Shooting your airgun, BB gun or pellet gun is a lot of fun and you’ll likely want to do it often, which leads to the question, “Can I legally shoot my airgun, BB Gun or pellet gun on your property?” Since many shooters live in towns and cities, this is a logical concern. The most common answer to this question is – Yes, you can generally shoot airguns in your own backyard in most areas in the United States.
There are some jurisdictions however that will not allow you to shoot your airgun in your backyard, so it’s important to always check the laws in your area before shooting.
It’s also very important to shoot safely so you don’t find yourself in an other legal issues. When shooting an airgun in your backyard you will need to insure you have a proper backstop that will prevent a pellet or BB from leaving your property. You also need to know what it behind the target area you are shooting toward in the event that a pellet or BB happens does go astray no bestanders, animals or property will get hurt or damaged.
Shooting toward roadways is also not a very wise decision and many jurisdictions have laws against doing so.
If you intend to plink in your backyard with your airgun, talking to your neighbors ahead of time might be a good idea. Some neighbors may find it unsettling if they see you with what appears to be an actual firearm in your backyard. Letting them know you intend to shoot targets in a safe manner with an air rifle may be neighborly thing to do, especially if you house is in close quarters with others.
Finally, noise may also be a concern. While most airguns do not violate noise ordinances, some high powered airguns are capable of breaking the sound barrier and could be in violation on these ordinances. They could also cause complaint from close neighbors that could draw some unwanted attention to you.
Always remember to practice safe shooting, and treat an airgun just as you would any firearm. Happy Shooting!