BB guns are a popular choice for recreational shooting, target practice, and even pest control. However, when it comes to owning and using a BB gun, state laws vary significantly. It’s crucial to understand the legal requirements in your area to ensure you’re following the law and keeping yourself and others safe.
This guide will provide an overview of BB gun laws across the United States, highlighting age restrictions, licensing requirements, storage guidelines, and where BB guns can be used. We’ll break down the laws by state, so you can easily navigate the regulations in your area.
BB Gun Laws Overview
Before we dive into specific state laws, let’s briefly discuss the common regulations that apply to BB guns in most states:
Federal Laws on BB Guns
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BB guns are not firearms: While BB guns shoot projectiles, they are classified as air guns and are generally not considered firearms under federal law. As such, they do not require the same licensing or registration.
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Age restrictions: Federal law typically requires that anyone under the age of 18 must have adult supervision when purchasing or using a BB gun.
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Public safety laws: Some states and municipalities have specific laws about the use of BB guns in public places or require BB guns to be marked with bright orange tips to distinguish them from real firearms.
BB Gun Laws by State
Now let’s take a closer look at specific BB gun regulations by state. Please note that the following laws are general summaries and can be subject to change, so it’s essential to check your state’s specific regulations.
California
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Age Requirements: Must be at least 18 to purchase a BB gun.
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Use and Storage: BB guns must be kept in a safe place, away from children. It’s illegal to discharge a BB gun in public areas or within city limits in many counties.
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Safety: All BB guns must have a bright orange tip to indicate they are not real firearms.
Local Restrictions: Some cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have additional regulations prohibiting the possession and discharge of BB guns in certain areas.
New York
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Age Requirements: A person must be 16 or older to own a BB gun, but minors under 16 may use them under adult supervision.
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Use and Storage: BB guns can be used for target practice in private areas but must be stored securely. It’s illegal to shoot a BB gun in public places.
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Safety: All air guns, including BB guns, must have a visible orange tip in New York.
Local Restrictions: New York City has stricter rules, including prohibiting the sale and possession of BB guns in the city without a special permit.
Texas
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Age Requirements: Minors under 18 must have parental consent to purchase or use a BB gun.
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Use and Storage: BB guns can be used in private property or designated ranges. Using them in public areas is prohibited.
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Safety: There are no statewide mandates for orange tips, but BB guns must be handled safely, especially around minors.
Local Restrictions: Some Texas cities may have ordinances regarding the use of BB guns in urban areas.
Florida
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Age Requirements: You must be at least 16 years old to purchase a BB gun, but a minor can possess a BB gun with parental permission.
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Use and Storage: BB guns are legal to shoot on private property, but shooting in public areas is prohibited. Proper storage to prevent accidents is required by law.
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Safety: No statewide mandate for orange tips, but safe handling is emphasized, especially when in public spaces.
Illinois
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Age Requirements: The legal age for purchasing a BB gun is 18, but minors can possess them with written consent from a parent or guardian.
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Use and Storage: It’s illegal to discharge BB guns in public places or within city limits. They must be stored in a safe place to prevent access by unauthorized users.
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Safety: Some cities like Chicago have restrictions that require BB guns to be marked with a visible orange tip.
Michigan
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Age Requirements: Individuals must be 18 or older to purchase a BB gun.
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Use and Storage: BB guns can be used on private property, but discharging them in public spaces or residential areas is prohibited.
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Safety: While not required by state law, using an orange tip for identification is strongly recommended to avoid confusion with real firearms.
Ohio
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Age Requirements: You must be 18 to buy a BB gun, and minors under 18 can use BB guns under parental supervision.
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Use and Storage: You can use BB guns on private property, but shooting in public places is prohibited.
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Safety: Ohio recommends that BB guns have a bright orange tip for safety, but it’s not a requirement under state law.
Pennsylvania
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Age Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old to buy a BB gun.
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Use and Storage: Shooting a BB gun in public areas is prohibited unless done in designated ranges. BB guns should be stored securely to avoid accidental use by children.
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Safety: There are no statewide requirements for orange tips, but it’s encouraged for safety reasons.
Nevada
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Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a BB gun.
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Use and Storage: BB guns are legal to use on private property and at designated ranges. Discharging a BB gun in public areas is illegal.
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Safety: No specific mandate for orange tips, but safe handling is emphasized.
Colorado
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Age Requirements: You must be 18 years old to purchase a BB gun.
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Use and Storage: Legal to use BB guns on private property or at ranges. Discharging BB guns in public areas is prohibited.
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Safety: While not required by law, using an orange tip is recommended for identification purposes.
General Guidelines for Using BB Guns
While laws may vary by state, here are some general tips to ensure safe and legal use of BB guns:
1. Always Follow Age Restrictions
Ensure that you meet the minimum age requirement for purchasing or using a BB gun. In many states, minors can use BB guns under adult supervision, but there are exceptions.
2. Only Shoot on Private Property
BB guns should typically only be discharged on private property, in designated shooting ranges, or areas where shooting is specifically allowed. Shooting in public areas is usually illegal.
3. Store BB Guns Safely
BB guns should be stored in a secure location, out of reach of children or unauthorized users. This could include using a lockable case or safe.
4. Use Orange Tips
Although not required in all states, it’s a good idea to ensure your BB gun has a bright orange tip to avoid confusion with real firearms. This is especially true in high-traffic or urban areas.
5. Check Local Laws
Some states and municipalities have additional laws that may be more restrictive than federal or state guidelines. Always check your local ordinances for any additional regulations regarding BB gun ownership and use.
Conclusion
BB guns are a fun and relatively safe way to practice shooting and target practice, but it’s crucial to understand the laws governing their use. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first BB gun or you’re already an enthusiast, always be aware of the specific regulations in your state.
If you’re unsure about the legality of BB guns in your area, it’s a good idea to consult with local authorities or legal resources.