Airgun shooting and ambient temperature

What does the law on air guns in Russia say?

Federal Law No. 150 came into force in 1996. The legislative document regulates the rights of individuals and legal entities, employees of special units to use, purchase and develop any type of weapon. At the end of Article No. 1 of the legislative document it is stated that sports products that resemble real firearms in design are not included in this category. Taking into account current legislative standards, pneumatics must have a low muzzle power and a caliber of 4.5 mm.

But, as practice shows, a shot from a pneumatic weapon often causes significant harm to human health, sometimes leading to death. It is established at the legislative level that the use of pneumatics should not be directed against any living creatures (except for hunting permitted by the relevant authorities). Offenders are punished based on the degree of harm caused.

Where can you legally shoot pneumatic guns?

Federal Law No. 150 lists pneumatic equipment as an acceptable weapon for acquiring sports shooting and hunting skills with the permission of law enforcement agencies. Use in self-defense is prohibited. Most often, self-defense with pneumatics not only violates the law, but is also ineffective - the shot has a weak power. But under certain conditions, serious harm to the body can be caused, and this refers to exceeding the rules of self-defense.

Taking into account the above, we can summarize that there are only two possible areas of use:

1. Hunting for small birds and animals. Regulations of the Russian Government of 2009 No. 18.
2. Shooting at targets made of paper or field target.

Is it possible to shoot with pneumatic guns in the city?

Pneumatics are equipment for acquiring sports shooting skills, that is, their use must be carried out in special places. They are considered shooting ranges, firing ranges, shooting ranges, places for clay pigeon shooting, which belong to institutions of any kind of activity that have received permission from the municipal authorities. That is, shooting in city limits with pneumatic guns is illegal.

Is it possible to shoot with pneumatic guns in the forest?

The latest edition of the "Hunting Rules", which dates back to this year, contains the main points of the hunting rules. The use of hunting pneumatics is prohibited, “except for shooting chipmunks, squirrels, crows, hazel grouse, and doves.” Thus, you can only shoot with a pneumatic weapon at the above-mentioned birds and mammals.

It is worth emphasizing that even if you are just walking in the woods with a BB gun and are caught without a gun license, it can end quite sadly. There is only one thing that will help if the rifle is in a case and the cartridges are separate from it. By the way, we must not forget that when going out into the forest to hunt with any type of weapon, you must have with you: a hunter’s certificate, permission to store and use a gun, permission to hunt in specific areas (permit).

In addition, it is necessary to carefully select the place directly for hunting - taking into account the same “Rules”, hunting with air guns less than 250 meters from residential buildings is strictly prohibited. Do not forget - in this case there will be no concessions for the fact that this is not a “gunshot wound” - if you fail to comply with any established rules, you must answer according to the law.

Otherwise, it could be even more serious - since it will be very difficult to prove that there are a lot of chipmunks in the forest and they are hunted, and that several pheasants are sticking out of the backpack that a stranger asked me to help carry.

Other shooting locations

Based on the rules provided for at the legislative level, shooting with pneumatic weapons is permitted only in places that meet all safety standards.

These places must belong to institutions that have received permission from law enforcement agencies, where all safety requirements have been developed and met.

Despite the fact that most people are confident that air rifles or pistols are safe, taking into account statistics, many more people die from their use, unlike military weapons.

Useful tips

Owners of CO2 pistols are not recommended to shoot at -5 degrees Celsius - the effectiveness of the weapon will drop by 2 times. A sharp decrease in power can be avoided by keeping the carbon dioxide canisters warm.

It is better for PPP users to wait until spring. Negative values ​​not only negatively affect cuffs and coil springs. Shooting from the air below -20 degrees Celsius will cause the gun lubricant to harden. The recommendation is not to use a lot of oil, because in large quantities it harms the weapon, regardless of the time of year. The power of the shots changes in proportion to the temperature values.

PCP weapons will not create problems for the user and are suitable for winter shooting. The main thing is to avoid excess oil, and also to pump air into the tank outside, after allowing the propeller and pump to cool. To avoid rupture of the HP tank, air is bleed from the PSP device: the balloon warms up, which leads to an increase in pressure.

The general operating rule for all types of weapons is that transportation to the shooting site is carried out in a case, bag or holster. The “air” must be kept warm: in the cold, body elements crack and the properties of metal parts change.

October 21, 2021

What uses of air guns are legally possible?

In Federal Law No. 150, which is called “Civil Weapons,” pneumatic equipment with a force of more than 3 Joules is considered sports equipment. A pistol or shotgun that has an energy of around 25 Joules is classified as hunting equipment.

The use of equipment of this type for self-defense is prohibited. Air guns are not considered the best choice for personal protection also because the damaging effect and force of the shot are insignificant. But legal proceedings in our country are familiar with frequent cases where people who used pneumatic weapons for self-defense fell under an article of the criminal code for illegal use of weapons.

