Airsoft on your own property?

[Nostromo]

So it's impractical to practice with real ammo these days, I thought about staying in practice using Airsoft guns in my fenced in backyard. Setup some cans and bottles, etc. and drill. Does MD have any restrictions on firing Airsoft outdoors, even on your own property? I ask because I know VA specifically allowed this just a few years ago, and I can't imagine MD to be more lax.

 

[MigraineMan]

Maryland, at the state level, considers a firearm to be a device that expels a projectile via explosive force. So the State doesn't consider your Airsoft pellet projector to be a firearm.

Montgomery County, however, has a much more restrictive take:

Gun or firearm: Any rifle, shotgun, revolver, pistol, air gun, air rifle or any similar mechanism by whatever name known which is designed to expel a projectile through a gun barrel by the action of any explosive, gas, compressed air, spring or elastic.

In MoCo, your Airsoft pellet projector is a gun. Your kid's Nerf Blaster is a gun. Your finger with a rubber band might a gun. (I only know this because I resided in MoCo for 15 years.)

 

[Afield]

So it's impractical to practice with real ammo these days, I thought about staying in practice using Airsoft guns in my fenced in backyard. Setup some cans and bottles, etc. and drill. Does MD have any restrictions on firing Airsoft outdoors, even on your own property? I ask because I know VA specifically allowed this just a few years ago, and I can't imagine MD to be more lax.

I had friends who had airsofted several times on my farm at the very western tip of Howard Co. Then again, it was in the woods in the middle of 200 acres. Some of their gear looked pretty "real" but for orange tips.

I often wondered if some lunatic could paint a real SBR with an orange tip. Maybe we need to ban orange paint. Or take fingerprints. Blah

 

[PvtHike]

Maryland, at the state level, considers a firearm to be a device that expels a projectile via explosive force. So the State doesn't consider your Airsoft pellet projector to be a firearm.

Montgomery County, however, has a much more restrictive take:


In MoCo, your Airsoft pellet projector is a gun. Your kid's Nerf Blaster is a gun. Your finger with a rubber band might a gun. (I only know this because I resided in MoCo for 15 years.)

So by MoCo logic, this is must be the evillest of evils.

 

[virtus]

So by MoCo logic, this is must be the evillest of evils.

Adjustable stock, shoulder thing that goes up, pistol grip, deatchable high cap banana clip, forward grip, and big ol' boo-lets...

 

[ccarson]

So by MoCo logic, this is must be the evillest of evils.

That sir is an assault nerf rifle and will be baned

 

[R1Peacock]

What county?? Every county has its own specifics on discharging firearms (even BB, etc.). Most restrict any gas or air propelled firearm. I retired from LE a few years ago - Baltimore County has a map in most any Precinct. Do you live in Baltimore County? I can confirm for you.

I'm jealous ---- my son has some pretty cool toy guns - especially the newer more powerful Nerfs --- he can even find ammo at every Walmart for his....

RP

 

[MigraineMan]

Kids these days, they will never know the love of a Mattel Agent Zero M Sonic Blaster. Damn, we had the best toys in the '60s. (pulled from production due to eardrum rupture concerns.)

 

[MJD438]

Maryland, at the state level, considers a firearm to be a device that expels a projectile via explosive force. So the State doesn't consider your Airsoft pellet projector to be a firearm.

Montgomery County, however, has a much more restrictive take:


In MoCo, your Airsoft pellet projector is a gun. Your kid's Nerf Blaster is a gun. Your finger with a rubber band might a gun. (I only know this because I resided in MoCo for 15 years.)

HoCo follows the same restrictive logic.

 

[circadia]

What county?? Every county has its own specifics on discharging firearms (even BB, etc.). Most restrict any gas or air propelled firearm. I retired from LE a few years ago - Baltimore County has a map in most any Precinct. Do you live in Baltimore County? I can confirm for you.

I'm in Baltimore County and I'd like to know. I gave my nephew an airsoft gun a few years ago and we all took turns target shooting it in the back yard. The thought that that might not be legal never even entered my mind! Where's a kid supposed to shoot an airsoft or bb gun if not in their yard?

