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Why is the legal level 12ft/lb?

This is a discussion on Why is the legal level 12ft/lb? within the Anything Airgun Related forums, part of the Airguns category; Chatting to my bro earlier about FAC coz he had his interview today and we were trying to think why ...

  1. #1
    Dad Gum sharp shooter!!
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    Why is the legal level 12ft/lb?

    Chatting to my bro earlier about FAC coz he had his interview today and we were trying to think why 12ftlb is the legal limit for air rifles.

    Anyone know how this level was chosen and when?

    Is it the level that at a certain distance the pellet won't break the skin or kill a human if hit on the side of the head, etc?

    Any ideas?

    Cheers

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    Loquacious Autodidactic old lad's Avatar
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    Probably the same guy who decided 3" was the legal limit for the blade on a folding knife......................
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    As far as I remember/am lead to believe it was introduced to protect the British gun makers.

    Years ago "home grown" air guns put out piddly amounts of muzzle energy, then the American pump up rifles and springers from Germany came on the scene with much higher power possible. It was suggested and agreed that the limit be introduced to stop the competition cornering the market.

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    Registered 40+ posts mark.177's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by muzzy76 View Post
    As far as I remember/am lead to believe it was introduced to protect the British gun makers.

    Years ago "home grown" air guns put out piddly amounts of muzzle energy, then the American pump up rifles and springers from Germany came on the scene with much higher power possible. It was suggested and agreed that the limit be introduced to stop the competition cornering the market.
    thats right..... beat me to it
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    The Great Rat Killer. Titchgamer's Avatar
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    Well I was led to believe that 12FPE and 6FPE for pistols was chosen on the distance to power ratio in regards to the damage it can cause to a human.

    However as with most of these things, Who knows!
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    Registered 40+ posts CharlieFarlie's Avatar
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    Well some sort of level had to set to create at least some level of safety.... You can always apply for FAC if You want far higher power.....

    Lets be sure about one thing here though a sub 12Ft rifle is still a very dangerous weapon indeed and in the wrong hands or situation can cause damage and even death!!

    Break the skin ? I hope You are joking !!!!

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    Egg
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    As per muzzy, it's down to protectionism unfortunately
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    Open sights FTW! DirtyHabitz's Avatar
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    If the limit was much more we probably wouldn't be allowed to shoot in our gardens.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Egg View Post
    As per muzzy, it's down to protectionism unfortunately
    Just as well it wasn't the Scottish industry that was being protected then, or we would have a 3ft-lb limit, to prevent anyone from being KILT.

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    The Great Rat Killer. Titchgamer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Accuspell View Post
    Just as well it wasn't the Scottish industry that was being protected then, or we would have a 3ft-lb limit, to prevent anyone from being KILT.
    *groan*

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