Airgun No.1 or .177 calibre

[nichola]

Can someone please advise me whether I need a formal license or permit to be in possession of such a gun.

Regards
Nic els

[Chaka]

No to .177
If its 5.6mm, yes

[High Power]

No to .177
If its 5.6mm, yes

Not quite correct.

DEREGULATION OF AIR RIFLES, PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS (Version 2)

In terms of Section 5(1)(f) of the Firearms Control Act (No 60 of 2000) an airgun is not regarded as a firearm for the purposes of the Act. The definition of an airgun, given in Section 1(ii) of the Act, was amended by the Firearms Control Amendment Act (No 43 of 2003) and now reads:

airgun means any device manufactured to discharge a bullet or any other projectile-
(a) of a calibre of less than 5,6mm (.22 calibre); or {my emphasis}
(b) at a muzzle energy of less than 8 joules (6 ft-lbs),
by means of compressed gas and not by means of burning propellant

	IMPERIAL	METRIC
Formula for muzzle energy	E = WxV2/450436 ft-lbs	E = WxV2/2000 joules
Where W = bullet weight	Grains	Grams
And V = muzzle velocity	ft/sec	m/sec
Typical 0.22" pellet weight	14,5 grains	0,94 grams
Emax = Legal limit	6 ft-lbs	8 joules
Solving formula for Vmax	431 ft/sec	130 m/sec (= 428 ft/sec)
Strictly 8 joules = 5,899 ft-lbs	428 ft/sec (= 130 m/sec)

Thus:

1. All 0,177" (Number 1) air guns and also any other calibre less than 0,22" are deregulated.

2. All 0,22" (number 2) air guns with less than 428 ft/sec (130 m/sec) muzzle velocity are deregulated. I know of no spring powered or pneumatic air pistols that exceed this velocity. Air rifles are another matter.

3. For other calibre (such as 0,25") the value of Vmax would have to be calculated using the appropriate pellet weight.



Peter
29th Oct 2004