I'm jealous ---- my son has some pretty cool toy guns - especially the newer more powerful Nerfs --- he can even find ammo at every Walmart for his....

 

[paxfish]

My son plays frequently with a bunch of buddies.

Because the airsoft gun looks exactly like an M4, I've instructed him to carry it in it's case unless they are on the playing field. We don't need any "man with a gun" calls.

 

[xTourniquet]

What county do you live in?

We used to have all out airsoft wars in my neighborhood 3-4 years ago....never had a problem.

 

[Indiana Jones]

In high school we used to play in a balt county public park, and our yards. Police said "stay away from the roads" and let us play to our hearts content.

 

[DarthZed]

I bought an Airsoft AK47 Krinkov for my nephew last year. Have to say I was impressed with the realism. It had a metal receiver, folding metal stock (that looked/functioned exactly like one of mine); and many parts from one of my real AKs would retrofit (Flash suppressor, mags, optic rails). It would be impossible to tell his Airsoft AK from a real one unless you inspected it closely.

 

[ccarson]

I'm in Baltimore County and I'd like to know. I gave my nephew an airsoft gun a few years ago and we all took turns target shooting it in the back yard. The thought that that might not be legal never even entered my mind! Where's a kid supposed to shoot an airsoft or bb gun if not in their yard?

Apparently Texas

 

[Chevy]

Maryland, at the state level, considers a firearm to be a device that expels a projectile via explosive force. So the State doesn't consider your Airsoft pellet projector to be a firearm.

Montgomery County, however, has a much more restrictive take:


In MoCo, your Airsoft pellet projector is a gun. Your kid's Nerf Blaster is a gun. Your finger with a rubber band might a gun. (I only know this because I resided in MoCo for 15 years.)

Wouldn't that also include water guns as they use compressed air to expel a projectile through a barrel?

 

[6-Pack]

I'm almost done setting up an air gun range in my basement!

No problems in Carroll County (for the incorporated areas in the county, I don't know).

Anne Arundel County:

§ 9-1-602. Bows and arrows, BB guns, slingshots, and the like.
(a) Definition. In this section, "weapon" means a bow and arrow, BB gun, slingshot, or other device designed to discharge a pellet or other object by force of a spring, elastic band, gas cylinder, air cylinder, or gas or air cartridge.

(b) Prohibitions. A person may not sell, give away, lend, or otherwise transfer a weapon to a minor. A person may not discharge or use a weapon on private property without the express permission of the owner or other person entitled to possession of the property. A person may not discharge or use a weapon except in a manner that will prevent the discharged pellet or object from traversing grounds or space outside the limits of the property on which the weapon is discharged or used. A person may not discharge a weapon within 100 yards of a structure or camp occupied by human beings or commonly used by human beings unless the discharge is at a bona fide commercial indoor or outdoor target range under the supervision of an adult or there is in use a safe and reasonable backstop of sufficient size and composition to ensure that the projectile or arrow cannot pass through the target or backstop.

(c) Construction of section. This section may not be construed to make lawful anything otherwise prohibited by law.

(d) Sanctions for violation. A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or both.

Baltimore City:

§ 59-3. Air rifles, BB guns, etc.
(a) Prohibited conduct. No person may sell, give away, lend, rent, or otherwise transfer to any minor or permit any
minor to possess any air rifle, air gun, or BB gun.
(b) Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on
conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or to imprisonment for not more than 60
days or to both fine and imprisonment for each offense.

§ 59-26. Gas- or air-pellet guns.
(a) Definitions.
(1) In general.
In this section, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Gas- or air-pellet gun”. “Gas- or air-pellet gun” means any gun or other device, by whatever name or description
known, that is designed to discharge or can readily be converted to discharge a pellet or other
object by the expansion of gas or air.
(3) Paintball gun. “Paintball” means any gun or other device, including a gas- or air- pellet gun, that is used or
designed or intended to be used to discharge a paintball or other object designed or intended
to mark a target with pigmentation.
(4) “Person”. “Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation, limited liability
company, or other entity of any kind.
(b) Giving, etc., to minor prohibited. No person may sell, give away, or otherwise transfer a gas- or air-pellet gun or paintball gun to,
or permit the use of a gas- or air-pellet gun or paintball gun by, any individual whom that person
knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a minor.
(c) Possess, discharge, or use. No person may possess, discharge or use any gas- or air- pellet gun or paintball gun in Baltimore
City except:
(1) if the gun is kept within his or her domicile or is used by him or her exclusively for the
purpose of teaching the use and care of firearms at a properly constructed indoor or
outdoor range;
(2) on a properly constructed target range or recreational paintball facility;
(3) on private grounds or residence under circumstances in which the gun is operated so as to
not endanger person or property and in a manner that prevents the projectile from
traversing any grounds or space outside of the private grounds or residence; or
(4) if the gun is being transported in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose and is not being
carried on a person.
(d) Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on
conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than
12 months or to both fine and imprisonment for each offense.

