hey guys, i was just wondering if anyone knew the UK laws regarding firing your marker in your back garden or just generally around the grounds of your house, is it legal or illegal?!!
I am the LAW! lol
- Thread starter tintinX72499
- Start date
Its a bit of a legal grey area.
At the moment paintball guns are classified as toys. So it would be the same as shooting a water pistol in your back garden.
But, if you did something irresponsible, that could change for all of us.
The usual advice I give is be sensible, dont let any paintballs leave your property (as that can get you in trouble) and dont antagonise anyone.
At the moment paintball guns are classified as toys. So it would be the same as shooting a water pistol in your back garden.
But, if you did something irresponsible, that could change for all of us.
The usual advice I give is be sensible, dont let any paintballs leave your property (as that can get you in trouble) and dont antagonise anyone.
also you may be causing "nuisance noise" and have the police come around to give you a telling off - considering the "gunfire" that is likely to get reported by irate neighbours i wouldn't be wanting that visit......especially if it turned out to be from the ARU.
Paintball markers aint toys. They are classed, as air riffles etc. to fire one off in any inappropriate place will result in it being confiscated and destroyed. Know 2 people this has happened to recently. However it will only happen if sum one complains.
Had the police in my flat recently and after seeing my own markers in my flat they were explaining to me how I should store them etc
Had the police in my flat recently and after seeing my own markers in my flat they were explaining to me how I should store them etc
it is legal aslong as the paintballs stay within your own private area and that you dont fire before 11am and after 7pm i think it is.
not 100% sure on the times.
not 100% sure on the times.
This is of the UKPSF Site:-
The Home Office does not consider paintball markers to be firearms because they fire frangible ammunition which breaks up on contact rather than inflicting a penetrating injury. The paintball industry uses the Air Weapons section of the firearms act to regulate the sport. Air weapons do not need a license if they fall within the following criteria, outside this criteria a licence is required. (This is a brief summary of the main points)
For a paintball marker to be classed as an "Air Weapon" and therefore not require a licence it must not be fired above 12 ft/lbs for a “rifle” type and 6 ft/lbs for a “pistol” type. Nearly all paintball markers come under the “rifle” type, only markers like the “splatmaster” come into the “pistol” category. If a marker fires above these limits they will then come under the Firearms Act and require a licence or be classed as a prohibited weapon. The recent amendment included carbon dioxide as an approved propellant previously only compressed air was allowed. Paintball markers must also only fire approved paintballs. Paintball markers must not be fully automatic i.e. when pulling the trigger once, two or more paintballs must not be discharged.
To stay within the law a paintball marker must not be fired above 330fps when using an average weight paintball, this equates to 12 ft/lbs. All tournament markers are restricted to a maximum velocity of 300fps, which equates to 9.9ft/lbs and site markers should be used at between 250-280fps to be safe for customers. This equates to 7ft/lbs-8.7ft/lbs.
You could have noise problems as already stated
Paintballs should not leave the boundary of your property as already stated
Could be classed as a weapon if you blinded someone?
The Home Office does not consider paintball markers to be firearms because they fire frangible ammunition which breaks up on contact rather than inflicting a penetrating injury. The paintball industry uses the Air Weapons section of the firearms act to regulate the sport. Air weapons do not need a license if they fall within the following criteria, outside this criteria a licence is required. (This is a brief summary of the main points)
For a paintball marker to be classed as an "Air Weapon" and therefore not require a licence it must not be fired above 12 ft/lbs for a “rifle” type and 6 ft/lbs for a “pistol” type. Nearly all paintball markers come under the “rifle” type, only markers like the “splatmaster” come into the “pistol” category. If a marker fires above these limits they will then come under the Firearms Act and require a licence or be classed as a prohibited weapon. The recent amendment included carbon dioxide as an approved propellant previously only compressed air was allowed. Paintball markers must also only fire approved paintballs. Paintball markers must not be fully automatic i.e. when pulling the trigger once, two or more paintballs must not be discharged.
To stay within the law a paintball marker must not be fired above 330fps when using an average weight paintball, this equates to 12 ft/lbs. All tournament markers are restricted to a maximum velocity of 300fps, which equates to 9.9ft/lbs and site markers should be used at between 250-280fps to be safe for customers. This equates to 7ft/lbs-8.7ft/lbs.
You could have noise problems as already stated
Paintballs should not leave the boundary of your property as already stated
Could be classed as a weapon if you blinded someone?
I have fired my marker in my back garden, but I always make sure to aim either at a brick wall, or down into the ground. Also, I limit it to a few minutes, then don't do it again for a month or more.
I also do it when my neighbours are out.
Watch out for "accidental discharges" - which could go anywhere.
Always follow the normal safety procedures (barrel sock / mask etc)
I seem to remember reading that technically ramping is borderline illegal, however someone important was consulted about "turbo mode" and it was deemed acceptable.
I think the UKPSF website has some info.
It's probably a good idea not to be the test case for this issue.
I also do it when my neighbours are out.
Watch out for "accidental discharges" - which could go anywhere.
Always follow the normal safety procedures (barrel sock / mask etc)
I seem to remember reading that technically ramping is borderline illegal, however someone important was consulted about "turbo mode" and it was deemed acceptable.
I think the UKPSF website has some info.
It's probably a good idea not to be the test case for this issue.
I'm sure aslong as the paintball itself stays on your property you are fine. But, really you should only fire your marker in your back garden if it is 100% neccessary. If not, just wait until you are at a paintball site.
Also, always wear a mask, and use a barrel sock, and as mentioned above, if possible, aim the marker at the floor, or a brick wall. Where the paint is guarenteed to break and not bounce into someones garden etc.
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Sorry for any spelling mistakes, I fail at spelling.
Also, always wear a mask, and use a barrel sock, and as mentioned above, if possible, aim the marker at the floor, or a brick wall. Where the paint is guarenteed to break and not bounce into someones garden etc.
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Sorry for any spelling mistakes, I fail at spelling.
Do it responsibly as above, but also only if on firendly terms with your neighbours, and not overlooked or overheard by the general public.