Crossman trapmaster co2 shotgun

[WebleyWombler]

I'm not sure why anyone would calculate energy based on the total weight of projectiles rather than individual ones. The 1969 secondary legislation is very clear when it says "capable of discharging a missile so that the missile has... kinetic energy in excess... of 12 ft. lb" (my italics etc).

Dust shot can do little damage, which after all is the unstated objective of the law (notwithstanding preventing US competition to UK airgun manufacturers, which was the real reason...).

STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
1969 No. 47

ARMS AND AMMUNITION
The Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969

Made

13th January 1969

Coming into Operation

1st May 1969

In pursuance of sections 1(3) and 53 of the Firearms Act 1968, I hereby make the following Rules:—

1.—(1) These Rules may be cited as the Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969.(2) These Rules shall not extend to Scotland.(3) The Interpretation Act 1889 applies for the interpretation of these Rules as it applies for the interpretation of an Act of Parliament.(4) These Rules shall come into operation on 1st May 1969.2.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, Rule 3 of these Rules applies to an air weapon (that is to say, an air rifle, air gun or air pistol) capable of discharging a missile so that the missile has, on being discharged from the muzzle of the weapon, kinetic energy in excess, in the case of an air pistol, of 6 ft. lb. or, in the case of an air weapon other than an air pistol, of 12 ft. lb.(2) Rule 3 of these Rules does not apply to a weapon designed for use only when submerged in water.3. An air weapon to which this Rule applies is hereby declared to be specially dangerous.

James CallaghanOne of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of StateHome Office

Whitehall
13th January 1969

The guns are sold as primarily as shotguns but Crosman advertised and sold both shot and solid ball for them. whilst shot cartridges are almost unobtainium, .375 ball can be easily obtained from Muzzle loaders suppliers. Another point is the word 'Capable' . if the shot energy is tested As a 'DISCHARGE FROM THE MUZZLE' then the shot will not have time to spread and will be treated as a solid missile. Would you take your chance at getting hit by a charge of small shot at 6" range?

There is no escaping the fact that the muzzle energy exceeds the limit, the missile is almost irrelevant as the gun is not designed for or ever advertised as suitable for use with non lethal ammunition .

EDIT. The word 'CAPABLE' in the legislation is the reason it is almost impossible to get a S1 air rifle downgraded to non FAC. Once it is deemed capable . That is final as far as the authorities are concerned.