Basics on Michigan Air Rifles
An air rifle is a type of gun that launches a projectile by the use of compressed air or gas. Essentially, air rifles use the energy created through the expansion of compressed air which generates sufficient force to fire a projectile. Among many other things, these types of guns are often used for plinking, pest control, or as training tools to teach children or new shooters the fundamental skills needed for safe firearms operation.
Although there are a variety of air rifle types and designs , typically found in Michigan are spring-piston single shot pellet guns with adjustable power and multiple muzzle velocities. The barrel of these guns has a sliding compression chamber attached to a lever that is enabled by a spring-loaded catch. When bringing the barrel down into the firing position, the gun’s kinetic energy stores energy in the barrel and in turn compresses the air within. When the barrel is moved back to the firing position, a trigger mechanism releases a pawl to pull back the barrel and engage a sear to fly forward again under spring tension, firing the projectile. One benefit of this type of gun is that it can fire at multiple power levels via a simple rotation of the muzzle of the gun.
Michigan Air Rifle Definition
Within Michigan legislation, air rifles are explicitly defined as either a "pneumatic gun" or a "spring gun." These definitions are found within the Michigan Penal Code under MCL 750.222(d). There is no definition for an air gun, and therefore they would be encompassed within the pneumatic gun or spring gun categories.
Pneumatic gun
Except for paintball guns, "pneumatic gun" means a device operated by compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas or air pressure, or a combination of those, that expels a projectile through the barrel by the expansion or the release of gas or air.
Spring gun
"Spring gun" is a term that refers to a "gun device" that has a barrel, spring, and trigger. The barrel must either be rifled or smooth so that it will propel a projectile at an initial velocity in excess of 600 feet per second. The device is a spring gun if when the trigger is pulled, the spring stored within the spring gun and the energy created by compression of that spring force a projectile from the barrel of the device. A spring gun is not considered a firearm if (1) the projectile is 1/2 inch in diameter or smaller; (2) the projectile is composed only of plastic, except for a metal bearing and is incapable of causing injury requiring treatment by a physician or medical practitioner; and (3) the projectile is watermelon seed, or anything that is biodegradable.
The Michigan Legislature specifically excludes paintball guns from the pneumatic gun definition. For the purposes of this discussion, the legal definition of paintball gun shall be as set forth in MCL 28.422a, which references the paintball gun requirements set forth in MCL 123.1101.
Minimum Age Requirements to Possess Air Rifles
Before you or your child purchase or use a pellet gun, be aware of the legalities from state to state. Most states impose some sort of restrictions on the use of air propelled weapons especially if they are going to be used to hunt small game. Penalties for illegal use of a pellet gun include fines, forfeiture of the weapon, and in some cases imprisonment. Below is a list of the restrictions imposed by Michigan.
The age restrictions that Michigan imposes on the use and ownership of pellet guns are as follows: Under the age of 10: Children under the age of 10 may not own a pellet gun. However, there is no restriction on the use of pellet guns. Children under 10 are allowed to use a pellet gun under supervision from a parent or legal guardian. In addition, children under this age may also use a pellet gun so long as it is being used on their own property, or on property where they have written permission of the owner, which needs to be in the name of both the child and the guardian. Ages 10-12: Children this age may only use a pellet gun under the supervision of a parent or guardian, who must be personally present. Age 13: Like those who are 10-12 years old, children 13 years of age may only use a pellet gun under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian, who must be personally present. Ages 17+: Children who are 17 years of age or older do not need supervision to use a pellet gun.
Prohibited Locations for Air Rifle Use
The legal areas for Air Rifle use will vary across Michigan; generally, the laws are governed by whether you are in a township, city, or village. For an example, we can look at the city of Grand Rapids which has a strict law forbidding shooting any projectile with a velocity over 150 f.p.s. If you live in Grand Rapids, it is illegal for you to shoot steel BBs, even if the BBs are shot from a spring air gun.
How many air rifles are out there? Apparently, there are enough air rifles to trigger laws across the country that restrict their use in certain areas. Michigan is no exception.
One air rifle model powered by a screw-on CO2 tank and filled with small rifled steel BBs was highlighted in the 1688 Wayback Machine video on the Snap.
BBs and pellets work differently in air rifles. When shooting pellets, the firing mechanism compresses air to create pneumatic energy. The pellet is then pushed through the barrel by the air. Traditional BBs work differently: they are made of steel so that when they hit a solid object they ricochet. The harm caused when the BB ricochets off a surface was the foundation on which the law was built.
The current Michigan Air Rifle law depends on your location. In the more urban areas of Michigan, shooting is not allowed within city limits. On the other hand, in the townships, shooting an air rifle or even a dispatching a animal from a tree is allowed.
