Airguns are a convenient way to get in trigger time even when you can’t always go to the range. Urban airgunning can certainly be an option for those who want to maintain proficiency or just enjoy the experience without having to track down a traditional shooting facility. However, there are many things to consider and that’s what we are going to address in this article. Let’s get started.
Make Sure it’s Legal
Before you step out into your side yard and start plinking at tin cans, you had better make sure that it’s legal. Just because you may have the space on your property does not mean that you are operating within the boundaries of your laws. While you may not want to make the call, you can certainly save yourself a lot of problems by contacting the local authorities before you start pulling the trigger.
As an example, one town has an ordinance that completely forbids the discharge of any firearm or airgun inside city limits. At first glance, it would appear that you couldn’t shoot even on your own property. However, after a call to the local authorities, it was found that there was a specific exception for target shooting with airguns. The local sheriff’s office explained the exception, which clearly stated that shooting airguns was permitted, providing proper safety was maintained. As long as you captured your projectiles and minors had proper supervision, there were no issues with target shooting in your yard and around your property.
The bottom line is that you can’t just assume it’s ok. While you may not like the answer, knowing what’s legal and having a good relationship with the local police is definitely the right way to go and will help keep you out of trouble. Remember, the consequences of not being cautious and aware can be severe.
Safety is Key
Assuming that it’s legal to shoot airguns on your property, it’s critical to make sure that you do so safely. Folks are often packed tightly in urban areas, and airguns can send pellets or slugs several hundred yards. It would be very easy for an errant shot to cause property damage, injury, or, in the worst case, death. Airgun safety is serious business, and if it’s not taken seriously, someone is going to get hurt. More importantly, it’s 100% preventable.
We’ve done articles on setting up a backyard shooting range and creating proper backstops, and we sell a variety of target trap options to make things as safe as possible. There’s no reason not to have a safe shooting setup if you plan to shoot on your property. Please be safe for the sake of others and the sport.
What About Hunting?
Target shooting in urban environments is one thing, but when it comes to hunting, things change very quickly. Most municipalities will have very strict guidelines, and you had better know them and comply with them, or you may find yourself in a world of hurt.
A common urban hunting situation would be iguana hunting in South Florida. Provided you have permission from the property owner, you may be able to hunt invasive species without restrictions. However, you are 100% responsible for every pellet that leaves your airgun. Any damage or injury caused by your shots rests completely on your shoulders.
If you are keen to try something like hunting iguanas, then contracting with a local guide is your best bet. Having done this several times, it is a lot of fun and very challenging. It’s also very scary, especially when shooting with a group of novice airgunners. It’s very easy not to consider what’s behind your target in the heat of the moment. Given the power of modern airguns, combined with adrenaline and inexperience, it could easily lead to a ricochet from an errant shot or pass-through and bring a fun day of hunting to an abrupt end. Ideally, we’ve found that having a dedicated safety observer, someone whose sole purpose is to observe and intervene when needed, is the best bet.
Have More Questions?
Your local officials are the best place to get answers to your questions about the practicality of shooting in your urban location. We won’t be able to help you there, but we can help you find the right airgun for your urban shooting needs. So, if you find that it’s legal to shoot on your property and want to know what gear will give you the best results, just give us a call. We are always here to help.
