Brief Overview Of Indiana State Laws Concerning Air Guns
Indiana state law defines firearms as any weapon that is capable of expelling a projectile by means of an explosion. Air guns and Airsoft guns which are powered by compressed air are not considered firearms and therefore are not regulated by state law.
How old do you need to be to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle or pellet gun in Indiana?
In Indiana you must be 18 Years Old to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle or pellet gun.
Indiana Airgun Hunting Regulations
Indiana allows airguns to be used for certain species. These species include:
- Crow
- Furbearers
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Red Fox
- Ruffed Grouse
- Small Game
- Squirrel
Indiana State Park and Reservoir Rules
Any firearm (except validly licensed handguns) BB gun, air gun, CO2 gun, bow and arrow, or spear gun in possession in a state park must be unloaded or un-nocked and stored in a case or locked within a vehicle, except when the owner is participating in an activity authorized by written permit.
Air Gun Laws In Local Jurisdictions
In addition to state laws, local jurisdictions may also have their own laws regulating air guns. Below are the laws for local jurisdictions in the state of Indiana.
CLOVERDALE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE III. CLOVERDALE PARK REGULATIONS – Cloverdale, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 5-20. – Government owned parks general rules and guidelines.
All government owned parks within the town will be subject to the following general rules:
(12) Firearms, weapons, pellet guns, air guns, bows and guns and cross bows are prohibited.
FOWLER, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL – Fowler, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 12-1. – Use of weapons.
(a) The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Ammunition means any material intended as a projectile including, but not limited to, bullets, pellets, BB’s, arrows, shotgun shot, salt, stones, or other missiles.
Shooting means the propulsion of any ammunition by any weapon.
Weapon means a firearm, bow, slingshot, sling, air rifle, or other similar device from which a projectile is shot or otherwise commonly propelled of a speed sufficient to penetrate the skin of a person or animal.
(b) The shooting of any ammunition from any weapon within the corporate limits of the town shall be unlawful.
(Code 1984, § 93.08; Ord. No. 1960-8, 10-24-1960; Ord. of 2-17-1986)
FRANKLIN, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
GRIFFITH, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE II. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY Griffith, Indiana Code of Ordinances
Sec. 46-28. Firearms.
(a) No persons shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol, or other firearms, or any other weapon operated by means of any explosive charge or by springs or air power, or other means, or any other device having force directed by the user thereof within the town, except upon premises used by a duly licensed or approved shooting gallery, gun or rifle club, or archery range, or any program of organized training or practice in the use of firearms or other weapons approved and supervised by the chief of police, or such officer or other person as the chief of police shall appoint for such purpose. However, it shall not be unlawful to fire or shoot a bow and arrow, so long as the use thereof is restricted to areas at least 1,000 feet distance from any building whether occupied or unoccupied or within 1,000 feet distance of any public street, alley, or highway.
(b) No cannon or piece of artillery shall be discharged or fired off in any public way or other place within the town, except upon the express permission of the town council.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of the police department or other peace officers engaged in the discharge of their official duties, nor to any person summoned by any of such officers to assist in making an arrest or preserving the peace while such person so summoned is engaged in assisting such officer, nor to sheriffs, coroners, or constables. The restrictions of this section shall not apply to the use or discharge of any gun loaded with blank cartridges when used in athletic contests.
(Code 1984, § 130.02(A))
State law reference— Weapons offenses generally, IC 35-47-1-1 et seq.
HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
HEBRON, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE II. WEAPONS Hebron, Indiana Code of Ordinances
Sec. 38-31. Discharge of firearm, air gun, or bow and arrow.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to:
(1) Discharge any shotgun, rifle, revolver, pistol, or firearms of any kind, or air gun, target gun, or BB gun, or propel an arrow with a bow, upon or across any street, alley, or other public property within the town;
(2) Discharge any firearms of any kind, or air gun, target gun, or BB gun, or propel an arrow with a bow, upon any private property within the town in such manner that the object projected or propelled thereby shall travel beyond the property lines or limits of such property except with the written prior approval of the owner of the property onto which the object is projected or propelled;
(3) Discharge any firearms of any kind, or air gun, target gun, BB gun, or propel an arrow with a bow, upon any private property within the town if the person is not the owner or lessee of such private property, or expressly authorized thereby.
