Bill would classify some powerful air guns as firearms

The bill would classify certain air guns as firearms under federal law. The definition covers air or gas-powered weapons that meet listed pellet size and speed limits, plus any metallic pellet larger than .25 caliber. The definition excludes weapons that only shoot paint-filled pellets. The Attorney General could designate other air guns as lethal through rulemaking if they can cause death. The proposed classification would take effect 850 days after enactment.

The Attorney General would publish guidance for air gun makers seeking federal firearms licenses. The guidance would help makers of lethal air guns become federal firearms licensees. The guidance would cover the license application and rules for licensees, including serial numbers and recordkeeping. The Attorney General would have to publish the guidance within 365 days after enactment.