Legislation Introduced to Redefine BB and Pellet Guns as Firearms
U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin proposed a new bill on Friday aimed at what he describes as “a dangerous gap” by reclassifying BB and pellet guns as firearms.
If this redefinition passes, those looking to buy BB and pellet guns would have to go through the same background checks that are currently required for buyers of AR-15s, 9mm handguns, and other firearms.
Daisy BB Guns expressed their thoughts about the proposed legislation on social media, stating, “[This bill] would include guns like the Daisy 880. Their goal is to eventually include all airguns. If passed, it will treat airguns producing ‘high velocity’ as firearms. [The bill] was introduced… to the House of Representatives… it would add all airguns that produce 800 or more feet per second in .177 caliber, and all pellets over .25 caliber.”
In a press release on the same day, Mullin’s office referred to the current absence of background checks for BB and pellet guns as a “loophole,” highlighting:
A constituent of Rep. Mullin, Garrett Edwards, faced mental health struggles during the pandemic and was legally barred from owning a firearm. Unfortunately, when his situation deteriorated, Garrett was able to purchase a lethal airgun online and used it to take his own life. To prevent similar incidents, Garrett’s Law aims to close this dangerous gap in federal law by classifying high-powered, lethal airguns as firearms.
The previously mentioned press release includes a comment from Emma Brown, executive director of the gun control advocacy group GIFFORDS, who praised the proposed legislation. She remarked, “We’re glad to see Rep. Mullin introducing this legislation to create basic guardrails for these previously unregulated weapons, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass it.”
March for Our Lives has also shown support for the bill.
