Shooting DC rats with pellet gun (neighborhood, high school, disposal)

[JimGriffith]

This thread is hilarious, but seriously, it's got "bad idea" written all over it.

I haven't seen the statute but I'm 99% sure the DC gov bans bb guns. I'm 100% sure that BB gun companies do not ship their products to DC addresses.

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by BillHoo

There are no known dogs or cats that come through there and that is why the rats like privacy.

This isn't necessarily an instant solution, but do you know anyone with a cat? My dad used to comb our (indoor) cat and leave tufts of fur around the yard to scare away rabbits. It worked somewhat, although getting a dog was more effective. You could also lure a cat in the yard with food, but then you'd have to deal with the pee smell, since once they get a habit it's hard to break.

However, I love the BB gun idea. I don't if it's technically legal in DC, but I love it.

[Houston3]

When I read the title of this thread I was sure it was about the rats on Capitol Hill.

[BillHoo]

Originally Posted by JimGriffith

This thread is hilarious, but seriously, it's got "bad idea" written all over it.

I haven't seen the statute but I'm 99% sure the DC gov bans bb guns. I'm 100% sure that BB gun companies do not ship their products to DC addresses.

I agree, but the statute leaves the public with no recourse but to use two-by-fours with nails sticking out of them. Often less effective and possibly less humane.

Perhaps a blowgun with steel darts?

[cpal]

I'm curious what basis there is for the claim that B-B guns are illegal in DC. The DC code (DC ST § 7-2501.01) specifically exempts "Any pneumatic, spring, or B-B gun which expels a single projectile not exceeding .18 inch in diameter" from the definition of "destructive device." I'm not saying this is dispositive as the DC code is a morass of regulation. Maybe I'll try the mayor's hotline tomorrow and ask.

[cpal]

After calling 311, being given the number of the DC Police Public Affairs, then being given the number of DC Firearms group, the information is in the DC Municipal Regulations. Title 24, Public Space and Safety; Chapter 23, Guns and Other Weapons; states as follows: "2300 Discharge of Weapons "2300.1 No gun, air gun, rifle, air rifle, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, cannon, or torpedo shall be discharged or set off in the District without a special written permit from the Chief of Police." There are exceptions; none of them relevant to this discussion. The section does not apply to licensed shooting galleries open during certain hours. Of course, there are no licensed shooting galleries in DC. Further, in Section 2301 Possession of Weapons, it states: "2301.3 It shall not be lawful for any person to carry or have in his or her possession outside any building in the District an air rifle, air gun, air pistol, B-B gun, spring gun, blowgun, bowgun, or any similar type gun." So the answer is that it is apparently legal for rats to own and use B-B guns.

[ErIkMaLsOn]

Originally Posted by BillHoo

Does anyone know if DC's strict gun laws apply to bb or pellet guns in the extermination of rats in the home?

A pellet gun will only irritate them or injure them

[citychik]

Is D.C. that overrun with rats? Worse than NYC? My hubby's staying there right now at a conference, Just want to warn him.

[Moth]

Originally Posted by ErIkMaLsOn

A pellet gun will only irritate them or injure them

Nonsense. I killed many rat with one shot back in the day. Rats, while very versatile creatures, have delicate structures. A .777 pellet, 10 pumps of my rifle, a good aim, and they were goners.

[cool rob]

Be careful that the rat doesnt take the BB gun from you, pistol whip you with it and then stick you up for the pellets. Those DC rats can be serious business