Baltimore County:

§ 17-2-101. DISCHARGING FIREARM OR WEAPON IN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT.
(a) Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not fire or discharge a crossbow, pistol, air pistol, gas-propelled pistol, rifle, air rifle, gas-propelled rifle, or shotgun within:

(1) The limits of the metropolitan district of the county;

(2) A nondistrict enclave within the metropolitan district; or

(3) An appendage attached to the metropolitan district.

(b) Duty to post metropolitan district. The Police Department shall post in the county courthouse and in every police station and substation throughout the county, accurate maps designating the locations of the boundary lines of the metropolitan district established according to the Code.

(c) Exception. This section does not prohibit:

(1) A licensed hunter from discharging a shotgun, properly hunting in season using a shotgun that contains no heavier than No. 2 shot; or

(2) A person from discharging or firing a crossbow, pistol, air pistol, gas-propelled pistol, rifle, air rifle, gas-propelled rifle, or shotgun:

(i) On a permanently located, properly posted, and bona fide target range, the location of which has been filed with the Police Department;

(ii) When reasonably necessary for the defense of life or property;

(iii) As part of a military occasion when the discharge is done under the orders of a commanding officer; or

(iv) As part of a deer cooperator program under the authority granted to the Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the county, to reduce the wildlife population of protected wildlife determined to be overpopulated.

(d) Automatic weapons.

(1) In this subsection “automatic weapon” means any weapon capable of firing multiple shots with one depression of the trigger.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not fire or discharge an automatic weapon in the county.

Howard County:

Sec. 8.400(f) - "Gun" - Any firearm, rifle, shotgun, revolver, pistol, air gun, air rifle or any similar mechanism by whatever name known which is designed to expel a projectile through a barrel by the action of any explosive, gas, compressed air, spring, or elastic.

Sec. 8.401. - Discharge of guns—Prohibited.

(a) A person shall not discharge any gun within the Metropolitan District, whether the gun is loaded with fixed or blank ammunition or projectiles of any kind.

(b) A person shall not discharge any gun outside the Metropolitan District, whether the gun is loaded with fixed or blank ammunition or projectiles of any kind, except at varmints on the ground.

(c) A person shall not discharge a gun from, onto, across, or within 100 yards of a public road.

(d) A person shall not, without the prior written consent of the property owner, discharge a gun on, from, onto, or across any public or private land.

(e) This section shall not apply to:

(1) The discharge of guns at any target, trap or skeet range or shooting area which has been inspected and received the written approval of the department of inspections, licenses and permits pursuant to section 8.406, "Authority to Inspect and Approve Ranges or Shooting Areas," of this subtitle; or to

(2) The discharge of guns by any person in a private basement or cellar target range; or to

(3) The discharge of guns where necessary to protect life or property, including crops or livestock, or to kill any dangerous threatening animal; or to

(4) Any duly authorized law enforcement officer acting in the proper performance of his/her official duties; or to

(5) The discharge of blank ammunition in theatrical performances, historical reenactments or sporting events; or to

(6) The firing of salutes by firing squads at military funerals; or to

(7) The discharge of guns by any person engaged in bona fide wildlife research activities.

Montgomery County:

Sec. 57-1 - "Gun or Firearm" - Any rifle, shotgun, revolver, pistol, air gun, air rifle or any similar mechanism by whatever name known which is designed to expel a projectile through a gun barrel by the action of any explosive, gas, compressed air, spring or elastic.

