‹ Back to the U.S. airgun law map
Airgun law · United States
Are Airguns Legal in Tennessee?
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.
TN
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Tennessee 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
PreemptionPartial preemption
The rules in detail
Classification
Not a firearm
Not a firearm under state law.
Age rule
18+ for sales
18+ for purchase.
Possession
Free for adults
Lawful for adults.
Transfer / sale
Age verification
Verify 18+ for sales.
Transport
No state rule
No state-specific transport rules.
Preemption
Partial preemption
Standard firearms preemption.
Hunting with an airgun
Ordinary airguns NOT legal for big game/turkey; airbow-style pneumatic setup allowed in modern gun season
Deer
Allowed with conditions
Only via PCP arrow-shooting setup in modern gun season
Turkey
Allowed with conditions
Only via PCP arrow-shooting setup in statewide gun seasons
Small game
Allowed with conditions
Allowed in certain deer/bear season contexts with airguns .25 or smaller
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Unresolved
Other big game
Allowed with conditions
Bear/elk only via PCP arrow-shooting setup in modern gun season
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.