The fact that there was a real and immediate threat to their lives was not taken into account as reasons for imposing a lesser sentence. A pneumatic weapon can cause serious injuries to an attacker, which in some cases are incompatible with life, and this is an excess of self-defense.

In case of violation of the above rules established by law, the defender may be brought to administrative liability. The method of punishment will depend on the seriousness of the act. Article 20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses specifies financial punishment for shooting in permitted places, but taking into account violation of the requirements established by law in the amount of 3000-5000 rubles. Moreover, the equipment is confiscated.

If the shooting took place in a prohibited place (for example, this includes city limits), then the offender will be fined 40,000-50,000 rubles. His weapon is confiscated or his carrying, acquisition and storage is prohibited for up to 3 years. If it is additionally discovered that the shooter was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the fine increases to 50,000-100,000 rubles. It is likely that this person's unlawful actions will be considered hooliganism. The punishment under the established article of the Criminal Code (Article 213) is much more serious - both in terms of a monetary fine and in terms of possible imprisonment (up to 7 years).

The effect of low temperatures on air guns

There are 3 main types of air guns:

• gas cylinders;
• spring-piston;
• PCP.

In winter, all devices operate differently. Which type is preferable to use at subzero temperatures?

Carbon dioxide pneumatics

Using a CO2 gun in cold weather is a bad idea. Carbon dioxide “comes out” worse when exposed to negative temperatures than when exposed to positive temperatures. There is less pressure on the bullet, which means its initial speed is sharply reduced. Conclusion - shooting with pneumatics using compressed air in winter looks problematic.

What if you really want to? While the can is warm it can be used for a short time. As the CO2 container cools down, the process will become less enjoyable. The recommendation is to fill the cylinder before shooting, first carrying it in a warm pocket.

Spring-piston rifles and pistols

PPP does not stand out for its performance in cold weather. Cuffs made of polyurethane are especially affected. At negative temperatures, the material hardens and loses elasticity. The inertia of the spring destroys the spare parts.

Frost also negatively affects twisted wire - it loses strength and becomes brittle. During shooting, the spring may break. Users who use spring-piston pneumatics for a long time in the cold often encounter this problem.

Changing the coil spring to a gas spring will not improve the situation. The basis of its operation is gas filling. The lower the ambient temperature, the stronger the compression of this gas. The pressure in the cylinder drops along with the muzzle energy of the bullet.

Pre-pumped samples

PCP is suitable for the winter period - it behaves better than other types of pneumatics due to its design features. There is no twisted cuff, but a high pressure reservoir is installed. Compressed air pressure decreases in cold weather.

Example: a user purchased a PSP weapon, filled it with air at 100 bar, and then took it out into the cold. Having brought it back into the room, he noticed the pressure gauge - the pressure in the tank had dropped by 30 bar.

The power will be optimal, but there will be noticeably fewer shots without refueling.

Rules for purchasing air guns in Russia

Taking into account Article No. 10 of the law on “civilian weapons”, adults who have Russian citizenship and have the necessary license for it can buy pneumatics. An application form for the purchase of weapons (in particular, pneumatic ones) can be requested from the local municipality at the place of registration (Article 9 of Federal Law No. 150).

When purchasing a hunting pneumatic gun, registration of the fact of its purchase with the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of registration is required. Once it is registered, the right to use the weapon is given for a period of five years. If necessary, the period of validity of the permit can be extended in the future.

When obtaining a permit and license for a hunting pneumatic weapon, a list of required documents is presented: a certificate from a psychiatrist and the absence of problems associated with visual impairment (form No. 046-1). Otherwise, the purchase of pneumatics will be refused.

Taking into account Article 13 of the current legislation, in order to purchase sports pneumatics with a force of more than 7.5 Joules, a documentary basis is required for this, which confirms the person’s employment in this sport.

Taking into account the provisions of Article 1 of Federal Law No. 15, pneumatic weapons with a force of no more than 3 Joules do not need to obtain a license, since they are not considered as such in fact. Pneumatic equipment for sporting events with a force of up to 7.5 Joules will also not require licensing.

Obtaining a license is required for hunting and sports pneumatics with a force of 7.5-25 Joules. To obtain a permit, you will need to present the following package of documentation:

1. A photocopy of a document that proves your identity and that you have the original with you.
2. Completed application for permission.
3. When purchasing a hunting rifle: original and photocopy of the hunter's identification card.
4. When purchasing a sports weapon, a certificate confirming participation in this sport.
5. Conclusion of the medical commission.

Permission is denied:

1. In the absence or negative conclusion of the medical commission or if not all the required documents are presented.
2. Persons who have not reached the age of majority.
3. Due to administrative violations of hunting rules or public order.
4. Persons without permanent registration.
5. Having a criminal record, or if it has already been expunged, but was for a serious crime using a firearm.

