Airgun/pellet

Question
QUESTION: Hi i was wondering if Pellet guns are legal to have in Pittsburgh, PA.

ANSWER: Kevin,

In Pennsylvania, the sale and use of air guns or pellet guns are governed by state law.

In order to purchase a pellet gun in Pennsylvania, you need to be at least 18 years of age or older.  It is legal for you to have one given to you by a parent or guardian if you are under 18.

You should be aware of the specifics of the PA Uniform Firearms Act regarding pellet or air guns.  It states in part:

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to carry any air rifle on the highways or public lands unless accompanied by an adult, except that a person under 18 years of age may carry such Rifle unloaded in a suitable case or securely wrapped.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any air rifle from or across any highway or public land or any public place, except on a properly constructed target range.

There are a couple of exceptions:

(1) Nothing in this section shall make it unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to have in his possession any air rifle, if it is:

(i) kept within his domicile;

(ii) used by the person under 18 years of age and he is a duly enrolled member of any club, team or society organized for educational purposes and maintaining as part of its facilities or having written permission to use an indoor or outdoor rifle range under the supervision, guidance and instruction of a responsible adult, and then only, if said air rifle is actually being used in connection with the activities of said club, team or society under the super vision of a responsible adult; or

(iii) used in or on any private grounds or residence under circumstances when such air rifle can be fired, discharged or operated in such a manner as not to endanger persons or property, and then only, if it is used in such manner as to prevent the projectile from transversing any grounds or space outside the limits of such grounds or residence

The short version of what this is all saying is that you can only shoot it on your own property as long as the pellets don't endanger anyone or go 'off property'.  You can also legally shoot it at a range.  If you are under 18 you can only shoot it under adult supervision.

Regarding any specific limitations that the City of Pittsburgh might have in addition to the State laws, I cannot find anything, but to be sure, I'd check with the Pittsburgh police.  A quick call to the non-emergency number would probably do the trick.

Best regards,

Doug


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

QUESTION: ok since you said that shooting in a club, team or society is legal, do you know of any near Pittsburgh, or Butler PA.

ANSWER: Kevin,

Thanks for the nice rating.  Unfortunately, I don't really know the Pittsburgh area so I can't recommend any clubs.  I'd suggest you give the Greater Pittsburgh Gun Club a call.  Their number is (724) 796-9111.  They would probably be able to give you some kind of information.

The other resource I'd suggest is the Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association.  Their website is http://www.pennarifleandpistol.org/.  You might find some club info there.

Happy shooting!

Doug


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

QUESTION: oh ya one more question: if you choose to hunt small game, such as chipmunks or squirrel, do you need a hunting license?

Answer
Kevin,

Here is the link to the appropriate page on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.  It should tell you everything you need to know.

You should note that taking game with an air rifle is NOT permitted.

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=460&q=158280

Best regards,

Doug