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28-09-2018, 12:00 #1
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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:
- 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.
- 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’
- 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.
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28-09-2018, 12:15 #2
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Re: A note from SAADA on "powerful" airguns
I was wondering when this would come up.
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28-09-2018, 12:36 #3
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28-09-2018, 12:44 #4
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28-09-2018, 13:08 #5
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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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28-09-2018, 13:34 #6
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28-09-2018, 13:34 #7
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28-09-2018, 17:37 #8
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28-09-2018, 17:46 #9
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 TapatalkQuemadmodum gladius neminem occidit: occidentis telum est.
Seneca (4 BC - 65 AD)
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28-09-2018, 20:27 #10
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