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Sunday 16 February 2014

Air gun law in Trinidad and Tobago

Q: Hi, are air guns illegal in Trinidad and Tobago? Do I need a license to own one?


A: The answer to both questions is, "it depends". According to the Firearms (Air weapons) Order made under s.2 of the Firearms Act 1970, as amended:

"For the purposes of the definition of “firearm” occurring in section 2 of the Firearms Act, it is hereby declared that a firearm does not include air weapons of or below .177 calibre, unless the barrel thereof is rifled."

Simply put, owning an air gun without a license is illegal if it is over .177 calibre.

180 comments:

  1. Hence the reason why paintball guns (.68 caliber ) are illegal,
    I still would Rather Be shot by a .68 gelatin Paintball than a .177 Metal/aluminium pellet. This is a Super Dumb outdated law.

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    Replies
    1. How about being shot by neither?

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    2. Hi are glocks 26 and other glocks legal???

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    3. Hi can you come trough the airport with a bb gun

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  2. Nah still Prefer paintball :)....In a safe controlled environment..

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  3. lolz i like that one about not being shot BUT i must ask u sir, how does one protect his self in today's life style ??? eg look how bad Trinidad has gotten

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    Replies
    1. Ask the Ministry of National Security. I would love to hear their response.

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    2. My cuz is shipping a BB gun to me under 177 c do I need a permit to own it

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    3. I DONT KNOW IF THIS PAGE IS STILL UP AND RUNNING BUT COULD SOMEONE TELL ME THE LAWS REGARDING AIR RIFLE SCOPES

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  4. So i can order a .177 air gun online and ship it to trinidad seeing that its not illegal.

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    Replies
    1. Legally, yes. Will it make it through customs, no.

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    2. If i had a license to own one, can i order it online?
      If not, how can I order one online?

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    3. Hi trinbago rights, i dunno if this page is still up and running but what kind of drama exactly?

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    4. When dealing with dunce Customs and police officers who are the definition of dunce, you'll be run around for months for no reason. Drama!

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    5. Ahhh. Can i seek professional legal aid when importing after i get my license? I have recently taken up archery and would like to get my own gear, but, I do not know the laws for importing a compound or recurve bow. If possible can you shed some light in this area?

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    6. What age is required?

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  5. How long would it take to get an import license and what is the process....I already have an issued permit to own and keep a smooth bore air rifle

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  6. So what is the procedure of getting an import license.

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    Replies
    1. Carry a certificate of good character + the completed form to 4th floor of Police Headquarters.

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  7. Yes I would also like to know the procedure.

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  8. what about air rifle scope,would that make it through customs?

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    Replies
    1. As long as you have an import license and it meets the rifle specs.

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  9. The prices of air guns are way to high in trinidad and choices are limited

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  10. is it legal to own a Gamo Hunter Extreme in Trinidad

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    Replies
    1. If it's .177, you'll be fine.

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    2. I currently own a gamo hunter 1250. I bought it from hollow point in marabella. It cost $10,500.00.and it was not brand new. The spring broke after a couple years . I carried it to repair and I asked if they could make it more powerful. And the proprietor said yes it can be done by installing a stiffer spring. Their prices for an air rifle is unbelievable.

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    3. I paid $10,500 years ago for a used gamo 1250 from hollow point . The spring broke after a couple years ago. The sales person at hollow point told me.it is possible to upgrade the rifle by installing a stiffer spring. Not sure if he did install it . But I find my gamo to be very powerful. From 40feet away the pellet penetrates galvanize. Trinidad prices are up and up.

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  11. Is it legal to own a.177 air pistol with "slight"rifles in the barrel?

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    Replies
    1. I heard that if it's not completely smooth, it would be seized at customs.

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  12. What is the reason for calling an air gun with an rifled barrel a "firearm"?

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    Replies
    1. That's definitely a question that can only be answered by a gun expert...

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  13. Can you recommend a gun expert in T.andT.?

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    Replies
    1. I'm the army's weapons expert you can contact me at this email ricstevo@hotmail.com

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  14. I was told recently that the description of a paintball marker amended from a weapon to a sporting good. (because honestly that is what it is) Can anyone confirm that?

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    Replies
    1. Sorry, mate. I haven't heard anything about that.

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  15. If i already have a importers permit is it illegal to import and own more than 1 airguns

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    Replies
    1. I also have an importers permit, but I think we can still only have one in our possession.

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  16. how about a compound bow?

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  17. I'm just confirming is a laser tag gun legal to ship to Trinidad? I don't think it falls under the classification of a firearm in the act. I'm assuming maybe I would still need a permit to import it?

    Thanks for the assistance.

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure you'll need a permit, but I don't know anything about it, so I can't guide you in the right direction. Sorry.

