You need a permit to buy an air pistol now?

[js1973]

I was looking to buy a birthday present for my dad that would give him something that would get him away from his computer. That's a little hypocritical coming from me (as it would be for probably 90% of you other ATOTers), but I decided I wanted to get him this. I figured we could go out to my grandpa's farm and target shoot. Range fees, ammunition cost, and my dad's general dislike for real handguns made me think this would be a fun alternative.

Anyway, I go to a local sporting goods outfit to buy him this only to be told that I needed a permit to buy just as I would need one to buy a real handgun. Getting a handgun permit requires: 1) Going to the police station 2) Paying 5 bucks and taking a test that they give all the answers to in a pamphlet they hand you when you give them the money 3) Taking the permit to the sporting goods store and picking up the gun 4) Calling the police department when you get home and giving them the S/N, make and caliber of what you just bought 5) Finally, going back to the police station to have an officer inspect it.

All of this for a stupid single shot air pistol?!?

The person behind the counter said the law was in response to all the carjackings that have happened in the Detroit area. He said he hadn't seen anyone buy an air pistol since he'd worked there. I can see why.

Anyone else have similar laws regarding air pistols where you live?

 

[Orsorum]

That sounds retarded. I bought a pellet gun and a bb gun, both when I was 12.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Zakath15
That sounds retarded. I bought a pellet gun and a bb gun, both when I was 12.

Well that was probably what....2 years ago?

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: Zakath15
That sounds retarded. I bought a pellet gun and a bb gun, both when I was 12.

Well that was probably what....2 years ago?

I'm 19. Of course, this was in Pasco, Washington, USA... hick central.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Move to CA. You can walk into a sporting goods store and walk out with the pellet gun. That sounds insanely retarded that you have to register an air pistol.

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Move to CA. You can walk into a sporting goods store and walk out with the pellet gun. That sounds insanely retarded that you have to register an air pistol.

Easy for kids to vandalize cars and homes with them, I suppose.

 

[John]

I was just pulling your leg, Zakath15.

I find it rather odd that you need a permit for a pellet gun as well.

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: John
I was just pulling your leg, Zakath15.

I find it rather odd that you need a permit for a pellet gun as well.

I know. I really should change my username, too... people still think I'm 15.

 

[BigJohnKC]

Buy him an airsoft gun instead.
Airsoft Extreme - U.S. Retailer
DEN Trinity - Hong Kong retailer

 

[js1973]

"Buy him an airsoft gun instead. "

I thought about that, but I doubt if those are legal here. I mean, you have to buy a permit for an air pistol just because it looks like a real firearm. If that's the case, there's no way an airsoft pistol could be legal here.

Besides, those sites you linked to make me want to spend too much money. You know, the one for dad, one for me thing.

 

[IcePhoenix]

I walked into The Sports Authority, and came out ten minutes later with a brand new BB/pellet gun, 25 CO2 canisters, and 1000 rounds. All I had to do was show that I was over 18. I never heard of that permit business. Have you tried another store?

BTW, my friends dad has that pistol. Very nice Single shot gets old fast, but it shoots really nice

 

[Pastore]

Originally posted by: Zakath15

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Move to CA. You can walk into a sporting goods store and walk out with the pellet gun. That sounds insanely retarded that you have to register an air pistol.

Easy for kids to vandalize cars and homes with them, I suppose.

Then make it illegal for minors to buy them, not require them to be registered.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

That's actually harder than it is to get a real handgun in some places. Around here buying a real handgun requires:

1) Fill out paperwork with the dealer.
2) Dealer submits paperwork to government which does a background check
3) If the background check clears you of having past felony arrests, commitments for insanity, etc. you can pick up the gun.

That's it. There are not even any tests or permits needed if you want the gun for home protection. You only need to take a test to get a concealed carry permit. And once you have a concealed carry permit you can buy future guns right away without the wait for the background check as long as the permit remains valid. To buy an air pistol requires that you walk into a store with money and proof of being 18.

 

[js1973]

"That's actually harder than it is to get a real handgun in some places."

Well, this is the Detroit area. I suppose the stricter regulation is a small price to pay for living so close to the heart of the automotive industry. The field I work in is heavily dependent on automotive manufacturing, so making the same living somewhere else is unlikely for me. And, if I wanted to go through the hassle, I could still get what I want. It just irks me that the actions of criminals affects me even in such a small way.

 

[Jfur]

Originally posted by: Zakath15

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Move to CA. You can walk into a sporting goods store and walk out with the pellet gun. That sounds insanely retarded that you have to register an air pistol.

Easy for kids to vandalize cars and homes with them, I suppose.

One of my least favorite memories is when I was about 10 and some older boys with "harmless" BB guns shot me while hiding in the bushes. Yes, the BBs broke the skin :|

 

[tcsenter]

My parents had to get a permit for a pellet pistol they bought me for my 15th birthday, that was 16 years ago. State of Michigan, Saginaw County.