Use of an airsoft gun?

padmundo

What's the legality of using an airsoft gun in your own back garden, i.e. shooting at targets for practice, plinking, not firing like a wild thing with bb's flying in a hail into your neighbours etc.

Fiach Dubh

I think Nonex said it's illegal to fire one within 15 metres of a public area. So if your garden is within 15 metres of a public road/footpath you could end up with problems if someone reports you.

padmundo

That's what I thought, it's the same with an air rifle that requires a licence.

Spitfire666

you would not get in trouble for shooting targets/cans in your own garden

NakedHedgehog

Since it's not regulated at all, how could you, right?
The only way that I can see you'd get in trouble if someone saw this, felt threatened and believing that you were either a) firing at them or b) thought it was a real weapon- called the gardai.

Since the law does state that if someone is under the believe that you are wielding a real weapon (presumably in a crime) you can be prosecuted as though it was a real weapon.

ED E

Hedge is right. They are classed as toys so if that was so using a nerf gun in your garden would be breaking the law, or any toy for that! No Footy then!

They are toys so the only problem would be if you were firing at/near the public(no shooting your neighbours)

I use mine in my garden all the time no probs. Just dont do it where you can be seen.

o1s1n

Lethal_Bullet wrote:

Hedge is right. They are classed as toys so if that was so using a nerf gun in your garden would be breaking the law, or any toy for that! No Footy then!

They are toys so the only problem would be if you were firing at/near the public(no shooting your neighbours)

I use mine in my garden all the time no probs. Just dont do it where you can be seen.

They are not classified as toys. They are not actually classified as anything.

Voodoomelon

I don't see how the Gardaí could come and make you stop firing at cans or the like on your own property.

Discharging a firearm below the legal distance of other people is one thing, but firing an airsoft gun that is not a firearm and does not require a licence on your own property?

If a neighbour did make a complaint, ie, they thought you had a real firearm, do the Gardaí have the right to take it off you, despite the fact that it isn't and despite the fact that the neighbour was clearly in no danger?

I mean does a neighbour really "fear for their own safety" when they make such a call?

kdouglas

probably the best thing to do is use your best judgement, if you think there is a chance your neighbours are going to panic and ring the gardaí, then just go and explain to them what youll be doing and that despite them looking very realistic, you are not actually firing a real weapon

Captain Chaos

o1s1n wrote:

They are not classified as toys. They are not actually classified as anything.

Portlaoise Customs class them as toys, I have it on an official from from them.

Its says in the item box: ''1x toy''.

sidneyreilly

Use your common sense!

o1s1n

Captain Chaos wrote:

Portlaoise Customs class them as toys, I have it on an official from from them.

Its says in the item box: ''1x toy''.

Maybe Portlaoise customs are at the moment referring to them as toys just so they can classify them as something. But legally, within this country, they aren't anything.

The law states that something with a muzzle velocity sub 1 joule is not a firearm. It does not go on to say that this is then considered a toy.

As far as using it in your back garden. If your garden is visible to your next door neighbours and they happen to be an elderly couple who have no problem ringing the gardaí, maybe you might want to explain to them that they're not firearms.

If you're living in the middle of a housing estate (like myself) make sure you have a hard wall or fence to stop your shots going into other peoples gardens.

I've been doing this since September now and haven't had any trouble at all.

MaxForce

I am always firing mine in the back garden and like Oisin I live in a housing estate and have never had any problems what so ever.

Miscreant

Yeah, me neither. I have fired off my rifle and pistols in the back garden but I live in a housing estate so I usually shoot from inside the kitchen at the back wall. No one has seen my guns (apart from the missus and a mate or two) but I would still be careful. The last thing you need is attention from the Gardai these days as it could bring some more bad publicity.

[--SC(+)PE--]

Yeah, me neither. I have fired off my rifle and pistols in the back garden but I live in a housing estate so I usually shoot from inside the kitchen at the back wall. No one has seen my guns (apart from the missus and a mate or two) but I would still be careful. The last thing you need is attention from the Gardai these days as it could bring some more bad publicity.

Yea same as that, i even turn up the radio or tv to cover the noise from my gbb, doesnt help the smell though

MaxForce

[--SC(+)PE--] wrote:

Yea same as that, i even turn up the radio or tv to cover the noise from my gbb, doesnt help the smell though

Ohh so tempting Sir. But I wont got there:D

extremetaz

guys don't forget that even though our toys (for want of a better description) are legal don't forget that if being spotted with them by a third party who is unfamiliar with the device and it's use, causes that third party stress or alarm - then that amounts to threatening behaviour and is punishable under the law.

so the bottom line is - don't use them anywhere that the general, uninformed public might be able to see you.

--> if you're going to use it in your back yard make sure that anyone who can see into your yard knows exactly what you are doing.

ED E

Got ******* of Neighbours but high wall and 20ft trees leaves my just grand, my dad likes shattering closepegs on the line, he he he.:D

Harekin

Captain Chaos wrote:

Portlaoise Customs class them as toys, I have it on an official from from them.

Its says in the item box: ''1x toy''.

Thats the customs declaration from the country you are recieving it from and Portlaoise simply use that cos theyu presume customs in China (for example) are not going to lie to them about it!