Can I get in trouble with the law for shooting an air soft gun in my backyard?
Possibly, but if you take all recommended safety precautions it should be ok in most places. If you're concerned, call your sheriff and ask. In my town there's no requirement for an airsoft shooting range, but for air rifles and other bb guns, you must simply have an appropriate backstop capable of stopping errant shots.Airsoft guns do have significant power and can cause injury, but I shoot them in the house and in the yard.
Is shooting a paintball gun in the public view with consent illegal?
I’ve been in a similar situation. We weren’t filming, just playing on private property near a trail. We had the property owner’s permission to play on the land. The property was adjacent to protected state game lands. We were aware of the jogging trail nearby and made sure to setup a distance away and orient ourselves to prevent misses from potentially hitting someone on the path.After about our 4th game of the morning, we returned to our “Base” (Also known as “Pile of gear by this one tree”) and found (If I recall correctly) 2 park rangers, a game warden and a local police officer, who had drawn weapons (not pointed at us). This was quite concerning and we all made nice and slowly put down our gear and kept our hands at our sides.They relayed to us that a Concerned Citizen(TM) had called the police reporting several people running around in the woods with shotguns, firing rapidly. They took a quick look at our gear (including the obligatory “Do any of you have illegal substances with you?”) and realized what was going on. We told them that we had permission to play here, but we were told to go home and don’t do it again.So we went home and played somewhere else.Long story short: Ask first and you should be fine. If someone does call the cops, you aren’t doing anything wrong, but keep a cool head, just in case.
Where can I find airgun laws for my state?
Most states and municipalities don't regulate air weapons (BB, pellet, paintball, etc) b/c the ATF does not consider them to be firearms. That being said, some local cities will have regs on the books, just in case a cop wants to charge you with something and most states have a "brandishment" law that will allow police to take you into custody for displaying even a non-firing replica if you are upsetting other folks. I will say that .177 caliber weapons are usually A-OK, but .22 cailber air guns sometimes fall into a grey area in some cities. So to answer your many questions: Is it legal to shoot pellet guns in your back yard? YES What are the limits? Your property line, don't shoot a squirrel in someone elses tree. When going fishing/hiking/camping can you carry a C02 gun on you (visible)? (no not for defensive purposes, just recreation) Yes and No, again the "brandishment" law comes into affect. Google your state and see if they are "open carry" friendly. Ohio allows open carry, but they arrest open carry on sight for "brandishment". A CO2 pistol looks like a firearm from 10 feet away, so beware. If you are hunting be aware that the state may require you have a hunting permit even if using an air gun. If not, do you have to get a permit? and if so can you then carry it around? A concealed carry permit allows different things in different states. In Florida, a CCW allows you to carry anything concealed, including a jackhammer if that is your weapon of choice, in Ohio, only firearms are allowed with a CCW, but you can at least carry as many as you want. Use some common sense as you hinted at above; take it out of a pack when you are out in the wilderness and you will be fine, carry it into Walmart and expect to get jumped by security. Same for a bow or crossbow, and both of those are regulated by state hunting rules, so you better have a hunting license when you have it off your property unless you are at an archery event/range. For example, most states only allow the disabled to hunt with crossbows, but your mileage may vary. Also, when in the woods, have permission to be there, meeting all the rules for air guns is great but getting arrested for tresspassing sucks.
Is it legal to shoot a pellet pistol in your back yard?
Each state will have different laws. Here is CaliforniaCalifornia Pellet Gun LawsEach city likely has different laws. Here’s mine,No rockets: Understandably, the city has a policy that firearms and projectile weapons are not allowed to be taken or fired through, across, on or within any city park or playground without permission. But did you know this includes a lot of things, from a slingshot to a rocket launcher? The list of items people are not allowed to use or fire in this manner include pistols, revolvers, rifles, guns, flare guns, paintball guns, zip guns, spring guns, air guns, BB or pellet guns, rockets, rocket launchers, rocket-propelled projectile launchers, slingshots, wrist rockets, bow and arrows, crossbows and compound bows.I can’t do what?: Wacky Chico lawsSo do your due diligence.
Can a pellet gun kill a human?
Yes.Addict who killed boy, 2, with air gun jailed for lifeUPDATED: Teen Dead After Air Rifle IncidentBoy, 10, killed with father's air gun while playing Cowboys and Indians with his friendsBoy, 14, dies after air rifle shootingCoroner: Edmonds man killed by air rifle shot to the chestSchoolboy, 13, accidentally killed when homemade air rifle fired into his neckSheffield air rifle shooting victim dies - BBC NewsGirl, 10, kills mom with air rifle | IOL NewsMan killed with air rifleTeenager killed in air rifle accident - BelfastTelegraph.co.ukI think you should read Air Rifle Safety in England and Wales too.