Joined
·
65 Posts
Hi Everyone,
I've noticed some of the kids in my neighborhood playing airsoft and carrying around some of the higher-end models that are remarkably good replicas of AK's etc. These kids are late middle school / early high school age. They are not playing with them irresponsibly (in my opinion) and are certainly not pointing them at others or threatening people or pets.
These kids tend to use them back in the woods behind the neighborhood and have, on occasion, been asked by the property owners to stop for liability purposes. They respect the wishes and go elsewhere.
Now comes the fun part.
We have covenants that prohibit the use of firearms in the neighborhood. Almost directly: "The term 'firearms' includes without limitation 'B-B' guns, pellet guns, paint guns and small firearms of all types." One of the homeowners is particularly upset that the kids are doing this and have contacted the HOA, sent letters to the parents, etc. Apparently she finally called the police and reported that one of the kids was wandering around the neighborhood with the airsoft rifle.
The police then went door-to-door asking about the kid. All of the neighbors are talking about this now with a mixture of concern and eye-rolling.
So, having laid down the reason I'm asking, here is the question: Is there anything illegal about a minor walking through a neighborhood with an airsoft gun in plain view? And if not, what could the police actually do besides talk to them?
Related question, is there any sort of preemption in Georgia that would nullify HOA covenants like this? I would very much like to be able to teach my daughter basic marksmanship and safety with a "pellet gun" in my backyard.
Jon
I've noticed some of the kids in my neighborhood playing airsoft and carrying around some of the higher-end models that are remarkably good replicas of AK's etc. These kids are late middle school / early high school age. They are not playing with them irresponsibly (in my opinion) and are certainly not pointing them at others or threatening people or pets.
These kids tend to use them back in the woods behind the neighborhood and have, on occasion, been asked by the property owners to stop for liability purposes. They respect the wishes and go elsewhere.
Now comes the fun part.
We have covenants that prohibit the use of firearms in the neighborhood. Almost directly: "The term 'firearms' includes without limitation 'B-B' guns, pellet guns, paint guns and small firearms of all types." One of the homeowners is particularly upset that the kids are doing this and have contacted the HOA, sent letters to the parents, etc. Apparently she finally called the police and reported that one of the kids was wandering around the neighborhood with the airsoft rifle.
The police then went door-to-door asking about the kid. All of the neighbors are talking about this now with a mixture of concern and eye-rolling.
So, having laid down the reason I'm asking, here is the question: Is there anything illegal about a minor walking through a neighborhood with an airsoft gun in plain view? And if not, what could the police actually do besides talk to them?
Related question, is there any sort of preemption in Georgia that would nullify HOA covenants like this? I would very much like to be able to teach my daughter basic marksmanship and safety with a "pellet gun" in my backyard.
Jon