Airsoft Limits
 

Hi All,

Not to start a riot, but I was just thinking about airsoft fps/joule limits, and it occured to me that Air Rifles are far more powerful than Airsoft and yet they aren't required to be licensed, or the purchaser either. So, why do we have to stick with the 500 fps/1 joule limit for airsoft guns? (Obviously, I mean other than the fact that people would get seriously hurt) I don't mean play rules, but simply for purchase.

cheers

The legal limit for any firearm to be exempt from registration and legislation is 500 fps (152.4 m/s) AND 5.7 joules of muzzle energy. Anything above both of those limits combined means it requires licensing, registration and may be prohibited (full auto).

The is NO LICENSE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE OR SELL AIRSOFT GUNS!!!!

The velocity and energy limits are set in stone by the Firearms Act.

This, I knew. But I mean that an Air Gun, like those used in small game hunting requires no license, and most fire at around 1000 fps, and the little metal pellets must exert more than 5.7 joules on impact, no?

A 1000fps airgun would require a PAL license, mcguyver already said that. Airsoft and airguns would be in two different categories even though they still fall under the same 500fps rule. Airguns being used for target shooting/light hunting and airsoft being used to shoot other people... so you're wondering why airsoft guns legal limit is the same as an airgun? Well.. think about it. One of them you shoot humans with, the other you don't. If you mean as far as purchasing goes, why would they raise the limit of the fps/joule limit? Have you ever been hit by a 500fps bb?

What would be the point of raising the limit just to buy airsoft guns with more power when you couldn't even use them to play? :smack:

Ummm, no, they don't shoot 1000fps. Not in Canada. Airguns sold in Canada, i.e. Canadian Tire are under 500 fps. Usually 495 or so...

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...=1159816756738
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...=1159816823090
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...=1159816869156

etc. etc. etc.

-Daes

Actually, they do shoot 1000fps. Airguns sold at CTC are required to sell 495fps and below. With a PAL however you can purchase upwards of 1000fps. Canadian Tire is not the only place to buy airguns.

Ummm, yeah, a PAL. You are saying:

But I mean that an Air Gun, like those used in small game hunting requires no license

A PAL is a license...

-Daes

Check who wrote that quote and then get back to me. You're mixing up names here.

Ah, thats where I was misunderstanding. I'd assumed that the CTC guns shot at 1000fps, and was confused because they didn't require a license. Thanks TrueTGN and Daes for the clarification...

Damned Assumptions...

http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/info_for-r.../airguns_e.asp

Sorry, similar avatars and, no, that 1000fps airgun requires a PAL, his question was that they didn't require a license and, yes, they do require a license. Therefore, anything over that magical 500fps and 5.7 joules requires a PAL.

You are correct, you can purchase airguns that way the hell more powerful than that of CrappyTire, but you require a license. Anyone up for trying to pass a full auto airsoft gun off under your PAL?

-Daes

Actually, what is the clarification of a full auto BB gun under the PAL (500/5.7)? Illegal like all fully automatic guns? One would think?

-Daes

The lawis messed up. One can without a PAL can own a 50 caliber full auto that shoots 495fps but cant own a 550fps .22 bolt action...

Either way, airsoft guns can shoot around 1000fps with .12g or so (calculated it a while ago, so dont quote me on it) and still be non PAL. Going over on a select fire one, and its a prohibited firearm.

Cheers,
Alex

if an air gun fires over 500fps it is considered a firearm... therefore a full auto would be prohibited.
I worked at a gun shop for years, never came across an air rifle that was PAL required that fired semi or full auto. To acheive the high FPS all I ever saw were the "pump"/breach break style, where you pump a rod or barrel assembly

Wrong. You must exceed 5.7J also, and with a 0.20g BB that is equivalent to 785.5 fps.

thank you Gryphon I was wrong, I'm typing at work and didn't proof read before selecting submit (I really try, it drives me nuts to see some of the "english" that is written here).... damn multi tasking