New York lawmakers are considering legislation that would reclassify BB guns, pellet guns, and air rifles as “imitation weapons.” This change would subject them to strict regulations, including a requirement for a plugged barrel, effectively banning the sale of functional models.

ALBANY, NY — New York lawmakers have introduced legislation that could dramatically alter the future of air rifles, pellet guns, and BB guns in the state. The proposed bills, A10701 in the Assembly and S9215 in the Senate, seek to change the legal definition of an “imitation weapon” to include these common recreational items.

If passed, the legislation would place functional air guns under a set of rules originally designed for non-firing replicas. Critics argue this move would create a paradox, effectively banning the sale of any air rifle or BB gun that can actually fire a projectile.

Under current New York law, an imitation weapon is a device that looks like a real firearm but is not. To be sold legally, these items must meet five specific criteria. They must be made of transparent or brightly colored materials, have the manufacturer’s name stamped on them, and cannot have a laser pointer. Most importantly, their barrels must be closed with a plug at least a half inch deep.

What Reclassification Means for Owners

The requirement for a plugged barrel is the central point of concern. By classifying a functional air gun as an “imitation weapon,” the law would mandate that its barrel be blocked, rendering it useless. This would mean that any new air rifle or BB gun sold in New York could not fire a projectile, which is its primary purpose for sport, training, and pest control.

Beyond making the products inert, the bill also aims to redefine the manufacturers of these items as “gun industry members.” This change would expose them to the state’s nuisance laws, opening them up to civil lawsuits in the same way as manufacturers of traditional firearms. Proponents of the bill state this is to ensure accountability, but opponents believe it could drive manufacturers out of the New York market entirely.

An amendment has been proposed to address some of these issues, particularly concerning paint pellet guns. However, it could also raise the minimum age to purchase these items from 16 to 18 and double the penalties for any violations. For now, the future of these popular tools for recreation and firearm safety training hangs in the balance as the legislation is considered.

Safety Tip: Always treat every firearm, including air rifles and BB guns, as if it is loaded. Never point it at anything you are not willing to destroy, as they can still cause serious injury.