(b) A violation of this section shall be subject to punishment as provided in section 1-9 of this Code. This section shall be subject to the town ordinance violations bureau as set out in chapter 2, article VII.
(Code 1994, § 3-1-5-1)
INDIANAPOLIS/MARION, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS (Consolidated City and County)
Sec. 451-3. Discharge of weapons across public ways.
It shall be unlawful to shoot across or upon any public street or place, or toward a public way from any private premises, any bullet, pellet, missile or object impelled from any gun, pistol or weapon operated by means of any explosive charge, or by springs, air pressure or other means, or impelled from a slingshot, or any other device having force directed by the user thereof.
(Code 1975, § 20-188)
KENDALLVILLE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Sec. 9-3. Discharge of air guns.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any air rifle, air pistol or revolver, or any gun operated by CO2 or other gaseous propellants, within the limits of the city.
9-3: Penalty:
Discharge of air guns
Fine of: $ 10.00
KNOX, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE V. PROHIBIT THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS Knox, Indiana Code of Ordinances
Sec. 11-95. Definition.
For purposes of this article, the term “firearm” means any revolver, handgun, pistol, rifle, shotgun, black powder weapon or any other weapon designed or adopted to expel a projectile by an explosive method. The term does not include BB or pellet guns.
KOKOMO, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Other than in authorized permitted shooting areas, no person shall carry, air or gas guns, slingshots, explosives, fireworks, or missile throwing or propelling devices within the park without specific written permit from the Superintendent, except park rangers or enforcement officers of the Board, or others while in the line of duty.
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Chapter 11.07 DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS Lafayette, Indiana Municipal Code
11.07.010 Discharge of firearms prohibited.
A. It is unlawful for any person to shoot, fire, or discharge any firearms of any description, guns, air guns, air pistols, or other mechanical devices which shoot or throw shot, bullets, stones, or other missiles within the city, except, that this section shall not prohibit any officer of the law from discharging a firearm in the performance of such officer’s official duty, nor apply to any citizen when lawfully defending such citizen’s person or property from physical injury.
B. It is unlawful for any person, except those persons above excluded, by any means to explode, set off, or discharge any firearm shell, shot, or cartridge within the city.
(’71 Code, § 19-14)
Whoever violates any provision of this title for which no other penalty is otherwise specifically provided shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day that a violation occurs or continues.
LAKE STATION, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
DIVISION IX. GENERAL PUBLIC SAFETY REGULATIONS – Lake Station, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 6-109. – Discharge of weapons.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to fire, discharge, or release, or cause to be fired or discharged or released within the city limits, or into or inside any public place or property, any weapon, firearm, rifle, shotgun, pistol or air gun, spring gun, gas gun, bow, or any other similar device which is intended to or used to propel a bullet, pellet, arrow, or any other similar projectile. Nothing in this section shall prevent the use of such devices in any place authorized and regulated by the police department of the city provided a permit has been issued by the chief of police; nor shall the use of any such device in defense of person or property as permitted by the law of the state be abridged hereby.
(b) It shall be unlawful for the parent, guardian, or other person having the care, custody and control of a person under the age of eighteen (18) years to knowingly permit that person to fire, discharge or release, or cause to be released within the city limits, any weapon, firearm, rifle, shotgun, pistol, air gun, spring gun, gas gun, bow, or any other similar device which is intended or used to propel a bullet, pellet, arrow, or similar projectile. Nothing in this section shall prevent the use of such devices in any place authorized and regulated by the police department of the city provided a permit has been issued by the chief of police; nor shall the use of any such device in defense of person or property as permitted by the law of the state be abridged hereby.
(c) Any weapon used in the violation of any provision of this section may be confiscated by the police and shall be returned or disposed of by the city pursuant to state law governing the disposal of such property.
LAPORTE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Sec. 70-3. Unlawful discharge of miscellaneous devices and objects.
It is unlawful for any person to use or shoot any air gun, air pistol, toy gun, toy pistol, slingshot or other mechanical device to shoot or throw shot, bullets, stones or other articles, or to throw or cast, by hand or otherwise, any stone or missile into or within the city.
LOGANSPORT, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
MISHAWAKA, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
MUNSTER, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
PORTAGE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE III. FIREARMS AND RANGES Portage, Indiana Code of Ordinances
Sec. 54-56. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Air-gun shall mean an instrument from which a projectile is propelled by a spring.