The license is revoked for the following reasons:

1. Due to voluntary refusal.
2. Due to the death of the owner of the gun or pistol.
3. Due to changes in current regulations.
4. By court order.

Taking into account Article 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences, the illegal use and storage of pneumatic weapons entails administrative liability. All equipment of the violator will be confiscated, and a fine will be charged for carrying a weapon without a permit.

If the offender is:

1. Legal entity - penalties in the amount of 100,000-500,000 rubles, or suspension of the organization’s work for 15-60 days.
2. Official - fines in the amount of 10,000-50,000 rubles, or deprivation of office for up to three years.
3. Individual - penalties in the amount of 3-5 thousand rubles, or 7-15 days of imprisonment.

Requirements for wearing pneumatic equipment:

1. Carrying or transporting pneumatics within city limits must be carried in a case and in an unloaded state.
2. It is prohibited to wear pneumatic equipment during public events, in particular rallies or other processions.

How to properly store air guns legally

Storage of pneumatic equipment must be carried out taking into account special conditions. You should not ignore the traumatic danger of this type of equipment and treat its storage less responsibly than the same process for military weapons.

A gun cabinet for storing pneumatics must be in a hard-to-reach place and close well. There should be no gaps in the door when closing. The material of manufacture and ergonomics must ensure absolute tightness. The space inside the safe has clearly defined dimensions, which are designed to store not only pneumatic equipment, but also projectiles for it.

The unlocking design of the lock must have a durable system that cannot be hacked or accidentally opened. At the legislative level, there is no special provision on how to store pneumatic weapons, but owners of this equipment are warned about safety measures so that they comply with the relevant measures as much as possible. Air guns must be stored in a place that is inaccessible to small children. CO2 gas canisters are placed in a separate compartment, otherwise there is a high risk of spontaneous detonation.

Taking into account statistics, every year in the Russian Federation approximately three dozen people are victims of shots using pneumatic equipment. Moreover, the number of registered cases of the use of this type of weapon in excess of self-defense exceeds 3 thousand. A legislative document that regulates the circulation of weapons and toughens penalties is periodically submitted for consideration to the State Duma. It is likely that very soon Federal Law No. 150 will be amended again.

Airsoft in winter

Let's start from this direction. All participants in the movement are interested in fighting at any time of the year solely of their own free will, but some still find it inconvenient. Let's look at the features of winter airsoft.

Cloth

These dressing recommendations are also suitable for other destinations. You need to dress warmly, otherwise your fingers will refuse to shoot at the enemy, and your legs will remain halfway to the militia camp. An expensive Pindos uniform does not save you from Russian frosts - you still have to use your domestic ingenuity.

• In summer gloves , but in winter you will still have to somehow protect yourself from the cold. They should be both warm and comfortable for combat. Although it’s warm in mittens, it’s not comfortable to throw a grenade or empty a cartridge.
• You need warm shoes - your feet freeze very quickly and at the most inopportune moment. If the equipment of a soldier of the valiant US Army does not include insulating elements, then the accuracy of the reconstruction can be neglected and you can put on a couple of extra socks, and throw two more pairs into your backpack - there is little space to replace, but there will not be any extra ones.
• The lower back (and so on) is the next strategic organ that needs protection from frost. We dress warmly and make sure that our pants don’t come off during the fight. For gatherings in the cold, it is better to use a foam mat.
• Don't forget to wear a hat and take a thermos with hot tea with you.

In the game you will have to run, crawl, and bury yourself in the snow a lot, so it is advisable that your clothes be water-repellent. In any case, you shouldn’t get too carried away with such maneuvers.

Don't forget about the camouflage color. In winter, to look attractive, it is better to wear something white.

Weapon

The main supplier of airsoft weapons is Taiwan. So, in Taiwan they haven’t heard anything about frosts. Therefore, weapons do not handle winter very well.

One of the weak points of this system is the battery. Any battery will die at low temperatures. A solution is to carry several batteries with you, one under clothes closer to the body, the other in the trunk. There are also chemical heating pads that can be wrapped around the barrel. You can hold the battery itself under your clothes on the edge, and run a wire to the weapon - it’s not convenient, it’s not reliable, but it’s cheap and it works.

Any plastic becomes brittle in the cold. You can’t go on an attack quickly with it, you can’t make a loophole in the roof with the butt, there is a risk of breakage. In addition, there is such a thing - a gearbox, which is responsible for automatic fire. Constant impacts in the cold can damage it. Therefore, you need to reduce the speed if there was tuning for the spring (it is recommended to reduce it to 120 m/s).

Also in airsoft there is a rubber thing called HOP-UP. In the cold, the gum becomes dull, leading to loss of accuracy. In winter, it is recommended to replace rubber with silicone - less durable, but does not freeze.

The drive runs on electricity; do not drop it into water. But non-electric weapons also suffer, as you can read about below. We take better care of our weapons than ever before. You can make a winter camouflage with a bandage - both for entourage, insulation, and additional protection.