Big bore air rifles....

[Skaaphaas]

As I understand it too.

And to be an airgun it needs to fire a projectile of less than 5.6mm at any energy, or else fire a projectile of any size at less than 8 joules.

So the undefined area comes in when the projectile is exactly 5.6mm, or energy exactly 8 joules?

[/PEDANTIC]

Or if it fires water.

Or fires a projectile of more than 5,6mm at a muzzle energy of more than 8 joules, but by mechanical means and not compressed air (think tennis / cricket ball launchers).

[Cockroach]

Or if it fires water.

Or fires a projectile of more than 5,6mm at a muzzle energy of more than 8 joules, but by mechanical means and not compressed air (think tennis / cricket ball launchers).

Granted, but the compressed gas part is present in both sets of definitions, so not considering the other alternatives here.

[Pirate]

Indeed. To be considered a firearm it needs to fire a projectile bigger than 5,6mm AND at a muzzle energy of more than 8 joules. Ie both requirements have to be met.

and this, folks, is Formal Logic at work, and I'm disapponted that Mr. Hood misses it. When referring to the NEGATIVE of the statement (i.e. the Act defines "what is an airgun", and Skaaphaas formally deduces "what is NOT an airgun") the OR in the original statements becomes an AND. It is honestly not subject to interpretation, it really is science, and 100% applicable here.

[shooty]

If your not worried about being charged. And have no issue sleeping under a flee invested blanket in a room 3mX3m with some other friendly people on a concrete slab and open toilette. With a great aroma. Until you appear in court and charged and sentenced. Feel free to invest in an airrifle which is bigger then a 5.5mm. Remember you will more then likely also be declared unfit to own any other firearms at same time.

Just curios as to how they enter SA. As surely they must be inspected on entry by Custom officials who has to clear them.

[Budlust]

No.

IF (A) OR (B) is True THEN (C)

(A) = Cal LESS THAN 5.56mm
(B) = MV LESS THAN 8 joules
(C) = Device is Airgun

Both (A) and (B) must be false in order for the device to NOT be an Airgun.

AHA! Got it.

So essentially, we have to separate EVERYTHING ELSE from the definition of an AIRGUN ie ignore paintball markers et al, and consider it within the parameters of EITHER an airgun or a 'firearm', when it comes to legality IRT licensing. Airguns do not need licensing, firearms do.

Therefore, without any doubt, big bore air rifles CANNOT be considered airguns, as both A and B are false and can under no PRACTICAL instances EVER be true.

[Sean KZN]

This is really not complicated. 5.5mm or less is an air gun. We are talking air guns here, not other pneumatic devices.
You don't need to be a lawyer to interpret this.

[Skaaphaas]

AHA! Got it.

So essentially, we have to separate EVERYTHING ELSE from the definition of an AIRGUN ie ignore paintball markers et al, and consider it within the parameters of EITHER an airgun or a 'firearm', when it comes to legality IRT licensing. Airguns do not need licensing, firearms do.

Therefore, without any doubt, big bore air rifles CANNOT be considered airguns, as both A and B are false and can under no PRACTICAL instances EVER be true.

Yes. Although paintball guns, while more than 5,6mm and more than 8 joules, are excluded by name in Section 5 of the FCA.

[Budlust]

Yes. Although paintball guns, while more than 5,6mm and more than 8 joules, are excluded by name in Section 5 of the FCA.

So excluding all else except the illegality of an unlicensed big bore air rifle -

Now... how could any defense lawyer explain this away, once their clients are arrested for importing, selling or buying a big-bore air rifle?

Have any of you that possesses one of these illegal rifles considered your options?

What's the bet all I will hear are the chirping of crickets....

[Skaaphaas]

You’re a strange one.

We’re all in agreement that they need to be licenced as firearms.

[FNBROWNING]

You’re a strange one.

You are far too polite Skaaphaas.