner than we expect. 

 

[Guest]

"Quintoona"Muzzleloaders remain pretty easy still. I'm not too worried about airgun regulation anytime soon.

This question is out of curiosity and knowing about my states laws. In how many states, including yours, can you buy black powder without a license?

 

[fishinwrench]

"Alan"I am of the same mind. It is one thing to speak of what most folks think of as BB and/or pellets guns, and their lack of firearm power. But as we progress with all of the excitement about larger and larger calibers, cast lead bullets rather than pellets, the left press will soon latch on, and off to the races we will go. I'm of the opinion that it is inevitable, and no doubt sooner than we expect.

Do these air gun companies really want that? They act like they do. 
After air rifles get legislated in the same class as firearms, how many will still choose to hunt deer/elk/hogs ect. with air guns?
Seems they are slitting their own throats, unless they know way more about this game (and this country) than I do.

 

[JohnL57]

I have to chime in with my 2 cents. Airguns are great for small game especially in populated areas. For big game, why not just reach for a firearm?

 

[fishinwrench]

"JohnL57"I have to chime in with my 2 cents. Airguns are great for small game especially in populated areas. For big game, why not just reach for a firearm?

Exactly!

 

[socaloldman]

I agree with you guys that we are on a slippery slope chasing the bigger is better. The policy makers will look at the restrictions other countries use and copy it. I did buy black powder the other day and had to provide ID etc. Before it was just get a box of Pyrodex off the shelf and check out.

 

[NL-Law]

Up here in Canada anything over 500fps is considered a firearm. I don't expect to see any major changes up here in the next decade or so.

 

[Eaglebeak]

Here in Australia, it took just one stroke of the pen to classify airguns and even harmless replicas as firearms. If they do that there, you can kiss goodbye to your moderators, full autos and mail order guns, ammo and parts and unless your property is more than 100 acres, there is no such thing as backyard friendly.

 

[Paulcat]

What stroke of pen do you refer to? Always been some form of regulation of air rifles(I won't include pistols) as long as I have been shooting them.
Makes for a little more work or hassle when dealing,but the process just impedes those who can't be bothered.

 

[Goodtogo]

"John_in_Ma"

"Quintoona"Muzzleloaders remain pretty easy still. I'm not too worried about airgun regulation anytime soon.

This question is out of curiosity and knowing about my states laws. In how many states, including yours, can you buy black powder without a license?

​John here in TN I know you can order a black powder pistol. I just got one in for a grandson for Christmas. Also got in a container of powder the same day. It was ordered from cabelas. It did require an adult signature. (about the most worthless present I have spend money on) 

​I think when they finally approve large caliber airrifles for large animal hunting across the country, we "may" have to have them delivered to a FFL dealer?