Air Gun Safety and Rules: How to Use and Store Air Guns Correctly

Using air guns safely and legally means following the rules where you live and taking the necessary precautions. Here is what you need to know about safety, transport and storage.

Regulations

Air gun laws differ across the EU, so check the regulations in your country before you buy, carry or shoot. They typically cover:

• Age limits for buying and using air guns, and whether young shooters must be supervised by an adult.
• Calibre limits above which a licence is required.
• Propellants: some countries do not allow CO2 as a propellant for air guns that fire metal pellets. Such rules do not normally cover airsoft, which fires 6 mm plastic BBs.

Safety rules

1. Always treat an air gun as loaded:
   • Never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot.
   • Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
2. Safety distance:
   • Make sure there is a safe zone behind the target, especially when shooting outdoors.
3. Safety equipment:
   • Always wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from fragments and ricochets.
4. Correct ammunition:
   • Only use the recommended type and calibre of pellet to avoid damaging the gun.

Transport and storage

1. Transport:
   • Transport air guns in a bag, case or similar, so the gun is not visible in the car or carried openly in the street.
   • The gun should not be loaded during transport, and magazines should be removed.
2. Storage:
   • Store air guns out of reach of children and unauthorised persons.
   • Use a locked gun cabinet or a secure box, for example.
3. Unloading for storage:
   • Release the air pressure and remove the magazine or battery during storage for extra safety.

Where you can shoot

1. Private property:
   • Only shoot on private property if it is safe to do so and there is a safe zone around the shooting area.
2. Public areas:
   • Shooting air guns in public areas is generally not permitted – check the local rules.
3. Shooting clubs:
   • Consider joining a shooting club to get access to safe facilities and coaching.

Conclusion

Safety and the law are essential when you use air guns. Always follow the rules for transport and storage in your country, and make sure your gun is used responsibly. Follow these guidelines and you can enjoy your hobby safely and without problems.