From target practice shooting, plinking, small pest control, and many more practical uses, you are definitely spoilt for options on what to do with air guns. However, the big question is: Can I shoot a pellet gun in my backyard?
You are allowed to shoot a pellet gun in the backyard of your home or on private land if you have permission and your age is over 18 years. But, this highly depends on different jurisdictions. It’s against the law to shoot in a highly-populated area and within 15m of a public road or place.
As you may know, backyard shooting activities with air guns are very common nowadays in the U.S, the United Kingdom, and many other parts of the world.
The backyard provides shooters with a flawless range for regular shooting practice and sport.
Here are the Things You Need to Consider Before and When Shooting in Your Backyard
It’s your backyard after all. Of course. Nevertheless, there are certain aspects you must observe to remain in tandem with what the law requires.
The very first thing, get to know the laws of airgun use in your state or jurisdiction. The local authorities will let you know if pellet guns are indeed legal for use.
They may spell out what range from non-participating persons your activity should be. Crucially, they will recommend the required pellet types you need to use.
Then the safety element. These backyards are shared. There could be pets or birds in the same garden you’re thinking to use for your shooting activities.
Some backyards are large especially if you are in the countryside. And these can have a lot of extra space for practice activities. The smaller ones would require you to remove any pets lurking to avoid unnecessary injuries.
If your backyard borders your neighbor’s house, make sure you don’t shoot towards the direction of their house. You don’t want to cause any damage to a person across or their property.
You can talk to them about your pellet gun shooting practice if you know the amount of noise could be considerably high and therefore a bit of a nuisance. The best alternative, however, is to move your target range away from the direction of your neighbor’s house.
Also, make sure that you know the boundaries really well. Know what distance from the road, public areas, and other social amenities are safe and legal for shooting in your backyard.
Why Use Your Backyard or Garden for Pellet Gun Shooting?
As long as you keep your shooting activity within the confines of the law, you can gain a lot from using your yard or garden.
For instance, you may want to hone your marksmanship skills. Or if you’re just starting out on firearms, it’s a better place to start training and sharpening your skills.
In the same regard, if you want to introduce your younger ones in the target sport, a backyard is a perfect place to have them get started in training.
Is it Legal to Shoot a Pellet Gun?
Thankfully, most governments have legalized the shooting of airguns in the backyard and gardens. That’s why the activity is very popular among many air gunning enthusiasts across the globe, especially in the US and the UK.
These governments permit civilians to freely buy pellet guns and ammunition. However, only users aged 18 and above can possess a pellet gun. 18 years is the official legal age for owning licensed firearms including airguns.
The Use of Airguns in the United States and the United Kingdom
When it comes to the rules or laws that govern pellet gun use in both the U.S. and U.K., you should expect a slight variation in the code of practice.
So, can I shoot a pellet gun in my backyard in the U.S. just as in the UK? Well, somehow. However, the two countries may not have the same laws across their security departments.
In England, you don’t need licensing to be in possession of most airguns. Except, when the air weapon in question is considered and classified as specifically hazardous firearms.
The airguns that fall in this category have to generate over 12ft./lbs. of muzzle energy. Hence, you will need an individual Firearm Certificate to own such.
Of course any other airgun with muzzle energies below the 12ft./lbs. do not need a license. All you need is to fulfill the minimum legal age and you’re good to go.
In the United States, the regulation of airguns is determined by the local authorities and governments in the different states. Some states permit airgun use while others have imposed restrictions on the same.
In a nutshell, you don’t shoot an airgun 50ft or within of a highway center. This is for the simple reason of preventing unnecessary accidents that could lead to injuries or interruptions.
Backyard Pellet Gun Shooting Backstops
A backstop guarantees the safe dispersal of a pellet or round in case you miss your target or should it go through the target.
While you can rely on barriers like the ground, brick, or stone wall, creating your own backstops nicks them all. You can build simple steel structures if the budget and material availability permit.
An alternative way is raising concrete slabs. This may be very laborious but full of gains.
Also, consider lighter options like the Kevlar panels. This is a synthetic fiber with excellent absorbing qualities for pellet strikes. Just remember to replace the waste panels after a session of practice.
You need to avoid things like chipboards, plywood, and the likes as ricochets can be very dangerous.
Can I Shoot with Family and Pets?
It is super-important to notify your family prior to your shooting. You want to avoid accidents in the simplest and clearest ways possible.
During shooting, you don’t want anything to get in your way – not even your pooch. Kids also, especially those below 14 years (United Kingdom) and below 16 years (United States) should not participate in the shooting activity.
Once the kids reach the recommended age, i.e. 14 years and 16 years in the UK and the US respectively, you can definitely engage in shooting with them.
Take note that these kids cannot still own an airgun even though they shoot under the supervision of parents or guardians. The legal age limit is 18 years.
How About Noise and the Neighbors?
If you want to collide with your next-door neighbors, make noise for them. Fortunately, most pellet guns will not be a loud source of sound as a result of the shooting.
Most of the airguns produce very low noise and in the case of large shooting space in the backyard, nothing could ever go wrong.
However, in urban settings, there is no big backyards. So, the potential of getting at odds with your neighbor is up high.
In such circumstances, even though you have a moderated PCP or CO2 airgun, make sure you inform your neighbor about your intentions of shooting. They may be gracious in case anything goes amiss.
What Should I Look for in a Pellet Gun?
What you should look for in a pellet gun can range from power, durability, speed, precision, and safety. These features determine the quality of the pellet gun a shooter may need.
As a general rule, different shooters have varied tastes. For instance, if you are into very powerful pellet guns, then AirForce Texan Big Bore
is a perfect option for your needs. It shoots pellets at terrific speeds and generates 300ft./lbs. of muzzle energy.
Quiet shooting practice in your backyard is a gain both for you and the neighbors. So, in this case, a stealth-shooting air rifle like Gamo Urban PCP is a must-go-for. Not only is Gamo Urban PCP quiet but it also depicts great power, accuracy, and overall performance.
My Final Thoughts: Can I shoot a pellet gun in my backyard?
You can shoot a pellet gun in your backyard. However, there are lines drawn in their use and these depend on what jurisdiction or country you reside in.
Most governments and local authorities permit the use of standard airguns in the backyard. In the U.S., licensing may be needed but in the U.K., there is no need for a license for a given airgun unless it’s classified as hazardous.
To remain on the correct side of the law, simply observe the rules and guidelines of using these air weapons wherever you are.
