Is a BB gun or air gun considered a firearm in Tennessee?

Answer 1

Well, this is a complicated answer, sort of. As best as I can tell, BB guns are not defined by any law anywhere in the U.S. as a "toy."

As far as TN law is concerned, they are not defined as a weapon either. They are defined as a "air gun" or a "device intended to fire a pellet or other projectile." However, it should noted that many things that are not defined as weapons can be classified as a weapon if you get in trouble for something. For instance, a very, very basic example, a pencil is not defined as a weapon unless you stab someone in the eye with it.

Most cities have local laws that make it illegal to discharge an air rifle or BB gun except under limited circumstances, typically at a gun range, outside the city limits, or while hunting, etc.

Answer 2

No. From the Tennessee Criminal Code- Firearm” means any weapon designed, made or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or any device readily convertible to that use;