New York Lawmakers Move to Restrict BB and Pellet Guns

Proposed legislation would redefine air guns as 'imitation weapons' and impose new regulations.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting of an air rifle or BB gun in a kaleidoscope of bright, clashing colors, conveying a sense of speed and motion to illustrate the legislative debate over regulating these non-lethal devices.New York's proposed air gun regulations aim to redefine these recreational devices as 'imitation weapons', sparking debate over gun control policies.NYC Today

New York state lawmakers are pushing legislation that would redefine BB and pellet guns as 'imitation weapons,' raising the legal age for purchasing them and requiring that such 'weapons' be painted brightly. The bills, S9215 and A10701, would also bring air guns under the same regulations as actual firearms, including requiring gun manufacturers to establish controls to prevent unlawful possession and use.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader effort by some New York lawmakers to impose stricter regulations on a wide range of gun-like devices, including paintball guns and air rifles, in the name of public safety. Critics argue the bills go too far and unfairly target law-abiding hobbyists and sportsmen.

The details

The proposed bills would redefine BB and pellet guns as 'imitation weapons,' requiring them to be transparent or brightly colored and have plugged barrels, effectively banning current models. The legislation would also bring air guns under the same regulations as actual firearms, requiring gun manufacturers to establish controls to prevent unlawful possession and use.

  • The bills, S9215 and A10701, are currently being considered by the New York state legislature.

The players

New York State Legislature

The state legislative body that is considering the bills to restrict BB and pellet guns.

Hard Air Magazine

A publication that noted the legislation would effectively ban current air gun models.

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What they’re saying

“This legislation would require air guns to be transparent or brightly colored and have a plugged barrel, effectively banning current models as they would no longer be able to fire a projectile.”

— Hard Air Magazine

What’s next

The New York State Legislature will continue to debate and consider the proposed bills, S9215 and A10701, in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over how to balance public safety concerns with the rights of hobbyists and sportsmen when it comes to gun-like devices. The outcome could set a precedent for other states considering similar restrictions on air guns and other imitation weapons.