Can I Shoot A Pellet Gun In My Backyard?

One of my avid blog readers asked, can I shoot a pellet gun in my backyard?

The answer is YES.

However, there are conditions to that effect. You can shoot in the backyard as long as you are over 18 years with permission.

Also, you must confirm the existing laws of your locality. Typically, one should not shoot in a highly-populated area.

Also, you should not shoot 15m of a road. These are part of multiple regulations and restrictions before you participate in shooting action. (Source)

Can I Shoot A Pellet Gun in My Backyard?

You must understand the legality of owning and using the air gun within your premise.

The laws will differ in various nations, states, towns, and municipalities.

For instance, different states in the US categorize air guns differently.

Why Use Your Backyard for Pellet Gun Shooting?

You can involve air guns for recreational purposes.

It is an ideal sport for young ones who want to join the shooting sport.

The air guns are popular among the professionals, amateurs, and pest controllers.

The air guns are cost-effective and relatively quiet in operation.

The moderately sized yard is suitable for practicing and making the better shot. You can use it to establish your shooting range.

Garden Airgunning Safety

Airguns use less power than other gun types hence suitable for use in your backyard.

You must not overlook their potential as they can still cause accidents if applied wrongly.

Most importantly, the user must consider safety as you observe the following:

1. Build Better Relationship with Neighbors

You can inform your neighbors about your shooting intentions.

Furthermore, you must reassure them about the safety precautions that you are undertaking.

Being courteous enough will prevent suspicion and mistrust from your neighbors.

2. Lay Out the Range Safely

Inspect the yard well to ensure that your shots will land in the safest direction.

Also, everyone within your home must understand that the yard is a no-no gone zone until you complete your shooting exercise.

Even better, let the dogs and other pets stay away too.

As an Airgun shooter, use telescopic sights to overcome some errors.

One can still place a signboard written “shooting in Progress”. It will serve as a warning to unexpected visitors who can innocently wander in the range.

3. Use Safe air Rifle Backstops

You can prevent the pellets from traveling beyond your targets.

Also, the pellets should never exceed the limits of your garden for you to be on the safe side of the law.

Avoid using wood as a backdrop as it causes dangerous ricochets which will send the airgun pellets back to the shooter.

The right materials for a backdrop should be concrete, wall brick, or stone.

Once the pellets meet a solid resistance, they will have insufficient energy to bounce a foot or two. As such, the spend pellets will not cause harm to the user.

Alternatively, you can use large paving slabs in case you do not have the recommended materials for pellet shielding.

Purchase them at minimal from a DIY store.

Also Read: Best Gas Piston Air Rifle: Top 7 Gas Piston Air Guns

Thick steel is also a great backstop although the clang will cause noise to the neighbors.

You can add the cardboard or any muffling materials to the steel to swallow the sound.

4. Targets for Yard Airgunning

You should now consider targets after preparing the garden airgun range.

Consider using card and paper targets which give a clear indication of the striking spots.

Alternatively, use knockdown targets if you do not mind about noise and neighbors.

Knockdown targets are interesting since they fall when you hit them.

Another exciting option is the spinning targets. As you hit the kill area, the gravity will rest them automatically.

5. Store Your Airgun Safely

Never leave your airgun in the field. It should never lie unattended even if you unloaded it.

The best and safe practice is to keep it in your house in a secure room.

6. Perform Group Practice

Practicing pellet shooting with your friend can make it more exciting and competitive. And there is more.

You must observe safety too since the range will have more than one individual.

Schedule your shooting turns to avoid any confusion. Let your firing range be close to enhance better communication.

Apply rules and precautions. For example, suppose one is leaving to adjust the targets, wait until the individual signals you after returning to a safe place

Also Read: Best Fireproof Gun Safe: Reviews and Buyer Guide.

The legality of Possessing Airguns

Many nations like the UK and the US allow the citizens to own air guns.

Furthermore, the owner can use it in any setting as long as you observe the lay down rules and regulations. Let’s discover what specific laws in these two nations say.

a) United Kingdom Laws

One cannot own any gun without license.

You will need a firearm certificate. However, you will not need a license if you have a pistol or a rifle that generates over 6ft/lb. of muzzle energy.

The right age to own a gun is 18 years and above.

Notably, in Scotland, you must have a license to own any type of ammunition.

b)  The US Laws

The situation is a bit different in the United States.

The federal government does not regulate firearms. Each state and local authorities have their rules on the ownership and use of small arms.

One cannot discharge a firearm within a 50 feet range of the highway.

It is a way of making it safe for the highway users.

Can you shoot Pellet Gun in the Backyard with Kids?

It is vital to teach your kids the appropriate skills. A

You should explain to them how to handle an air gun safely. Yes, it is possible to engage your kids for airgun shooting.

For instance, in the UK, any kid above 14 years can use airguns on private property. The action has to be under the proper supervision of an adult.

Final thoughts on Can I shoot a Pellet Gun in My Backyard

While the answer to the question- can I shoot a pellet gun in my backyard is simply yes, there are factors that you should take into consideration.

First, you need to ensure that you comply with all the set laws in your state and country.