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  18. tried to bring in a clip-on torchlight with laser for shotgun and it was debarred , what part of this is dangerous ?

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    Replies
    1. Not dangerous, per se, but it has danger potential.

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  19. I heard some dealers claiming that you can't import an air rifle the shoots beyond 1250fps ....is this true.

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    Replies
    1. If that's what the dealers say, I would believe them.

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  20. at what age can i get an air rifle in t&t??

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    1. I would assume it's the same for a firearm... 25.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. "Mines" in this context is incorrect grammar.

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  21. Would it be wise to bring a .177 caliber air pistol trough customs in your luggage? (Not carry on)

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    Replies
    1. Do you have an import license?

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    2. No I don't have one just bringing one in the country the smooth barrel and .177

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    3. No don't have a permit just bringing one in thats .177 smooth barrel

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    4. #1, our law does not cater for air pistols... only rifles.

      #2, bringing that in your luggage is a sure way to get arrested and spend at least a night in a Trinidad jail cell.

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    5. So if your bringing in an air rifle an it meets the laws do you still have to have a permit

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    6. There are two licenses, one is easier to get than the other.

      1. Regular, air rifle license to have ONE in possession.

      2. Air rifle license to import and keep in possession, which is what I have.

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    7. Can you own the hand held version to this type of guns for home defense

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    8. Can you legally own the handheld version for home defense

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    9. Hi Trinbago Rights, idk if this site even still running but can you order down a airsoft pistol? but is uses .177
      do i have to get an air rifle license?

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  22. Is it legal to import a compound bow? Do i need a license to own/import 1.

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  23. We all know that the prices of air rifles in Trinidad are outrageous but what are we doing about it? For example, a certain airgun which comes with a case and pump from Korea cost $19,000.00 TT$. Now if I am a dealer, I can purchase thirty of these guns smooth bore for $350.00 U.S.$ apiece.
    In the U.S.A. this same gun is sold for $679.99 add $250.00 for the pump, case and scope. Do the maths and and see what I am saying.
    I am now lobbying to have the law changed whereby one can purchase spiral bore airguns of .177 calibre. If anyone can prove that a spiral bore air rifle is more dangerous than a smooth bore then this idea should be scrapped. If not then we should start a campaign to change the law to allow spiral bore of .177 calibre in Trinidad . Anyone with us? Call Bullseye Air Rifle Association :770-9179, 350-6374.

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    Replies
    1. With crime being such a serious issue, getting lawmakers to even consider a law that encourages the import of more guns is a waste of time.

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  24. Isn't the local dealers importing the airguns now? This is just giving everyone who has a legal import permit the opportunity to import his or her rifle instead of facing unscrupulous local dealers. Also spiraling affords more accuracy in air-gun competitions. The local air gun dealers will just have to bring down their prices to compete with the international market..

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  25. if i order .177 pellets online.. will it be seized by cutoms as well???

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    Replies
    1. Good day sir I had ordered pillets for my air rifle online and I was told by the shipping company it's not allowed to enter the country is that correct...

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    2. They're best suited to tell you.

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  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  27. why are rifled barrel air guns not allowed in trinidad

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    Replies
    1. Rifled has grooves in the barrel causing the projectile to spin for greater accuracy, which supposedly is deadlier to humans.

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  28. how can I get a license for a .22 smoothe bore air rifle?

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  29. can i buy my pillets online

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    Replies
    1. I'm not sure, but if you want pellets, send me an e-mail.

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  30. How can one obtain an Air Rifle Dealer License?

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    Replies
    1. I don't know, but these guys may be able to help:
      Bullseye Air Rifle Association :770-9179, 350-6374.

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  31. WHAT'S THE PROCEDURE FOR A LOST PERMIT? DO THEY HAVE RECORDS THAT A COPY CAN BE OBTAINED?

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  32. Can someone upload the forms to fill out for the owner and import licenses?

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    Replies
    1. The form is short. You can fill it out right there in under 5 minutes. There's no added benefit for having it in advance.

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  33. I heard .177 smooth bore air rifle is very hard to obtain online as they are not making many. Whatever is available is bought by dealers. Long story short I have and import license where do u recommend I search? What site

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  34. where can I get a permit to import a air rifle scope in trinidad

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    Replies
    1. Not sure you need a permit for the scope, but everything regarding permits for air-rifles is handled by the TTPS at Police Admin in POS on the 4th floor.

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  35. I applied for a licence and made a down-payment for a rifle from sports an game on the 23th of February. This is the ninth week an they haven't got any word on the license. Any suggestion, or can I speed this process up?

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    Replies
    1. You just gotta wait... only the CoP signs off and he's a very busy man.