Essentially, the air rifle laws are based on where you live. In a city, you may not be able to shoot one, depending on how the law is written. In a township, you might be legally allowed to shoot an air rifle on your property.
Three areas that are summarized below get confusing when it comes to air rifle laws in Michigan. Any projectile weapon (not just air guns) is illegal in those zones. Materials made out of plastic with metal scoring tips would be classified as weapons or projectile weapons. These weapons are illegal in the city of Grand Rapids.
Basically, when you are on public lands, you are not allowed to shoot any projectiles of any kind. Even BBs at velocities higher than 150 FPS are banned. In addition, crossbows, slingshots, blow guns, blow pipes, power slings, paintball guns, and crossbows are illegal. The only exception is bow and arrows used for archery.
According to Section 15.12.010, you cannot shoot in areas with no current local ordinances or regulations, including both the state campuses and within two hundred fifty (250) feet of all vacant or occupied residences, schools, hospitals, churches, or other religious institutions.
The act of firing a projectile, in this case, a BB or a pellet, involves a release of a form of energy. However, since the mechanisms of air rifles, powder guns, and traditional firearms are different, they are labeled differently.
Hunting Regulations for Air Rifles
Michigan’s hunting rules and regulations state what types of guns you are permitted to use when hunting different types of animals. Regarding air guns, Michigan law states: "An air gun manufactured and sold as a commercial air gun designed for the shooting of hard metal or alloy pellets of a caliber not less than .177 inches and with a muzzle velocity of less than 600 feet per second will be legal for taking small game and wild turkey. Nothing in this section prohibits the use of an air gun for coyote during the December 1 to January 1 deer season under section 43526 of this act in the counties where the use of a fire arm is legal." This statute limits the type of animals that you can hunt using an air gun to small game and wild turkey. In addition to deer and coyote, you may also use an air gun to take migratory birds, grouse, rabbit and squirrel. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), "Many manufacturers make air rifles and pistols especially for hunting small game. These guns can shoot steel BBs or lead pellets at variable velocities. The .177 caliber is the most common type … For hunting large rabbits, crows, and doves, select .20 caliber or .22 caliber air rifles and pistols. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions about what should be used in their products." The DNR lists these as the required and recommended features for air guns: Seasonal restrictions apply to the use of air guns just as they do with traditional guns when it comes to hunting. According to the DNR, "Check the current Hunting Digest for the exact dates for the season you are interested in hunting. For example, air guns may be used during the spring turkey season, the early season of the antlerless deer season and the late season of the state-sponsored "Mentored Youth Hunt."
Transport and Storage of Air Rifles
Air rifles, like any other type of firearm, must be handled with care at all times. In Michigan, air rifles and similar tools are categorized as firearms under the law, which means the rules of transporting and storing firearms carry over to these guns as well. Whether you’re engaging in target practice at a range or bringing your trusty old air rifle along on a hunting trip, it pays to know the law. In particular, there are three primary rules about the transport and storage of all firearms, including air guns: Rule No. 1: Firearms must be carried in a way that prevents them from moving around during travel. To put it another way, the best way to transport an air rifle safely in a vehicle is to place it inside a hard case, or to build it a special gun rack. You should avoid carrying your air rifle or pellet gun on the passenger seat or dashboard of your vehicle, and ensure that the interior of the vehicle has no visible, accessible areas in which the gun can move around. The general idea is to avoid situations where the gun can be accidentally discharged , no matter what. Rule No. 2: If you’re traveling to a firearms location, such as a gun range, hunting ground or target practice area, the best way to prevent an accidental discharge is to remove the ammunition from the gun and place it in a separate compartment inside your vehicle away from the gun at all times. While it’s possible to have the gun and ammunition in the same compartment, it’s not ideal, and exposes you to the possibility that your air rifle could be fired while you are relocating it to a different location in your vehicle for a quick reload. Rule No. 3: For the sake of protecting children and other family members, it is illegal to store a firearm on the property of an individual under the age of 18. It is also your responsibility to take measures to ensure children associate the sight of an air rifle with the potential for danger. This means putting away and locking your rifle after usage so that children do not have easy access to it.
Violations of Michigan Air Rifle Laws
Violating Michigan’s air rifle laws can lead to a variety of legal consequences, which may vary depending on the specific offense and the circumstances of the incident. For instance, if an individual is found in possession of an air rifle without a valid license, they may be subject to a criminal charge, fines, and possibly even jail time.
