What Are the Restrictions Against BB Guns in Texas?
The BB gun was introduced in 1886 as a common lead shotgun. Used today by many for the purpose of shooting varmint, target practice or as an introduction to gun use and safety from father to son, certain restrictions must be followed when operating a BB gun in Texas.
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Disturbing the Peace
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Shooters cannot fire their BB guns in public or across the line of any private property. Should the shooter break this law, he could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for disturbing the peace, and have to pay a hefty fine, ranging from $500 to $1,000, depending on any damage that was done. The shooter must have written consent from a property owner in order to shoot his BB gun on the property.
Traveling
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Do not carry your BB gun in plain sight while driving. This includes the front passenger seat, under the dashboard near the footrest or anywhere visible in the backseat. A few cities in west Texas have outlawed the carrying of a replica firearm. If a person is pulled over in one of those cities, he will be arrested for possession of firearms. In other instances, because most BB guns resemble a rifle, if you are pulled over by law enforcement, you will undergo unnecessary questioning until the matter is resolved, or face aggravated assault, because the BB could appear to be a real weapon.
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Animal Cruelty
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In the state of Texas, according to the Texas Penal Code, Chapter 42, it is illegal to torture an animal. This does not include the shooting of varmint, unless those varmints are considered to be a pet to another resident. If one is found guilty of shooting an animal with a BB gun, for no other reason than cruelty, that person will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If that person has been previously convicted two times of the same crime, he will face felony charges and more than likely spend time in jail. Before shooting an animal that is wrecking havoc in your yard, consult the local animal control center for help and guidance to solve the problem.
BB Gun Safety
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Because of the varying laws on BB guns in Texas, it is best to shoot your BB gun in your own yard, where you won't disturb or injure a neighbor. Another place to shoot your BB gun would be at a shooting range, where you are provided with assistance to ensure safety while handling your BB gun.
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References
- Photo Credit shooting-range image by serkolod from Fotolia.com
