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Airgun law · United States
Are Airguns Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow — usually age verification, and in some places a low-power threshold.
Tier 3 — Moderate
Mainly age verification (typically 18+), with some local variance.
PA
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Pennsylvania is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationNot a firearm
Age rule18+ for sales
PossessionFree for adults
Transfer / saleAge verification
TransportNo state rule
PreemptionLocal rules govern
Before you buy or sell
- Philadelphia has a near-total airgun ban. Do not ship to Philadelphia addresses.
The rules in detail
Classification
Not a firearm
Not a firearm under state law (18 Pa.C.S. § 6304).
Age rule
18+ for sales
18+ for dealer sales.
Possession
Free for adults
Lawful for adults.
Transfer / sale
Age verification
Verify 18+ for dealer sales.
Transport
No state rule
No state-specific transport rules.
Preemption
Local rules govern
EXPLICITLY NOT preempted — § 6304(e) states that local ordinances imposing 'greater restrictions' on air rifles 'shall not be invalidated' by state law.
Hunting with an airgun
Strong small-game/furbearer allowance; no big game
Deer
Not allowed / prohibited
Not authorized
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Unresolved
Small game
Explicitly allowed
Allowed
Predators
Explicitly allowed
Allowed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Unresolved
Local rules that still apply
PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia municipal code: 'No person shall sell, offer for sale at retail, or use… any air gun… which forcefully impels a pellet,' plus penalties for sales to minors. Near-total ban.
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.