A common violation of Michigan’s air rifle laws is when someone uses their air rifle recklessly, meaning that they shoot it in a manner that presents an unreasonable risk of harm to another person. Depending on the severity of the offense, offenders have faced misdemeanor charges which can include fines and potential imprisonment. In more severe cases, a felony charge may be warranted, which carries much stiffer penalties.
Aside from criminal charges, violators might also face civil actions motivated by negligence, especially if their air rifle discharge resulted in property damage or personal injury. Victims may pursue personal injury claims against the violator, seeking compensation for their losses.
Another consideration is the possibility of a lawsuit from the victim or whoever is utilizing the land where the shooting occurred. The statutory requirement that prohibits discharging an air rifle within 150 yards of a dwelling is primarily in place to protect landowners from reckless shooters. This means that if you wake up your neighbor at night because you’re shooting into the woods, your neighbor can potentially sue you for trespassing.
Lastly, it is crucial to note that being a minor means that your parents are responsible for your actions, including your compliance with Michigan’s air rifle laws. So if you’re under age 17 and you discharge an air rifle in a reckless manner, you may potentially face the problem of being sued for negligence by the victim, as well as having a criminal charge filed against you, and your parents should expect to be sued as well.
Recent Changes to Michigan Air Rifle Laws
Michigan law governing air rifles is governed by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). Since most air rifles are considered to be "firearms" under the general firearms laws in Michigan, air rifles manufactured before 1900 to the same standards of muzzle loading firearms (i.e., ball and black powder) are not covered under Michigan’s General Laws with some expressed exceptions for hunting. The concerns expressed in the General Laws (i.e., the Michigan Penal Code) for the unlawful use of air pistols and rifles has not changed in many years.
In 2017, the Michigan Legislature passed Public Law 171, which amended MCL 752.863, to update the legal prosecution of persons using BB guns, air pistols, and non-powder guns to be charged with felonious assault, if used or aimed at another person likely to create a reasonable apprehension of imminent injury or death. The law did not specifically exclude the possession and use of BB guns, air pistols, and non-powder guns, so it is still illegal to transport these weapons in a vehicle without a registered permit to do so.
The law does not however impose a penalty on those who use air pistols, pistols, or rifles in a manner which would tend to frighten persons and cause alarm, including shooting or attempting to shoot at someone’s door or window, up in the air in a school parking lot, or while in or about a school building or school grounds. The burden is on the prosecutor to prove that the defendant had previously threatened to cause harm to persons or property with use of a BB gun, air pistol, or non-powder gun — not upon the defendant to prove that he did not intend to frighten, coerce, or threaten another. Exceptions exist when property is converted to the accused’s use as in quarrying game or other natural resource protected by law.
Regarding the hunting of certain game animals, specifically deer, the use and possession of an air gun is not expressly prohibited. In some instances, air pistols or rifles may be used but must be at least .45 caliber (or .43 caliber with steel ammunition) and meet particular muzzle energy levels (i.e., 400 fps) sufficient to kill deer.
Air Rifle FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan Air Rifles Laws
I haven’t gone hunting before. Is an air rifle or air pistol a good option for me?
An air rifle is a good hunting solution for lots of people. If you’re thinking about it, you should first do some scouting. Look around the area you’d like to hunt and see whether you can find common game animals near you. For new hunters who might not know where to start, it’s really valuable to gain experience in this way. Even if you don’t have many successful hunting trips, you’ll learn about animal behavior, tracking, and your own preferences.
I’ve heard about Pistol Carbines. Are they legal to purchase or own?
A pistol carbine is generally considered an SBR, and there are state and federal laws that control the use of SBR’s. Pistol carbines are legal so long as they are registered with the state and federal governments. If you’re considering purchasing one, check regulation policies in Michigan and also federal regulations.
Are air rifles easy to use?
Most air rifles are relatively easy to use. Some users have found that they were able to pick up the skill almost immediately. Others have said it took time for them to get used to the way that an air rifle handles. Because there are so many different types of air rifles , however, it’s important to find one that suits you and your needs particularly. Spend some time online looking at various models and user reviews. You might even want to visit a local sporting goods store to speak with an expert and see various air rifles in person.
My friend has told me that a blowback air pistol will shoot at a speed that is below the velocity limit in Michigan. Is this true?
Yes, the maximum velocity limit in Michigan is 600 feet per second. It is true that some blowback air pistols, gas pistols and CO2 pistols shoot below this limit and are therefore are legal to purchase in Michigan. In addition, it’s also true that these types of guns can use metal BBs which is another reason why many people choose them.
What kind of ammunition can I use with my air rifle?
You can commonly use pellets or projectiles in addition to BBs. Under Michigan law, such devices are legal so long as they are designed to injure or kill small game.