Air Rifle Laws in Illinois
Air rifles, also known as BB guns, pellet guns, and airsoft guns, are popular recreational devices used for target shooting and simulated combat games like paintball. While considered toys by some, these guns can cause serious injury if misused. As a result, Illinois has laws regulating the sale, possession, and use of air rifles, particularly when it comes to minors. This article will provide an overview of the key air rifle laws in Illinois.
Definition of an Air Rifle
Illinois law defines an air rifle as “any air gun, air pistol, spring gun, spring pistol, B-B gun, paint ball gun, pellet gun or any implement that is not a firearm which impels a breakable paint ball containing washable marking colors or, a pellet constructed of hard plastic, steel, lead or other hard materials with a force that reasonably is expected to cause bodily harm.”
This covers a wide range of air guns, from lower velocity BB guns to high powered airsoft rifles. The key distinction is that air rifles are not considered firearms under Illinois law, as they do not use gunpowder to propel a projectile. However, they are still capable of causing injury.
Sales and Transfers
Illinois has laws restricting the sale, rental, and transfer of air rifles to minors under the age of 13.Specifically, it is illegal for a dealer to sell, rent, or transfer an air rifle to a person under 13 years old when they know or should reasonably know the person is underage.
It is also generally illegal for any person to transfer an air rifle to a child under 13, unless it is a parent, guardian, adult instructor, or someone else with a close relationship to the minor.
Violating these laws is a petty offense in Illinois. The state police or local law enforcement can also seize air rifles that were illegally sold or transferred to a minor.
However, dealers can still sell air rifles wholesale, for out of state shipment, or for use at supervised target ranges.
These exceptions allow retailers to conduct business while preventing direct sales to unsupervised minors.
Possession and Use by Minors
While it is illegal to sell air rifles to those under 13, Illinois does allow minors to possess air rifles under certain conditions.
Minors may have air rifles at their residence or other private property.
They may also use them under adult supervision at a club, team or society that has an approved target range.
Finally, they can use air rifles on private property in a safe manner that does not endanger others.
However, there are restrictions on public use. It is illegal for anyone under 13 to carry an air rifle on public streets, roads, highways or lands, unless it is unloaded.
Discharging an air rifle in public spaces like streets, sidewalks, and parks is also prohibited, except at designated target ranges.
These laws aim to prevent unsupervised and unsafe use of air rifles by minors in public areas. Allowing possession on private property maintains opportunities for recreation and training under adult supervision.
Local Regulations
Illinois state law sets minimum requirements, but municipalities can enact stricter local ordinances regarding air rifles.
Safety Recommendations
While air rifles are subject to fewer regulations than firearms, they can still cause injury if misused. Here are some basic safety recommendations when using air rifles:
- Treat air rifles as you would a firearm – assume they are always loaded and never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot
- Wear protective eyewear when discharging air rifles
- Use a safe backstop for targets like a trap or berm, never shoot at hard surfaces
- Ensure adequate space for shooting and control of the area beyond your target
- Store air rifles securely and unloaded when not in use
- Follow all manufacturer safety guidelines for your particular air rifle
- Take an air rifle safety course if new to shooting sports
- Supervise minors closely and teach safe handling procedures
Conclusion
Air rifles are common recreational devices, but pose a risk of injury if misused. Illinois law regulates the sale, possession, and use of these devices, particularly when it comes to minors. There are penalties for those who transfer air rifles improperly or allow unsupervised use by those under 13. It is important to follow state laws, local ordinances, and basic safety practices when owning or operating an air rifle. Responsible use and adult supervision can allow for safe enjoyment of air rifles within the bounds of Illinois law.