Yes, a convicted felon can legally own an air rifle in Tennessee. Neither state nor federal law classifies air-powered guns as firearms, because both definitions require a weapon that uses an explosive to launch a projectile, and air rifles use compressed air, a spring piston, or CO2 instead. The one serious caveat is supervision: if you are on probation or parole, your conditions can prohibit possession even when the statute does not.
Why Air Rifles Fall Outside the Firearm Definition
Tennessee Code 39-11-106 defines a “firearm” as any weapon designed to expel a projectile through the action of an explosive, along with the frame or receiver of such a weapon, any silencer, and any destructive device. Antique firearms made before 1899 are excluded.1Justia. Tennessee Code 39-11-106 – Title Definitions The controlling phrase is “action of an explosive.” The weapon has to rely on a chemical reaction, like igniting gunpowder, to generate force.
Air rifles, BB guns, and pellet guns do not work that way. They use compressed air, a spring-loaded piston, or a CO2 cartridge. None of those mechanisms involve an explosive, so the devices sit outside the statutory definition of a firearm. Tennessee’s felon-in-possession statute, 39-17-1307, applies only to objects that meet the 39-11-106 definition, which means its prohibitions do not reach air rifles at all, regardless of the type of felony on your record.2Justia. Tennessee Code 39-17-1307 – Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon
Federal law reaches the same result. 18 U.S.C. 921 defines “firearm” using nearly identical language: a weapon designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.3Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 U.S. Code 921 – Definitions The federal felon-in-possession ban at 18 U.S.C. 922(g) uses that same definition, so air-powered guns are never covered.4Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 U.S. Code 922 – Unlawful Acts A Tennessee felon with a standard air rifle is clear under both bodies of law.
Probation and Parole Conditions Are the Real Trap
This is where felons most often get into trouble. Probation and parole conditions are not limited to statutory definitions. A judge or supervising officer can impose terms that prohibit possessing “any weapon,” “any device resembling a firearm,” or “any item capable of causing bodily harm.” Those conditions are enforceable even when the object in question is not a firearm under the Tennessee Code.
Violating a condition can trigger revocation and a return to prison on the original sentence, with no new crime required. If your conditions say no weapons and you keep a pellet gun in the closet, that alone can be enough. Before buying an air rifle, read your supervision conditions carefully. If anything is unclear, ask your probation or parole officer directly and get the answer in writing if you can. A short conversation beats a revocation hearing.
Practical Risks Even When It Is Legal
The statutes are clear, but the street is messier. Many modern air rifles are built to look nearly identical to centerfire rifles and handguns. A law enforcement officer responding to a call about someone carrying what appears to be a weapon will not stop to check whether the thing runs on compressed air. The encounter can lead to detention, arrest, and booking, even when you are fully within your rights.
Clearing those charges still costs time, money, and stress. For a felon, any arrest can draw additional scrutiny from a probation officer even if nothing is ultimately filed, and it can show up on future background checks. None of this makes ownership illegal, but exercising the right carries friction that most people never deal with.
If you own an air rifle, keep the original packaging and receipt somewhere accessible so you can show what the device is if questions come up. Transport it in a case rather than openly. Those small habits head off a lot of avoidable encounters.
Check Your City or County Rules
Tennessee preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, and firearm components under 39-17-1314.5Justia. Tennessee Code 39-17-1314 – Preemption of Local Firearms Regulation That preemption only reaches “firearms” as the state defines them. Because air rifles fall outside that definition, cities and counties remain free to regulate air gun possession, discharge, and use on their own terms. Some municipalities restrict discharging air rifles within city limits or in residential areas. Before shooting on your property, check your local ordinances so you do not end up with a violation that has nothing to do with your felony record.