We see this question quite often in the various places where we interact with our customers. Many of these people are just looking to solve garden pest problems. Some are wanting to shoot recreationally, and some are looking to practice for competition. The question remains, can I shoot a pellet rifle in city limits?
This is a question whose answer can vary dramatically depending on where you live. In general, we have discovered that many urban areas strictly prohibit the use of airguns of any kind outside of the home. This would include your front or back yard.
When you span out to suburban neighborhoods, unfortunately the same is often true. However, this is a subject that requires a little research. This can start with an internet search on your municipality’s laws. If you can’t find anything with that method, call your local law enforcement agency with your inquiry.
Some airgunners live in neighborhoods that are part of a homeowner’s association. It is possible that an activity that is ok in the eyes of local law enforcement, might be prohibited by the homeowners association.
In the event that you can take care of garden pests or light target shooting in your neighborhood, make sure you do so in the safest possible manner. First, make sure your air rifle is zeroed. This is a significant detail when it comes to hitting what you are aiming at. Secondly, religiously apply the 4 Rules of Gun Safety.
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All Guns are Always Loaded. Never treat an air rifle or real steel rifle as if it is “empty”.
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Never Point a Gun at Anything You Don’t Want to Kill or Destroy. Does this really need to be explained?
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Know Your Target and What is Beyond it. Pellets and bullets move fast and for a long distance. There’s a price tag attached to each one of them. Be sure that your line of fire is clear, that the target is sure, and there’s nothing behind it you don’t want to kill or destroy.
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Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You are Ready to Shoot. A shooter cannot get to this step without either adhering to or ignoring the first 3 rules. If you adhere to the above rules, you won’t have anything to worry about. Ignore these rules, and you might end up behind bars.
Lastly, use the right tool for the job. If you need to hammer in a small nail for a picture frame, you don’t need to use a 24 ounce framing hammer. A light household clay hammer is the right tool for the job. The same goes for small game dispatching, especially in a residential neighborhood. A lower powered air rifle in a small caliber like .177 or .22 will be more than sufficient for this task.
Conclusion
Do your research based on where you live. Act and live responsibly when it comes to handling air guns. It also might be a good idea to start a conversation with your local animal control personnel and game officials to get a better understanding of what can be done in addressing any pest issues on your property.