Can You Shoot An Air Rifle In Your Backyard NZ?

Air rifles are popular among hobbyists and hunters who enjoy shooting targets or small games. They are also relatively easy to acquire and use, as they do not require a firearms license in New Zealand. But can you shoot an air rifle in your backyard in New Zealand? What are the legal and safety implications of doing so? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to shoot an air rifle responsibly and legally in your backyard.

A Quick Summary

Can You Shoot an Air Rifle in Your Backyard in New Zealand? Yes, you can shoot an air rifle in your backyard in New Zealand, as long as you are of legal age and not a prohibited person. However, you must also follow some legal and safety rules and conditions that apply to air rifle owners and users, such as obtaining permission from the council and your neighbors, using a suitable backstop or pellet trap, shooting at a safe distance and angle, and storing your air rifle and pellets securely. By doing so, you can enjoy shooting an air rifle in your backyard without breaking the law or causing trouble.

Air Rifle Laws NZ

In the Land of the Long White Cloud, air guns, which include air rifles, are classified as firearms under the Arms Act 1983. However, there’s a bit of a twist! You don’t need a firearms license for air rifles with a muzzle velocity of less than 15-foot pounds (ft/lb) for rifles or 6 ft/lb for pistols. Any more powerful, though, and you will need that license.

Furthermore, you can’t just fire your air rifle willy-nilly! It’s illegal to discharge an air gun in a way that could endanger, annoy, or frighten anyone, or harm property, especially in public places. So, always ensure you’re firing in a safe direction, far away from public areas or properties.

Selling or supplying air guns to anyone under 18 is a no-no unless they have a firearms license or are under the direct supervision of a license holder or a person 18 or older.

Summing it up, owning and shooting an air rifle in NZ is a fun experience, but it’s also one that requires a good understanding of the rules. Stay safe, legal, and have a blast (literally)

For further understanding of this topic – you can read our dedicated article for Air Rifle Laws NZ

Where Can I Shoot an Air Rifle in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the use of air rifles is governed by the Arms Act 1983, and a firearms license is not typically required for air rifles under certain power restrictions. However, always ensure that your use of the air rifle is compliant with the law.

So, where can you let off some steam and enjoy the sport? Well, your options are generally broken down into two categories: private property and shooting ranges.

First off, if you own private property, you’re in luck! You can freely use your air rifle, granted you ensure the safety of people and properties around you. Also, you must respect the noise control bylaws and never shoot toward public spaces or neighboring properties. The key is to always be responsible and aware of your surroundings.

Now, if you don’t own private property, fear not! Shooting ranges across New Zealand are also welcoming places for air rifle enthusiasts. Ranges like Auckland Shooting Club, or the North Auckland Deerstalkers Association have specially designated areas for air rifles, providing a safe environment to learn, practice, and compete.

But remember, even in these controlled environments, safety should always be your number one priority. Always handle your air rifle responsibly, wear protective gear, and abide by the rules of the shooting range.

Do You Need A Licence for an Air Rifle in New Zealand

In New Zealand, air guns, including air rifles, are defined as firearms under the Arms Act 1983. But before you start worrying about tedious paperwork, there’s a silver lining! For air rifles with a muzzle energy of less than 15-foot pounds (ft/lb) for rifles or less than 6 ft/lb for pistols, you’re in the clear – no firearms license is required.

But, pump the brakes if your air rifle is more powerful! If your air rifle exceeds these energy limits, you will need to hold a standard New Zealand firearms license. The process of acquiring one involves a background check, safety training, and an inspection of your home’s security measures, ensuring you are fit to handle a firearm responsibly.

Also, remember that while you can shoot your lower-powered air rifle without a license, it doesn’t mean you can use it recklessly. It’s against the law to discharge an air gun, even if it’s under the energy limit, in a way that could potentially harm, annoy, or frighten others, or damage property.

So, yes, depending on the power of your air rifle, you might need a license. Make sure to check the specifications of your gun and understand the laws.

Slug Gun Laws in New Zealand

If you’re wondering about slug gun laws in New Zealand, you’re not alone! In Kiwi lingo, a ‘slug gun’ is often another term for an air rifle or air gun, and understanding the rules around these can be a tad confusing.

