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  1. #1
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    Default A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    Info-Slip: Powerful Airguns
    Brought to you by SAAADA


    Please note that the FCA defines an airgun as follows:

    airgun” means any device manufactured to discharge a bullet or any other projectile –
    (a) of a calibre of less than 5.6 mm (.22 calibre); or
    (b) at a muzzle energy of less than 8 joules (6ft-lbs),
    by means of compressed gas and not by means of burning propellant;

    Note the word ‘or’ at the end of point (a).

    If we ignore the confusing Imperial units in the FCA-definition and focus only on the Metric units:


    1. If the airgun has a calibre less than 5.6mm, irrespective of its muzzle energy (power level), then it is not a firearm and does not require a license.



    1. If the airgun is less powerful than 8 joules, irrespective of its calibre, then it is not a firearm and does not require a license.
      • 8 Joules is particularly weak, along the lines of airsoft guns firing plastic pellets, or paintball guns.
      • For this argument we’ll consider 8 Joules or more as ‘powerful’



    1. Any airgun with a calibre of 5.6mm, or larger (including 6.35mm, 9mm, etc) and with a muzzle energy of 8 Joules or more, is a firearm and requires a firearm licence in terms of the FCA.
      • Only licensed firearm dealers may trade in these airguns


    Anyone trading in powerful, large calibre airguns (defined in point 3 above) without being a licensed dealer and/or without requiring the new owner to first obtain a firearm license is guilty of an offence. Anyone who is aware of another person contravening the FCA is obliged to report such an infringement.

    Any person (including a dealer) in possession of such an unlicensed powerful, large calibre airgun (defined in point 3 above) would be illegally in possession of a firearm and should take appropriate steps to remedy their situation – including seeking legal advice on how best to proceed.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    I was wondering when this would come up.

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    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    Quote Originally Posted by Captain Hook View Post
    I was wondering when this would come up.
    ".22" air rifle's and pellets are sold as 5.5 mm. This makes them legal.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    Quote Originally Posted by gary-t View Post
    ".22" air rifle's and pellets are sold as 5.5 mm. This makes them legal.
    Thats not what this is about

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    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    So all the paint marker / pellet gun defense guys that install more powerful springs and whatnot are breaking the law if they exceed 8 joules (6ft-lbs)

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    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    Quote Originally Posted by zguy View Post
    So all the paint marker / pellet gun defense guys that install more powerful springs and whatnot are breaking the law if they exceed 8 joules (6ft-lbs)
    By definition, yes.

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    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    Quote Originally Posted by BigT View Post
    Thats not what this is about
    This argument has been going on on air rifle forums forever. If I understand what you are saying is that
    basically anything more than a .177 air rifle at 640 fps needs to be licensed and that most dealers are
    operating illegally.

  8. #8
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gary-t View Post
    This argument has been going on on air rifle forums forever. If I understand what you are saying is that
    basically anything more than a .177 air rifle at 640 fps needs to be licensed and that most dealers are
    operating illegally.

    Nope. There is an”or” in that definition.

  9. #9

    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    In principle then most paintball guns qualify as firearms... don't they ? AFAIK they are somewhere around 24ft-lb ?

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
    Quemadmodum gladius neminem occidit: occidentis telum est.

    Seneca (4 BC - 65 AD)

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    Default Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns

    Quote Originally Posted by BigT View Post

    (a) of a calibre of less than 5.6 mm (.22 calibre); or
    (b) at a muzzle energy of less than 8 joules (6ft-lbs)
    If I read this then correct any calibre that is less than 5.6mm (irrespective of muzzle energy) doesnt class as a FA.

    Any calibre larger than 5.6 mm and less than 8 joules energy doesnt class as a FA?

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