Sec. 57-3. Change in urban area boundary.
On February 1 each year, the County Executive, after consulting with the Firearm Safety Committee, must recommend to the County Council any appropriate change in the boundary of the urban area based on new development or reported incidents of weapons discharge near developed areas.

Sec. 57-4. Discharge of guns in the urban area.
(a) Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection (b), a person, other than a peace officer or employee of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources performing official duties, must not discharge a gun within the urban area.

(b) Exceptions. Except as provided in Sections 57-7 and 57-11, a person may discharge a gun:

(1) on any indoor or outdoor target, trap, skeet, or shooting range that the Firearms Safety Committee has inspected and approved in writing;

(2) in a private basement or cellar target range;

(3) when necessary to protect life or property;

(4) to kill a dangerous animal;

(5) for discharge of blank cartridges in musical and theatrical performances, parades, or sporting events;

(6) for salutes by firing squads at military funerals;

(7) if approved by the Chief of Police, under a deer damage control permit issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources;

(8) for the purpose of deer hunting on private property that is at least 50 acres in size if:

(A) the person discharges the gun from an elevated position;

(B) the person does not load the gun until the person is located in the elevated position;

(C) the person unloads the gun before descending from the elevated position;

(D) the projectile has a downward trajectory;

(E) the property owner complies with any public notice requirements in applicable regulations; and

(F) the property owner gives written notice to the Chief of Police at least 15 days before any gun is discharged on the property which:

1. identifies the day or days on which deer hunting will occur;

2. identifies the time that deer hunting will begin and end each day;

3. lists the name of each individual who will participate in deer hunting; and

4. includes a copy of the record plat or tax assessment record for the property; or

(9) on property owned by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission as a part of a deer management program conducted or sanctioned by the Commission that complies with safety requirements approved by the Chief of Police.

(c) 50-acre threshold.

(1) Subject to the requirements of paragraph (2), up to 5 owners of contiguous parcels of property may aggregate their property to meet the 50-acre threshold in subsection (b)(8).

(2) If property owners aggregate their parcels to achieve the 50-acre threshold in subsection (b)(8), a person may discharge a gun for the purpose of deer hunting on the aggregated property if the person obtains written permission from each property owner, which must include a copy of the record plat or tax assessment record for each parcel in the aggregated property.

(d) A person who discharges a gun under the authority granted in subsection (b)(7), (b)(8), or (b)(9) is subject to the restrictions imposed by Section 57-5(a) on the discharge of a gun outside the urban area.

(e) Regulations. The County Executive must adopt regulations under method (2) which:

(1) establish procedures and criteria that the Chief of Police must use to decide whether it is safe to discharge a gun under the circumstances specified in subsection (b)(7); and

(2) to implement subsection (b)(8):

(A) require signs to be posted along the perimeter of each applicable property at least 15 days before any gun is discharged on the property;

(B) specify the size, wording, and location of each sign; and

(C) identify a method to determine the number of signs that must be posted.

Sec. 57-5. Discharge of guns outside the urban area.
(a) Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection (c)(1) through (c)(6), outside the urban area, a person, other than a peace officer or employee of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources performing official duties, must not:

(1) discharge a gun:

(A) onto, across, or within 50 yards of a public road;

(B) onto or across property located within 50 yards of a public road;

(C) into or within the safety zone (150 yards of a building or camp designed for human occupancy) without the owner or occupant's written consent; or

(C) from, onto, or across public or private property without the owner or occupant's written consent;

(2) discharge a full metal jacketed bullet of any caliber from a gun; or

(3) except as provided in subsection (b), discharge any fixed ammunition of a caliber higher than .25 caliber from a rifle or pistol.

(b) Exception - High Caliber Ammunition. A person may discharge fixed ammunition of a caliber higher than .25 from a rifle or pistol at:

(A) legal game or varmints on the ground; or

(B) a target on or near the ground that will not deflect a bullet.

