Question about the legality of Airsoft "type" Guns

Marlin009 · February 20, 2012, 10:01 PM

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.

raimius · February 20, 2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18 USC 921

(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.

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!)

ScottRiqui · February 20, 2012, 10:55 PM

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?

Marlin009 · February 22, 2012, 08:43 PM

Well, it's not hypothetical now.

I need to paint the tip.

MTT TL · February 22, 2012, 09:00 PM

I am not sure which part is the tip. But I will submit that will be one hell of a creepy trigger.

Marlin009 · February 22, 2012, 09:26 PM

The end of the barrel.

If the trigger had a meter, it would go from Cool, to Holy Crap, to Are You Kidding Me.

February 20, 2012, 10:01 PM	#1
Marlin009 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 187	Question about the legality of Airsoft "type" Guns 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.

February 22, 2012, 09:00 PM	#5
MTT TL Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Quadling Country Posts: 2,780	I am not sure which part is the tip. But I will submit that will be one hell of a creepy trigger. __________________ Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

February 20, 2012, 10:55 PM	#3
ScottRiqui Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,905	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?

February 22, 2012, 08:43 PM	#4
Marlin009 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 187	Well, it's not hypothetical now. I need to paint the tip.

February 22, 2012, 09:26 PM	#6
Marlin009 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 187	The end of the barrel. If the trigger had a meter, it would go from Cool, to Holy Crap, to Are You Kidding Me.