In New Zealand, air guns (including slug guns) are considered firearms under the Arms Act 1983. So, similar to Air Rifle Laws NZ – If your slug gun has a muzzle energy of less than 15-foot pounds (ft/lb) for rifles or less than 6 ft/lb for pistols, you’re in luck – no firearms license is required.

On the flip side, if your slug gun exceeds these limits, you will need to obtain a standard New Zealand firearms license. This involves a thorough vetting process, safety training, and a home security inspection.

And it’s not just about owning a slug gun. The law has strict guidelines about their use as well. Whether you have a license or not, you can’t just shoot anywhere. It’s illegal to use an air gun in a way that endangers, annoys, or frightens anyone, or causes property damage.

The Legal Status of Air Rifles in New Zealand

According to the Arms Act 1983, an air rifle is defined as “a rifle that has a barrel with a bore not exceeding 5.56 millimeters and that is designed for use with compressed gas”. This means that air rifles are not considered firearms under the law, and therefore do not require a firearms license to possess or use. However, this does not mean that air rifles are completely unregulated or unrestricted. There are still some rules and conditions that apply to air rifle owners and users, such as:

• Anyone under the age of 18 must be supervised by a firearms license holder or a person 18 years of age or older when using an airgun.
• Anyone who sells or supplies an airgun to a person under the age of 18 must ensure that the person has a firearms license or is supervised by a person who has one.
• Anyone who uses an airgun must comply with the general rules of safe firearm handling, such as treating every airgun as loaded, pointing it in a safe direction, keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and identifying the target and what is beyond it.
• Anyone who uses an airgun must not endanger, alarm, or annoy any person or damage or endanger any property.
• Anyone who uses an airgun must not use it in a public place, such as a street, park, forest, or building open to the public unless they have a lawful purpose and the consent of the person who has control of the place.
• Anyone who uses an airgun must not use it in a way that creates a reasonable apprehension that they intend to use it unlawfully against any person.

If you breach any of these rules or conditions, you may be liable for prosecution and penalties under the Arms Act 1983 or other relevant laws.

The Safety Precautions of Shooting an Air Rifle in Your Backyard

Assuming that you are of legal age and not a prohibited person, you can shoot an air rifle in your backyard in New Zealand. However, you must also take some safety precautions to ensure that you do not harm yourself, others, or property. Here are some tips on how to shoot an air rifle safely and responsibly in your backyard:

• Always check your local council regulations and bylaws before shooting an air rifle in your backyard. Some councils may have specific rules or restrictions on shooting airguns in residential areas, such as requiring a minimum distance from neighboring properties, limiting the hours of shooting, or prohibiting shooting altogether. You must follow these rules or obtain permission from the council if necessary.
• Always inform your neighbors before shooting an air rifle in your backyard. This will help avoid any misunderstandings, complaints, or conflicts that may arise from your shooting activities. You may also ask for their consent or cooperation if possible.
• Always use a suitable backstop or pellet trap when shooting an air rifle in your backyard. This will prevent your pellets from ricocheting or flying off into someone else’s property or causing damage or injury. You can use a commercial pellet trap or make your own using materials such as wood, metal, cardboard, rubber, or sand. Make sure that your backstop or pellet trap is large enough to catch all your pellets and strong enough to withstand repeated impacts.
• Always shoot at a safe distance and angle when shooting an air rifle in your backyard. This will minimize the risk of accidents or injuries from stray pellets or misfires. You should also avoid shooting at hard surfaces or objects that may cause your pellets to bounce back or splinter. You should also avoid shooting at living creatures such as birds or animals unless you have a valid reason and permission to do so.
• Always store your air rifle and pellets securely when not in use. This will prevent unauthorized access or misuse by children or other persons. You should also keep your air rifle and pellets away from sources of heat, moisture, or corrosion that may damage them.

Conclusion

Shooting an air rifle in your backyard in New Zealand can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it also comes with some legal and safety responsibilities. You must follow the rules and conditions that apply to air rifle owners and users and take some precautions to ensure that you do not harm yourself, others, or property. By doing so, you can enjoy shooting an air rifle in your backyard without breaking the law or causing trouble. Happy shooting!