Illegal to have target practice in your backyard? (Portland)

[matteumayo]

I was reading this guide:

http://airsoftpacific.com/viewtopic.php?t=2845

and I've read it a couple times over now, and I get the impression that (at least in Portland) it's illegal to even shoot at targets on your own private property, unless you contact authorities first.

With that, wouldn't thousands of people around the Portland Metro area be breaking the law?

I see kids posting videos of their AEGs and such, obviously in city limits, and I sincerely doubt they called the authorities first every time they did anything.

tl;dr: Do I have to call the cops and tell them not to worry about me shooting a target in my back yard?

[RedSpo0n]

Telling the cops first, even if they give you permission, doesn't negate the law. It is illegal in the city limits to discharge your airsoft gun. (Although, as Gunny points out in the other thread - getting permission first goes along way in your favor in avoiding being cited, arrested, or police involvement otherwise)

That's not a universal law - but most cities have an ordinance against it *including paintball, airsoft, traditional airguns, and true firearms.*

All 'those kids on youtube' are breaking the law if they're in the city limits, yes.

It's also not safe or smart to play near the street, nor in public, with your airsoft guns - strictly legal or not.

*ninja edit for clarity!*

[matteumayo]

Telling the cops first, even if they give you permission, doesn't negate the law. It is illegal in the city limits to discharge your airsoft gun.

That's not a universal law - but most city have an ordinance against it *including paintball, airsoft, traditional airguns, and true firearms.*

All 'those kids on youtube' are breaking the law if they're in the city limits, yes.

It's also not safe or smart to play near the street, nor in public, with your airsoft guns - strictly legal or not.

Ok, thanks for clearing that up!

[God]

If you have a fence around your lot... Maybe a closed in backyard, who'd know? If anything, you find out if your neighbors are d**ks. lol

[ogrejager]

If you have a fence around your lot... Maybe a closed in backyard, who'd know? If anything, you find out if your neighbors are d**ks. lol

Illegal is illegal. Do something like this at your own risk--realize you're breaking the law and be willing to pay the consequences before you set up a range in your backyard.

There's a reason I live in the country. I think I'll do some Glock practice this afternoon.

[Transition]

not to mention putting another black mark on airsoft and this community. Just dont do it.

[VogonFord]

As far as my impression of it goes, it's the sort of law that usually gets a blind eye turned to it, but it does get enforced every now and then (oddly enough, the only person I know who's had it enforced on them is my dad who got a warning for shooting a Red Ryder at ducks to keep them off of his porch). That said, it's still breaking the law. Are you willing to take that risk?