(c) Other Exceptions. Except as provided in Sections 57-7 and 57-11, a person may discharge a gun:

(1) on any indoor or outdoor target, trap, skeet, or shooting range that the Firearm Safety Committee has inspected and approved in writing;

(2) in a private basement or cellar target range;

(3) when necessary to protect life or property;

(4) to kill a dangerous animal;

(5) for discharge of blank cartridges in musical and theatrical performances, parades, or sporting events;

(6) for salutes by firing squads at military funerals; or

(7) under a deer damage control permit issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

It seems that these ordinances have it out for contractors and roofers: all of their nail guns expel a projectile by use of air. It was only a matter of time before they caught on to assault nail guns with high capacity air tanks and multiple nail magazines (I would have said "clip" but nail guns actually use "clips" of nails).

 

[LeadSled1]

(3) An appendage attached to the metropolitan district.

 

[Travis Bickle]

Kids in my suburban neighborhood used to play airsoft right in the middle of the street. As far as I know no one has ever called the police or raised a fuss about it.
Even if the police showed up I wouldnt be particularly worried. Im sure they'll just tell you to stop. Especially if you live in a place where they have more important things to do

 

[DoubleTap007]

I'm almost done setting up an air gun range in my basement!

No problems in Carroll County (for the incorporated areas in the county, I don't know).

Where can I find this info for Harford County ?

EDIT: I found it. In case anyone else is interested. (Please note, this was just found via google).
Chapter 260. WEAPONS
§ 260-1. Sale and use restrictions.
§ 260-2. Definitions.
§ 260-3. Stun guns.
§ 260-4. Firearms.
§ 260-5. Violations and penalties.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Harford County Council by Bill No. 75-36. Editor's Note: This legislation was included as Ch. 14, Art. IV, of the 1978 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Peace and good order — See Ch. 193.
§ 260-1. Sale and use restrictions.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, give away, lend or otherwise transfer to any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years, except with the express permission of a parent or guardian of such minor, any bow and arrow or any BB gun, slingshot or other device, by whatever name or description known, designed to discharge a pellet or other object by force of a spring, elastic band, gas cylinder, air cylinder or gas or air cartridge.
B. It shall unlawful for any person to discharge or use any such bow and arrow, BB gun, slingshot or device, except on private property with the express permission of the owner or other person entitled to possession of such property and in such a manner as to prevent the discharged pellet or object from traversing any grounds or space outside the limits of such property or except at an indoor or outdoor target range under the supervision of an adult.
C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to make lawful anything otherwise prohibited by law.
§ 260-2. Definitions.
[Added by Bill No. 85-30] For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings as defined by this section:
PERSON
Any individual, firm, partnership, association or corporation.
STUN GUN
An electronic device which is specifically designed to temporarily incapacitate a person with a nonlethal electric shock caused by direct contact or projectile, but shall not include any devices such as cattle prods or nerve stimulators specifically designed for and used in the medical or agricultural field.
§ 260-3. Stun guns.
[Added by Bill No. 85-30]
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, give away, lend, rent or in any manner transfer a stun gun to any person.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, fire or discharge a stun gun.
C. Nothing in this section shall be held to apply to any law enforcement officer while in performance of official duty.
§ 260-4. Firearms.
[Added by Bill No. 85-38]
A. Within this section, a "firearm" shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun designed to propel any projectile or projectiles by means of explosive energy.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person to fire or discharge any firearm:
(1) On the property of another without written permission of the property owner or tenant and having the written permission in immediate possession.
(2) In the direction of any residential dwelling or building designed and used for human occupancy or school wherein the person firing or discharging the firearm knows or should have known that the projectile or projectiles have a reasonable chance of striking the structure.
(3) On public property without first obtaining written permission from the appropriate agency or a permit from the agency if required and having the written permission or permit in immediate possession.
(4) Wherein the projectile or projectiles traverse the property of another so as to endanger life, limb or property.
(5) Within one hundred fifty (150) yards of any residential dwelling or building designed and used for human occupancy or school, located on adjacent or abutting property, without written permission from the property owner or tenant and having the written permission in immediate possession.
C. Nothing in this section shall be held to apply to or prohibit the firing or discharge of any firearms on a bona fide shooting range or if the same is reasonably necessary for the defense of life or property or to any law enforcement officer in the performance of official duty.
§ 260-5. Violations and penalties.
Any violation of this chapter shall be deemed a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.) or imprisonment for not more than sixty (60) days, or both.