Air-Gun Ownership: International Students' Legal Rights And Restrictions

Air gun laws vary across the world, with most countries having legislation in place to regulate their use and ownership. These laws often depend on the type of air gun, its bore, muzzle energy, velocity, and the material of ammunition. While some countries may allow individuals over the age of 18 to own certain types of air guns, others may have more restrictive laws, classifying air guns as firearms and imposing licensing and registration requirements. In the United States, international students with non-immigrant visas may face complexities when attempting to purchase or possess firearms, with specific exceptions and requirements, such as obtaining a hunting license or an alien firearms license, which vary by state.

Are international students allowed to own air guns?

International students in Australia

Australia's gun laws are quite restrictive and vary from state to state. Generally, all air guns are considered firearms and are subject to licensing and registration. International students in Australia who wish to own an air gun must satisfy all ID requirements and checks, including international police checks.

In Queensland (QLD), the issue is not the licence itself, but the safety course. The firearms safety course is not recognised as an approved course for international students on a student visa. However, if a student already has a gun licence or similar from another country, they may be able to get a licence in QLD.

In New South Wales (NSW), you cannot use or operate a firearm without a licence unless it is at an authorised range under a p650 form.

Federal law states that anyone over 16 can obtain an air gun if its muzzle energy is below 10.5 joules. If the muzzle energy is over 24 joules, the air gun must be reported to the police. Additionally, air guns with a muzzle velocity greater than 152.4 m/s and a muzzle energy greater than 5.7 joules are considered firearms.

Air pistols are subject to Class H firearms restrictions and require membership and attendance at an authorised pistol club for six months before ownership.

It is important to note that air guns cannot be bought online in Australia, but some gun shops legally deliver them. Additionally, when travelling to Australia, an air gun is classified as a firearm and cannot be imported without the appropriate gun licence, acquisition permit, and police certification.

Air gun laws in the UK

Air guns are legal in the UK, and anyone over the age of 18 can buy and possess one. However, there are certain restrictions and regulations in place. Firstly, air guns with a muzzle velocity greater than 152.4 metres per second (500 feet per second) and a muzzle energy greater than 5.7 joules (4.2 foot-pounds) are considered firearms and require a valid firearms licence and registration. It is prohibited to use or carry air guns within 200 metres of inhabited buildings or towns/villages. Additionally, open carry of air guns is not permitted, and they can only be used in non-public places such as shooting ranges or private properties.

The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 prohibits the online or mail-order sale of air guns, and transactions must be finalised face-to-face at a retail shop or through a Registered Firearms Dealer. It is also an offence for individuals under the age of 18 to purchase or hire an air weapon or ammunition, and owners of air guns must take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorised access by children. Air guns that resemble actual firearms are also prohibited.

It is important to note that regulations may vary based on the specific jurisdiction within the UK, and different laws may apply in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, the laws regarding air guns can change over time, so it is essential to stay informed about the most recent legislation.

While international students were not specifically mentioned in the sources, as long as they are over the age of 18 and follow the laws outlined above, they should be permitted to own an air gun in the UK. However, they may be subject to additional background checks or requirements, similar to those for firearms.

Firearm safety courses in Australia

In Australia, firearm laws are restrictive and vary across states. Generally, air guns are considered firearms and are subject to licensing and registration. To obtain a firearms licence, one must meet legislative requirements and have a valid reason for obtaining the licence.

Before obtaining a licence, individuals must complete a firearm safety course. These courses are offered by organisations such as the Firearm Safety & Training Council (FSTC) and Windsor Firearms, and they cover the necessary knowledge and skills to safely handle a firearm. The courses typically include both theoretical and practical modules, with the practical component involving hands-on training with various firearms at a local gun range.

The cost of these courses varies, with the pre-licence qualification course offered by Firearm Safety & Training Council costing $162 for adults and $80 for minors. The course covers topics such as the basics of firearm operation, safety procedures, and the legal requirements for firearm ownership.

Regarding international students, there may be some restrictions on their ability to obtain a firearms licence and complete the required safety course. In Queensland, for example, the firearms safety course is not recognised as an approved course for international students due to visa restrictions. However, if an international student already possesses a gun licence from another country, they may be able to obtain a licence in Australia.

It is important to note that specific regulations and requirements may differ across states in Australia, so it is advisable to refer to the relevant state laws and consult with local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding firearm safety courses and licensing requirements.

Air gun restrictions in Bulgaria

Air gun laws vary widely across the world, and each jurisdiction has its own unique definition of an air gun. In Bulgaria, anyone over the age of 18 can obtain an air gun if its muzzle energy is below 24 Joules. If the muzzle energy is greater than 24 Joules, the air gun is subject to a notification regime with the police. Air guns cannot be bought online in Bulgaria, but some gun shops deliver them with their own suppliers. The use of air guns is restricted to non-public places, such as shooting ranges, inside a house, or a backyard that is not easily accessible from the street. The open carry of air guns is prohibited in Bulgaria, and they must be used at least 200 meters away from the nearest inhabited building or town/village.

Bulgaria has been described as having the most absurd legal conditions for weapon ownership and self-defence in Europe. According to Bulgarian law, only three types of weapons exist: firearms, gas and blank guns, and pneumatics. Firearms are defined as anything using explosion or combustion to launch a solid projectile, and modern firearms require a permit. Self-made firearms are illegal, while those created before 01.01.1900 are unregulated. Replicas of pre-1900 weapons are also unregulated as long as they cannot operate with smokeless gunpowder. Black gunpowder is regulated as an explosive, and proper permits are required to use it. Gas and blank guns do not require a permit or registration, except for sales records kept by traders. Pneumatics are defined as weapons that use gas pressure to launch a pellet or BB, and they do not require a permit or registration.

To acquire a firearm in Bulgaria, one must have citizenship and pass a partial background check with no criminal record. Additionally, a shooting course must be completed with a 99.9% pass rate. There is no limit on the number of pistols or revolvers that can be owned, but shotguns are only permitted for hunting, not self-defence. Carbines are allowed for hunting and competitive shooting but not for self-defence.

Air gun laws by country

Most countries have laws about air guns, but these vary widely. Each jurisdiction often has its own unique definition of an air gun, and regulations may vary for weapons of different bore, muzzle energy or velocity, or the material of ammunition. Guns designed to fire metal pellets are often more tightly controlled than airsoft weapons.

In Australia, air guns are considered firearms for legal purposes and are subject to licensing and registration. Paintball markers are classified as "soft air weapons" and are treated differently.

In Bulgaria, anyone over the age of 18 can obtain an air gun if its muzzle energy is below 24 joules. If it is over 24 joules, the air gun is subject to a notification regime with the police.

In the Netherlands, air guns can be owned by people aged 18 and over, and they can be freely acquired. Carrying air guns in public and the possession of air guns that resemble firearms is prohibited.

In Japan, civilians may apply for a license to possess an air rifle, but the licensing procedure is not easy, and ownership of air rifles is becoming less common.

In the United States, there is a specific exception in US firearms law that permits a non-immigrant alien to purchase and possess a firearm as long as they have a hunting license issued by their state of residence. However, very few gun dealers are familiar with this exception, so it may be difficult to purchase a gun.

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