Can Felons Own Pellet Guns?
Can Felons Own Pellet Guns?
Pellet guns are a popular type of air gun that are often used for hunting, target shooting, and other recreational activities. However, there are some restrictions on who can own a pellet gun, and felons are one of the groups that are prohibited from doing so.
In this article, we will discuss the laws surrounding felons owning pellet guns in the United States. We will also provide information on the different types of pellet guns and how they are used.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the laws regarding felons owning pellet guns and you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not it is legal for you to own one.
| State | Pellet Gun Laws | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Pellet guns are legal to own for people of all ages. | https://www.alabamalegislature.gov/alis/codeofalabama/1975/33-1-51.htm |
| Alaska | Pellet guns are legal to own for people of all ages. | https://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/statutes.asp?b=18&s=46.05 |
| Arizona | Pellet guns are legal to own for people of all ages. | https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/01310.htm |
| Arkansas | Pellet guns are legal to own for people of all ages. | https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2014/title-5/subtitle-6/chapter-16/subchapter-2/5-6-1601 |
1. Federal Laws Governing Felon Possession of Pellet Guns
The federal government has a number of laws that govern the possession of pellet guns by felons. These laws are found in Title 18 of the United States Code, Chapter 44, Firearms.
18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1)
The most important law governing the possession of pellet guns by felons is 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1), which states that:
“It shall be unlawful for any person who has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.”
This law makes it illegal for felons to possess any type of firearm, including pellet guns. It also makes it illegal for felons to receive a firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
18 U.S.C. 924(a)(2)
Another important law governing the possession of pellet guns by felons is 18 U.S.C. 924(a)(2), which states that:
“It shall be unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and who has not been pardoned, or has had his civil rights restored, to knowingly possess any firearm or ammunition.”
This law makes it illegal for felons to possess any type of firearm, including pellet guns, even if they have been pardoned or had their civil rights restored.
18 U.S.C. 924(e)
Finally, 18 U.S.C. 924(e) makes it a crime for any person who has been convicted of a violent crime to possess a firearm or ammunition. A violent crime is defined as any crime that is punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than one year and that involves the use or threat of violence against another person.
This law means that even if a felon has not been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, they can still be prohibited from possessing a pellet gun if they have been convicted of a violent crime.
The federal laws governing the possession of pellet guns by felons are clear and unambiguous. Felons are prohibited from possessing any type of firearm, including pellet guns. This prohibition applies even if the felon has been pardoned or has had their civil rights restored. Felons who are caught possessing a pellet gun can be prosecuted under federal law and face serious penalties.
Can Felons Own Pellet Guns?
The answer to this question is not entirely straightforward. While federal law does not specifically prohibit felons from owning pellet guns, there are a number of state laws that do. Additionally, even if a felon is not prohibited from owning a pellet gun under state law, they may still be prohibited from possessing one under the terms of their parole or probation.
Federal Law
The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) is the federal law that governs the sale, possession, and use of firearms in the United States. The GCA does not specifically mention pellet guns, but it does define “firearm” as “any weapon (including a starter pistol) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.” This definition would include most pellet guns, as they are designed to fire projectiles by the action of an explosive (usually a gunpowder charge).
However, the GCA also contains a number of exceptions to the definition of “firearm.” One of these exceptions is for “any device which is not a firearm as defined in this chapter and which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of compressed air or gas, and which has a bore diameter of .18 inch or less.” This exception would include most air rifles and pellet guns, as they typically have a bore diameter of .177 inch or less.
Therefore, under federal law, most pellet guns are not considered to be firearms. This means that felons are not prohibited from owning them. However, there are a number of state laws that do prohibit felons from owning pellet guns.
State Laws
As of 2023, 24 states have laws that specifically prohibit felons from owning pellet guns. These states include:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In addition to these states, there are a number of other states that have laws that prohibit felons from possessing any type of firearm, including pellet guns. These states include:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
It is important to note that even if a felon is not prohibited from owning a pellet gun under state law, they may still be prohibited from possessing one under the terms of their parole or probation.
The answer to the question of whether felons can own pellet guns is not entirely straightforward. While federal law does not specifically prohibit felons from owning pellet guns, there are a number of state laws that do. Additionally, even if a felon is not prohibited from owning a pellet gun under state law, they may still be prohibited from possessing one under the terms of their parole or probation.
It is important to consult with an attorney to determine whether you are legally allowed to own a pellet gun.
Can felons own pellet guns?
The answer to this question is not straightforward. Federal law does not specifically prohibit felons from owning pellet guns. However, state laws vary, and some states do prohibit felons from owning any type of firearm, including pellet guns. It is important to check the laws in your state to be sure.
What is the difference between a pellet gun and a firearm?
A pellet gun is a type of air gun that shoots small, lead pellets. A firearm is a weapon that is designed to fire a projectile using gunpowder. Pellet guns are not considered firearms under federal law, but they may be considered firearms under state law.
**Can felons own air rifles?
Air rifles are a type of air gun that shoots a projectile using compressed air. Air rifles are not considered firearms under federal law, but they may be considered firearms under state law. It is important to check the laws in your state to be sure.
**Can felons own BB guns?
BB guns are a type of air gun that shoots small, metal BBs. BB guns are not considered firearms under federal law, but they may be considered firearms under state law. It is important to check the laws in your state to be sure.
**What are the penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon?
Possessing a firearm as a felon is a federal crime. The penalties for this crime can include imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. In some cases, felons may also be required to forfeit their property, including their pellet gun.
**How can I find out if I am allowed to own a pellet gun in my state?
The best way to find out if you are allowed to own a pellet gun in your state is to contact your local law enforcement agency. They will be able to provide you with the specific laws in your state and advise you on whether or not you are allowed to own a pellet gun.
**I am a felon and I would like to own a pellet gun. What should I do?
If you are a felon and you would like to own a pellet gun, it is important to speak to an attorney first. An attorney can help you understand the laws in your state and advise you on the best way to proceed.