2nd Amendment...

[thebookdoc]

After getting told I couldn't shoot a pellet gun in my yard, and reading the local ordinance (which says: "No person, other than in defense of person or property, shall carry or discharge any species of air gun, air pistol or rifle in the Town of Amherst, Erie County, New York, nor shall any person carry or discharge a shotgun within 750 feet of a building, street, road or public highway in said town." Which seems to suggest air rifles are more dangerous than shotguns...As long as you are not close to a building.). I started to wonder about how that fit with the constitution...

"Searching more comprehensive collections of English language works published before 1820 shows that there are a number of uses that...have nothing to do with military service...[and] The common law was in agreement. Edward Christian’s edition of Blackstone’s Commentaries that appeared in the 1790’s described the rights of Englishmen (which every American colonist had been promised) in these terms 'everyone is at liberty to keep or carry a gun, if he does not use it for the [unlawful] destruction of game.' This right was separate from militia duties."

I wonder if that means local government is in violation of the second amendment. We do have the right to bare arms...Certainly it can't be malicious...but what right does the local government have to say I can't shoot a bb gun?! I think I need to fight this...

[Bentong]

Just tell them you are" in defense of person or property" as you quoted. I miss the good all days when one can carry and hunt with air gun without spooking people around you. I understand that times have change and so is the mentality and power of current air rifles. Laws are annoying if it's restricting on our personal preference.

[Bobber]

Yes you are correct but that will not help you as you are fighting a battle you cannot win on your own. The recent supreme court ruling in the Heller case in DC was similar, in that persons were prohibited in keeping loaded handguns inside their own homes for protection, despite the wording of the 2nd Amendment of the consitution. You may  not agree with  all the politics and pressure tactics used by the NRA , but they were instrumental in over-turning that local law in the gun owners favor through political pressure. Now the fight is to keep it that way , and do that else where.It will be tough we just got a new justice on the supreme court. The reason that the NRA was mentioned in your other post below as a dirty word in urban politics  by the other posters that responded , is that they ARE feared by lawmakers.  You gotta make some choices here. If certain attributes of this new nanny state , and their cheerleaders are more important to you than your gun rights then that's your choice. But don't whine when theres no place to shoot anymore, and no place to move to.  As for your current situation, you could either relocate or find a building you could rent to shoot inside of.  Then join the NRA ,and get involved in shooters rights. You have no reason or excuse not to fight back and resist any gun controls, if you are passionate  about your shooting.

[dw33]

I don't think the local government can tell you that you can't own the air rifle, but they can restrict its use within the city limits.  I am not a lawyer, but I am pretty sure the court will side with them.

[MartinDWhite]

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS !!! Others are fighting to take them away.

[RedFeather]

Get a good lawyer.

[geewhiz380]

richard im on your side the constitution is changing without letting the people know .something thats being broken like the law itself and not notifing the pweople is braking the law so fight and fight hard we true american that hsave served and died for this country is totolaly being disrespected ,we could have 35 to 37 trainning camps teaching muslims to kill any american that gets in there way news reporters cant even step on there grounds and the worst thing is that the gov. knows it and busted one in the midsouth already if im right but it could of been in another state but in nys we have one in hancook so close and we cant bear arms to protect our families and country we r not prepare for a sneak attack cause the gov. is keepin us in the dark but we need to do our homework and learn from each other instead of fighting and arguing with each other .if u need a leeter to help u in your struggle let me know cause u r fighting for yourself but for others also ..thank u pm me whenever ....jorge nyc....