Can a felon own a pellet gun?

Asked by: Mr. Isaiah Emard  |  Last update: May 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (30 votes)

Pellet guns are not firearms under Federal law, so it is lawful for a Federal felon to have a pellet gun. That said, however, you are on probation and there may be weapons which aren't firearms which are prohibited to probationers as well.

Can a convicted felon carry a pellet gun?

Under California law, a firearm is defined as a "device designed to be used as a weapon from which is expelled through a barrel a projectile by the force of an explosion or another form of combustion." The detail about "the force of an explosion or another form of combustion" is the statement that specifically excludes ...

Does a pellet gun count as a gun?

Airguns still count as firearms if used in a crime, and can't be fired in public areas. Airguns may be carried on one's person concealed/openly.

What self-defense weapons can a felon own?

They are prohibited from owning, purchasing, receiving, or controlling firearms. Also, people with outstanding felony warrants are forbidden from owning or possessing a gun. It is legal to purchase, possess, or carry a stun gun or taser for lawful self-defense as defined under Penal Code 22610 PC.

What guns can felons own?

Under federal law, those convicted of a felony are forbidden from purchasing or possessing firearms and explosives.

Can a convicted felon own a pellet gun in Colorado? [2022 UPDATES IN THE DESCRIPTION]

33 related questions found

Can a felon own a homemade gun?

Eligibility to possess a firearm:

Among other groups, individuals convicted of certain crimes, individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders, and individuals found to be a danger to themselves or others are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

Does the 2nd Amendment protect felons?

The Second Amendment Permits The Disarming of “Dangerous” Felons. Each year, more than 8,000 people are convicted for unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). About 90% of those cases arose from gun possession by a felon.

Can a convicted felon have a pepper ball gun?

The lawyer's answer to most questions is "It depends." It is not illegal for a convicted felon to possess a CO2 gun. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a "firearm" which is a weapon that works by operation of gun powder.

Can a nonviolent felon carry a gun?

If you are no longer considered convicted, then you no longer have a restriction on your right to bear arms. People with white-collar or non-violent felonies may legally own firearms. The third loophole for felons is that not all felonies restrict your right to own a gun.

Can felons own black powder guns?

Unfortunately, no. The California definition of a firearm does not exempt antique weapons the way the Federal statute does.

Can I have a pellet gun?

If you are 18 years or older there are no restrictions on buying an air rifle and ammunition, and you can use it wherever you have permission to shoot.

Is a pellet gun stronger than a BB gun?

Pellet and BB guns use compressed air to fire projectiles, and are also known as air guns for that reason, though the ammunition used for each is not always interchangeable. BB guns can fire at speeds of up to 550 feet per second. Pellet guns can be even more powerful with speeds approaching 1,000 feet per second.

Why are pellet guns legal?

Federal law prevents states from prohibiting the sale of traditional BB or pellet guns, but explicitly allows states to prohibit the sale of these weapons to minors.

Are felons allowed to have airsoft guns?

California doesn't classify airsoft guns as firearms. So the felon can be in the same home as the owner of the airsoft gun. While not illegal, it will raise question and put unwanted attention his way.

Can a felon own a Byrna gun?

Those sprays are illegal for self-defense in your state, not because you're a felon but because your state does not allow them. You can get in trouble carrying a Byrna concealed or otherwise, but you shouldn't be charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.

Can felons hunt with a shotgun?

An individual convicted of a felony offense is prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), but is not prohibited from hunting consistent with state regulations.

In what state can a felon own a gun?

- Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota automatically restore firearms rights to convicted felons - including those who committed violent crimes - but make them wait five to 15 years after they complete state supervision, the center and ATF found.

Can a felon get a passport?

Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.

When did felons lose the right to own guns?

The 1968 Gun Control Act and subsequent amendments codified at 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq. prohibit anyone convicted of a felony and anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order from possessing a firearm.

Can felons carry mace?

California: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be purchased, possessed, or used by: minors, felons, or addicts. Product canisters cannot exceed 2.5 oz.

Can a nonviolent felon get a gun?

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled people convicted of non-violent crimes who have finished their prison sentence are allowed to own guns.

Is a PepperBall gun considered a firearm?

No. PepperBall launchers are not considered to be a firearm by the ATF.

What freedoms do you lose as a felon?

From the loss of voting rights and firearm ownership to employment challenges and parental custody issues, the ramifications of a felony conviction in California can be both profound and long-lasting.

What is the Supreme Court decision on felons owning guns in 2024?

Police guard the plaza in front of the Supreme Court building in Washington on July 1, 2024. The Supreme Court said Tuesday that it won't take up a challenge to parts of a federal law that bar convicted felons and drug users from possessing firearms, and let stand a ban on assault-style weapons in Illinois.

What guns are not protected by the 2nd Amendment?

That right, however, is limited to those “in common use at the time for lawful purposes like self-defense.” Id. at 624-25, 627. Indeed, this limitation is “fairly supported by the historical tradition of prohibiting the carrying of dangerous and unusual weapons,” such as short-barreled shotguns and machine guns.