Pellet gun

[BIGINNER]

I don't mean to throw cold water on anyone, but remember that air guns are not legal for hunting in Washington.

are they illegal for varmit controll arounf the yard?  that all i use mine for.

[demontang]

RWS is a good brand, i have a benjamin and its deadly. some of the precharged rifles are wicked but more money.

[h2ofowlr]

thats a little sheap for 1000+ you can get a good gamo for like 150.00 they are nice guns i sold mine awhile ago

Id spend a little extra and get the Gamo

I picked up a Gamo and couldn't shoot a tight group at 18 yards.  They are cheap.  Called Gamo and they said to make sure the front screw was tight or the barrel would not line up left to right.  It also has issues lining up vertical.  Get a fixed barrel bottom cock or side for best accuracy.  Sold the Gamo.

[WildfireArcher]

cant hit the broad side of a barn after about 250 pellets through my gamo varmint hunter. It was wicked when i first got it, now it wont hold zero for more than about 15 shots

-Wildfire

[h2ofowlr]

Forgot to mention that the Gamo also seemed to be temperature sensative.  If it got cold in the garage and I shot it the group, when it grouped would be off.  When it warmed up it was back, close to it's intended mark.  It was also good for about the first 150 shots.  I purchased 5000 pellets, so I needed something reliable.

[RockChuck]

Well I hope I have better luck than some of you I just got a Gamo. After I got it sighted in it will group very good.

[wabow]

I don't mean to throw cold water on anyone, but remember that air guns are not legal for hunting in Washington.

Not to just dig up and old thread but thought I would clarify this. They are legal to hunt small game in WA only requirement is a small game license even when shooting varmits in your yard. Also they are not a firearm as Ive see suggested here.

Don

[BIGINNER]

I don't mean to throw cold water on anyone, but remember that air guns are not legal for hunting in Washington.

Not to just dig up and old thread but thought I would clarify this. They are legal to hunt small game in WA only requirement is a small game license even when shooting varmits in your yard. Also they are not a firearm as Ive see suggested here.

Don

LOL  DON'T WORRY WE WON'T REPORT YOUR WIFE FOR HUNTING BUNNIES WITH A PELLOT GUN..LOL   

[wabow]

I don't mean to throw cold water on anyone, but remember that air guns are not legal for hunting in Washington.

Not to just dig up and old thread but thought I would clarify this. They are legal to hunt small game in WA only requirement is a small game license even when shooting varmits in your yard. Also they are not a firearm as Ive see suggested here.

Don

LOL  DON'T WORRY WE WON'T REPORT YOUR WIFE FOR HUNTING BUNNIES WITH A PELLOT GUN..LOL   

  Just thought I'd clarify. I love hunting with mine and wouldnt want anyone to miss out on the fun due to misinformation.

Don

[sako223]

The 2010 regs state on page 66 that it is illegal to,

• Hunt game birds or game animals with
anything other than a firearm, a bow and
arrow, or by falconry.


Furthermore even small game and crows have seasons.






11. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods
It is illegal to:
• Hunt game birds with a shotgun capable
of holding more than three shells.
• Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol,
except forest grouse.
• Hunt game birds or game animals with
anything other than a firearm, a bow and
arrow, or by falconry. Bullfrogs may only
be taken by angling, hand dip netting,
gigging, and bow and arrow.
• Hunt game animals or game birds with a
shotgun larger than 10 gauge.
• Hunt wildlife with a crossbow, except
in firearm restriction areas. However,
disabled hunter permittees in possession
of a crossbow special use permit may
hunt with a crossbow in any season that
allows archery equipment.
• Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm.

[wabow]

The 2010 regs state on page 66 that it is illegal to,

Call F&G they will tell you otherwise and put in writing if you desire as will WSP regarding wether or not they are a firearm. You just have to obey the laws regarding season and the ARE legal. F&G phone guy says they plan on adding air guns to the regs possibly next year due to the amount of calls they get regarding legality.

Don

[wildmanoutdoors]

The chinese training surplus air rifles are great too for about 50 bucks. Bought one at Duffle Bag a few years ago. Its rated right around 1000 and drops blue jays and crows no problem. I love it for a cheap airgun.

[Bob33]

The 2010 regs state on page 66 that it is illegal to,

Call F&G they will tell you otherwise and put in writing if you desire as will WSP regarding wether or not they are a firearm. You just have to obey the laws regarding season and the ARE legal. F&G phone guy says they plan on adding air guns to the regs possibly next year due to the amount of calls they get regarding legality.

Don

Go for it, Don. I tend to go by the WACs and RCWs.  (And yes, even the enforcement officers I've spoken with say it is illegal.  Maybe they're wrong also, but they write the citations).

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.010
(7) "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.

[wabow]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.010
(7) "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.

Yup air is not explosive thus why they are not a firearm and non regulated and why purchase age is only 16.

Don

[bobcat]

This would be the key sentence:

• Hunt game birds or game animals with
anything other than a firearm, a bow and
arrow, or by falconry.

So, since air rifles are NOT considered to be a firearm, according to the law, they are not legal to hunt game birds or game animals. Just like a sling shot is not legal for grouse. Another law that doesn't make sense but the law is the law.