"The Air Gun as a Serious Weapon" by H Marks

[Lakey]

An airgun has sufficient power to result in the death of a child as has sadly been proven on more than one occasion.
Therefore I would argue that they must be regarded as weapons irrespective of any intent.
Knives are similarly categorised.
Cutlery and match airguns are merely derivitaves of their primary functions - but the connection is still there and they could instantly be reverted in the wrong hands.

The problem here is that in todays society, where the real reasons for problems are glossed over, or pigeon holed into convenient little spots to suit whatever axe has to be ground, or whatever course of action has to be justified, the word weapon is a very contentious one, which unfairly tars our sport/passtime with the illegal acts of others. Air weapons are classed as firearms when it comes to upholding the law and punishing wrong doers, however to most responsible users, they are not seen as weapons in the traditional sense of the word. I think it is important to maintain a distinction between airguns under 12 ft/lbs and guns which are over that limit, and since the majority of us use guns under 12 ft/lbs, the word weapon doesn't seem to fit.
Society is not well versed in different gun categories or derivations, so it doesn't help our long term hobby that airguns are seen in the same light as firearms and handguns etc. We wouldn't class darts or racing cars as weapons - even though both have that capacity to inflict serious injury?

[harvey_s]

The problem here is that in todays society, where the real reasons for problems are glossed over, or pigeon holed into convenient little spots to suit whatever axe has to be ground, or whatever course of action has to be justified, the word weapon is a very contentious one, which unfairly tars our sport/passtime with the illegal acts of others. Air weapons are classed as firearms when it comes to upholding the law and punishing wrong doers, however to most responsible users, they are not seen as weapons in the traditional sense of the word. I think it is important to maintain a distinction between airguns under 12 ft/lbs and guns which are over that limit, and since the majority of us use guns under 12 ft/lbs, the word weapon doesn't seem to fit.
Society is not well versed in different gun categories or derivations, so it doesn't help our long term hobby that airguns are seen in the same light as firearms and handguns etc. We wouldn't class darts or racing cars as weapons - even though both have that capacity to inflict serious injury?

Thats because neither were designed as weapons...!
Just because you don't like the connotation does not alter it's true purpose or capacity to kill or maim and a sub 12 ft/lb airgun can do that to a human child as easily as a rabbit.
They must be treated and handled as such anyway - anything less is lunacy, so just call a spade a spade.
Society does not care one jot about whether your rifle has 20 or 10 ft/lbs there is no distinction in the public eye by power classification.
Failure to treat a 12 ft/lb air gun as a weapon will lead to a lack of respect and that is likely to lead to another tragedy - and that would do FAR more damage to our sport than the use of the word weapon.

[cringe]

Thats because neither were designed as weapons...!
Just because you don't like the connotation does not alter it's true purpose or capacity to kill or maim and a sub 12 ft/lb airgun can do that to a human child as easily as a rabbit.
They must be treated and handled as such anyway - anything less is lunacy, so just call a spade a spade.
Society does not care one jot about whether your rifle has 20 or 10 ft/lbs there is no distinction in the public eye by power classification.
Failure to treat a 12 ft/lb air gun as a weapon will lead to a lack of respect and that is likely to lead to another tragedy - and that would do FAR more damage to our sport than the use of the word weapon.

So, is it sill ok if I call a spade a spade?

[cringe]

So, is it sill ok if I call a spade a spade?

sorry just spotted my spilling mistake their, I mean is it ok to call a black person a spade, [I have negro relations]?

[cringe]

sorry just spotted my spilling mistake their, I mean is it ok to call a black person a spade, [I have negro relations]?

Also, is it acceptable [politically correct] to call my pellets 'ammo' or ammunition? & what about my antiques! should I scrub the name off my 'black boys' & 'cat slugs'?