Air-rifle shall mean any instrument in which, by means of a lever, air is pumped into a chamber and then released by pulling the trigger; and the release of compressed air forces out the pellet, or any instrument in which compressed carbon dioxide is used to propel the pellet or shot.
Supervised ground area shall mean a private or public area or space designated in a location or site wherein discharge of pellets or projectiles from an air rifle or air gun will prevent the same from traversing any ground or space outside the limits of such designated area or space and wherein a responsible person has power or authority to regulate and direct the activities of the use of such air rifle or air gun in such area or space.
(Code 1985, § 9-3-5)
Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined the sum of $50.00 for each offense. Each shot fired and/or arrow shot, shall constitute a separate offense.
(Code 1985, § 9-3-5(G); Ord. No. 86-4, § 4, 2-4-86; Ord. No. 88-52, § 5, 11-1-88)
Sec. 54-58. Reserved.
NOTE:
Ord. No. 11-31, § 1, adopted Sept. 6, 2011, repealed § 54-58 which pertained to possession and/or discharge of air guns and air rifles and derived from § 9-3-5(B) of the 1985 Code; and Ord. No. 04-59, § 1, adopted Nov. 3, 2004.
Sec. 54-59. Discharge of weapons—Generally.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any, paintball gun or bow and arrow within the limits of the city; provided that this section shall not be construed to prohibit:
(a) Any officer of the law to discharge a firearm in the performance of his duty;
(b) Any member of an archery club or paintball gun club to discharge a bow and arrow or paintball gun in furtherance of purposes of the club when the activities of the club have been approved by the board of public works and safety.
NOTE:
Ord. No. 11-31, § 3, adopted Sept. 6, 2011, repealed § 54-60 which pertained to discharge of weapons for pest control and protection of land or crops and derived from Ord. No. 88-52, § 4, adopted Nov. 1, 1988
PRINCETON, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 4. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY – South Bend, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 13-58. – Discharging firearms prohibited; exception.
(a) No person shall shoot any revolver or pistol of any description, shotgun or rifle which may be used for the explosion of cartridges, any air gun, gas-operated gun, spring gun, pellet gun or instrument made for the purpose of throwing or projecting missiles of any kind by any means whatsoever, whether the instrument is called by any name set forth above or by any other name. [9]
(b) This section shall not apply to any legally appointed officer in the discharge of his duty.
(Code 1962, § 26-10)
ST. JOHN, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Chapter 12 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS AND OFFENSES – St. John, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 12-5. – Discharge, etc. of firearms, air guns, etc.
(a) It shall be unlawful and prohibited for any person to point, aim, fire, discharge, or to suffer, permit or allow to be pointed, aimed, fired or discharged, any gun, pistol, rifle, revolver, firearm or any other similar weapon or device of any type within the municipal corporate limits of the town, except as otherwise permitted by applicable law.
(b) The regulations and prohibitions of this section shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their duties.
(c) The violation of any provision of this section, as amended from time to time, in addition to any penalties prescribed under any applicable state law, shall be punishable as follows for each offense, namely:
(1) First offense, a fine of no less than three hundred dollars ($300.00).
(2) Second offense, a fine of no less than five hundred dollars ($500.00).
(3) Third offense, a fine of no less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).
(4) Fourth offense, a fine of no less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00).
Each day of any violation of this section, as amended from time to time, shall constitute a separate offense.
(Code 1983, 36-5-2-9(h), §§ 1, 2, 4; Ord. No. 996, §§ 1—3, 10-3-95)
Sec. 12-6. – Discharge of bows, etc.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to use, shoot, or discharge within the town limits any bow and arrow, slingshot, or other similar device which is intended to propel an arrow, pellet, stone or any other similar projectile.
(b) It shall be unlawful for the parent, guardian or other adult person having the care and custody of a minor under the age of eighteen (18) years, to knowingly permit such minor to use, shoot, or discharge any bow and arrow, slingshot, or other similar device which is intended to propel an arrow, pellet, stone or any other similar projectile within the town limits.
(Code 1983, 36-5-2-9(h), §§ 5, 6)
SYRACUSE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
NOTE: At the time of this writing, the Town of Syracuse has not since made available, abstracts of the following. While there may be ordinances and/or laws with specific regard to air-powered or spring guns, we suggest contacting the local law enforcement, an attorney or town officials for more detailed information.
