Thread: Air rifle target practice

I just got a junior air rifle .177. Just a wee thing to practice and get my aim in. My friend said it's illegal to do target practice in my backyard - is this true? I live in Christchurch if that makes any difference?

Dont know if its illegal or not but i got one for my 4 year old boy to practice in our back yard. But there are no houses or its not over looked out there so no problem.

Welcome to the forum Emma. I am sure that someone on here will provide an answer to that question.

Yup, def NOT illegal to shoot an air rifle in your own back yard, it's fine to shoot.

BUT.

You need to make sure you're not scaring/frightening neighbours, make sure there's no chance of any pellets leaving your property and make sure you have a safe firing zone so no-one can accidentally walk between your rifle and your target. These things aren't toys, they're firearms, and need to be treated as such.

YES
Shoot into a pellet trap located across the garden, the fence prevents neighbours from seeing in anyway and you're on the back porch with an uninterrupted view to the target.

NO
Shoot from the kitchen to a tin can nailed onto the top of a fence, then run out of the mailbox yelling "Wolverines!" dressed in camo with a face mask on.

There are numerous air rifle clubs across the country which are a great place to learn how to shoot, and learn how to shoot safely. Check out nzairgun.co.nz , register there and there'll be loads of people offering good advice.

edit: if you're under 18, then no it's all a big no no unless you're supervised by an adult, and no you can't keep the air rifle in your possession. If you're over 18 then it's fine.

As above and welcome.

thanks everyone YAY! I'm over 18 so all good - just got a junior rifle coz my arms aren't very long

Originally Posted by Kscott

Yup, def NOT illegal to shoot an air rifle in your own back yard, it's fine to shoot.

BUT.

You need to make sure you're not scaring/frightening neighbours, make sure there's no chance of any pellets leaving your property and make sure you have a safe firing zone so no-one can accidentally walk between your rifle and your target. These things aren't toys, they're firearms, and need to be treated as such.

YES
Shoot into a pellet trap located across the garden, the fence prevents neighbours from seeing in anyway and you're on the back porch with an uninterrupted view to the target.

NO
Shoot from the kitchen to a tin can nailed onto the top of a fence, then run out of the mailbox yelling "Wolverines!" dressed in camo with a face mask on.

There are numerous air rifle clubs across the country which are a great place to learn how to shoot, and learn how to shoot safely. Check out nzairgun.co.nz , register there and there'll be loads of people offering good advice.

edit: if you're under 18, then no it's all a big no no unless you're supervised by an adult, and no you can't keep the air rifle in your possession. If you're over 18 then it's fine.

Well, wheres the fun if you can't do that

But as Kscott said, as long as you don't scare the neighbours, clear shot with a trap then all good.

Plug away and it won't be long until you get the urge to go bigger

Good to go and tell your neighbours what you are doing so they don't get any surprises or you don't get a visit from the boys in blue

Originally Posted by possum_shooter

Good to go and tell your neighbours what you are doing so they don't get any surprises or you don't get a visit from the boys in blue

Won't it be the boys in black with bigger guns than you have

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