airguns

Question
QUESTION: I would like to know if there are any laws or restrictions on bb and pellet guns in the state of Arizona. my son is 15 years of age and wants to purchase a rifle.

ANSWER: Hi,

Thanks for your question.  In general, BB and Pellet guns are considered to be 'firearms' in Arizona.  There is actually a little bit of a conflict in the Arizona law in that at one point in the ARS it describes a firearm as a device that fires a projectile by action of an explosive (ammunition).  In another place is talks about a firearm as a device that expels a projectile using compressed gasses.  

Either way, most places that sell BB guns require that a person would need to be 18 y/o to purchase.  Of course, you could purchase one for your son.

I'd suggest that you teach him the basic rules of firearms safety:

1.  All guns should be treated as if they are loaded.
2.  Never point the muzzle in an unsafe direction.
3.  Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to shoot.
4.  Be aware of your target and what is behind it.

I'd also suggest that you might want to consider some additional training for him like a hunter safety program or an NRA basic rifle course.

Overall, any gun, whether it is a BB, Pellet, Airsoft or Paintball gun should be treated with respect since even a BB gun can cause injury if fired at a person or animal.  Most communities have no problem with BB guns if you are using it on your own property and have a backstop.

I know you are probably looking for a more clear cut answer, but unfortunately due to the conflict in the ARS, it is a little hard to pin down.  Overall, I don't think you will have any issues as long as the BB gun is used responsibly...

Best regards,

Doug



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know my son has friends with brothers 18 and possibly older. So my concern is him purchasing this weapon and getting caught in an empty lot with his cornball buddies trying to clown around with them. Are the consequences the same as regular firearms?

Answer
Arizona Dad,

No, the consequences are not the same as with regular firearms as far as the law is concerned.  However, some municipalities regulate the firing of BB guns inside the city limits.  Since I don't know where you live, this is something you might want to check on.  A call to the local PD will tell you what you need to know.

With respect to 'clowning around' with any type of gun, this is a really BAD idea.  First, it ingrains behaviors that are inherently 'unsafe'.  Second, even a pellet gun can injure a person if they are shot with it in the wrong place.  Third, if they are on someone else's property and damage something, you could be held liable.  Finally, all guns, even BB guns deserve to be handled with respect, just like any other firearm.  

I'm certainly not trying to tell you what to do, but if the scenario you describe above is likely to occur, I'd probably not sanction the purchase of the BB gun...too many opportunities for bad outcomes for my taste.

Maybe your son would enjoy paintball.  Most of the facilities out there do a pretty good job of keeping the participants safe.  In addition, it seems that there is a high level of peer support in gearing up with safety gear.  IF what he is interested in doing is having 'mock gunfights' with his buddies, this might be a more constructive outlet...plus most of the kids that I know that do this have an absolute blast...

Best regards,

Doug