- ARTICLE 5. FIREARM REGULATIONS – Syracuse, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
- ARTICLE 16. COMPRESSED GAS OR GAS-OPERATED WEAPON REGULATIONS – Syracuse, Indiana – Code of Ordinances.
TIPTON, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Chapter 8 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS AND OFFENSES – Tipton, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 8-1. – Discharge of firearms.
(a) For the purpose of this section, the word “gun” shall mean and be taken as any firearm, air gun or other device whereby anything is or can be discharged, thrown or propelled into space for any distance, by any means, whether mechanical, explosive or otherwise.
(b) It shall be unlawful to use, operate, discharge or otherwise cause the operation or discharge of any gun within the corporate limits of the city.
(c) Subsection (b) shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
(Code 1973, §§ 28.01—28.03)
VERSAILLES, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
WABASH, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
DIVISION VI. PARKING REGULATIONS – Wabash, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 8-146. – Municipally owned public parking area regulations
a. All of the following rules shall apply to all municipally owned public parking areas within the corporate limits of the City of Wabash, as such corporate limits now exist or may hereafter exist following annexation of additional areas:
7. Firearms, air rifles, BB guns, bows and arrows, other weapons, other projectiles and dangerous objects may not be displayed or used anywhere on the premises.
WANATAH, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
WARSAW, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE III. OFFENSES INVOLVING PUBLIC SAFETY Warsaw, Indiana Code of Ordinances
Sec. 54-63. Discharge of air rifles, air pistols or revolvers or CO2 guns.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any air rifle, air pistol or revolver or any gun operated by CO2 or other gaseous propellants within the limits of the city. The provisions of this section do not apply to:
(1) Police officers while engaging in official duties;
(2) Members of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, when engaging in official duties as such;
(3) Persons exercising their legal right of self-defense or defense of others.
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 65 – NUISANCES AND MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 65.30. Air rifles, firearms, etc.–discharge.
It be unlawful for any person to shoot, fire or discharge any firearms of any description, guns, air-guns, air pistols or other mechanical device, to shoot or throw shot, bullet, stones or other missile within the city; except, that this section shall not prohibit any officer of the law to discharge a firearm in the performance of official duty, nor to any citizen when lawfully defending person or property from physical injury.
It shall be unlawful for any person, except those persons above excluded, by any means to explode, set off or discharge any firearm shell, shot or cartridge, the shooting of which may cause damage or injury to person or property within the city. (Code 1960, § 15-15)
5 As to weapons generally, see Indiana Code chapters 35-47-1 to 35-47-13. As to prohibition against discharge of firearms, air rifles, etc., in parks, see § 24.137 of this code.
Sec. 65.03. Penalties.
Violation of Section 65.01 shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500. The minimum fine for any second or subsequent violation of Section 65.01 shall be $200. (Ord. No. 31-99 § 3)
WESTFIELD, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
WHITING, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE IV. WEAPONS – Whiting, Indiana – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 12-126. – Discharging pellet guns prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to fire or discharge, within the city limits, any air gun, spring gun, or other similar device commonly called a BB gun, which is intended to propel a pellet, bullet, or any similar projectile; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall prevent the use of such weapons in shooting galleries or in any authorized place regulated by the police department.
Sec. 12-127. – Allowing minors to discharge pellet guns prohibited.
It is unlawful for the parents, guardian, or other adult person having care and custody of a minor under the age of 21 years to knowingly permit such minor to fire any air gun, spring gun, or other similar device commonly known as and called a BB gun, which is intended to propel a pellet, bullet, or any other similar projectile within the city limits.
Sec. 12-128. – Discharging gun within city prohibited.
It is unlawful and shall be deemed disorderly conduct for any person to discharge any gun, pistol or revolver within the corporate limits of the city, except when necessary to protect his person or property.
(Code 1962, § 17-521; Code 1979, § 9.32.040)
WINONA LAKE, INDIANA – AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE IV. FIREARMS, WEAPONS AND AIRGUNS Winona Lake, Indiana Code of Ordinances
Sec. 42-86. Discharge of air rifles, etc., prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any rifle, air pistol or revolver or any gun operated by air, CO gas, or other gaseous propellants within the limits of the town.
Disclaimer
These rules and regulations were compiled to the best of my ability. They should not constitute as legal advice. Always check with your local jurisdiction for the final ruling.