Question Why is the legal level 12ft/lb?

[Stratts]

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

[old lad]

Probably the same guy who decided 3" was the legal limit for the blade on a folding knife......................

[muzzy76]

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.

[mark.177]

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

[Titchgamer]

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!

[CharlieFarlie]

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 !!!!

Charlie.

[Egg]

As per muzzy, it's down to protectionism unfortunately

[DirtyHabitz]

If the limit was much more we probably wouldn't be allowed to shoot in our gardens.

[Accuspell]

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.

[Titchgamer]

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*