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    2. Just a update. Week ten, An nothing still.

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    3. Update, the license is finally ready. After 14 weeks.
      Personally if someone asked me how long it takes to get the license, I'll say don't hope for it before 3 months.
      This is Trinidad.

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  36. do i need a licence for a crossbow and if so where can i obtain one

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  37. it will take about 4 to 5 months to get your air rifle perhit

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  38. Is hosting an airsoft tournment/battle legal in Trinidad. If so how can I do this?
    This is a fun sport and I would like a reply.

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    Replies
    1. Airsoft may be illegal according to the Firearms Act.

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  39. wait and be thankful,in Trinidad anything to do with guns is not your right


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  40. what company imports air rifle I bought one while in the US and need to send it here do u know any courier services that brings it in? and cud u send a contact I bought it in wall mart

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  41. can i get a rifle with night vision scope and silencer

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  42. can i own more than one air rifle

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  43. What is the penalty if you use another person's air rifle? Meaning it is not licensed to you?

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    Replies
    1. The Act is silent on that issue... there is no explicit penalty enshrined in legislation.

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  44. i have an import air rifle permit , but i want to purchase locally , can i use this permit to purchase locally ? if not where can i get a good air rifle online ? ( at least 1250 feet per sec. multi shot)

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    Replies
    1. Only Sports & Games can import to sell locally.

      1250 fps multishot is rare:
      http://www.gamousa.com/product.aspx?productID=335

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  45. can i import a scope mount for my diana air rifle

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    Replies
    1. the C.O.P is not giving permission to import air rifle scopes by itself.it will be seized by costoms hence my question about the scope mount

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    2. This has nothing to do with the C.O.P. Send me an e-mail.

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  46. Could I bring in a PCP pump for my air rifle in my sky box?

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  47. if i construct my own air rifle made to use .177 caliber paint balls would i still need a licence or is the construction itself illegal as well?

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  48. Good day,

    Can the FX smooth twist be classified as a smooth bore for import purposes ?

    I am searching online for a smooth bore without any luck.
    Any help appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. Smooth bore is smooth bore.

      Check Gamo

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    2. i don't think you will a new smooth bore online to buy.smooth bore air rifle are only produce by the manufactures on special order of 30 or more rifles,i think only trinidad and tobago use smooth bore air rifles

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  49. are night vision binoculars legal in trinidad and tobago

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  50. hi good day i would like to know if i can order a airsoft gun from online for my son ? is it illegal

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  51. What abt airsoft pistols? Need a license to import?

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  52. Can you give me the complete procedure for obtaining an air soft gun licence and also the procedure to import? Thanks.

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  53. If it's not illegal to own an air rifle of .177 or lower caliber. Then why is the CoP issuing permits to own .177. Two of my close friends went to a reputable gun dealer and was told that they required a permit to buy any air rifle. I had a good look at the permit and it said .177 . So why was a permit still need+CoP signed off on it.

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    Replies
    1. A question I've been asking... one I intend to impress upon public consciousness in due course. It seems as though the TTPS are acting ultra vires...

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  54. How do I bring in a air rifel to trinidad with my air gun permit , I have the one that I can import and keep but do I have to notify anyone that I am doing so,and if who?

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    Replies
    1. Bringing in an air rifle takes a very long time as they send it to the Barracks for "testing". Best way is to have it scrapped and shipped in pieces to avoid that drama.

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  55. is there any legislation that says that i can't own more than one air rifle and can you quote it for me please . thanks

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  56. Hi is it legal to bring pellets used for hunting into trinidad? I'm flying to trinidad from Canada and my boyfriend likes to go hunting and he can't find the pellets he used to buy there it's a simple iron pellet .177 cal I'm scared to bring it because I don't know if customs would allow it

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  57. Can someone ship a airsoft gun to trinidad without permit. It is under 177

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  58. I understand that a crossbow is not a rifle but I was hoping that I can get some information about it here. Information like is it illegal to own a crossbow in T&T if yes how can I go about to legally owning one?

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    Replies
    1. As you can see above, others have asked, but I have been unable to confirm with the TTPS.

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  59. Good morning, as you alluded in one of your previous responsesair rifle scopes are not illegal to bring into Trinidad but there seems to be a huge disconnect with customs. How does one one bring in air rifle scope without it being seized by customs.

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    Replies
    1. In order to avoid dealing with the level of ignorance that is the Trinidad and Tobago Customs... you will have to conceal it.

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  60. Good afternoon, Merry Christmas to yMerry Christmas, to you and your love ones. I would like to find out if I was to order a air rifle case and air rifle vice and targets would those be seized by customs.I am thinking these items are a case and vice.

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  61. Could a person get an air rifle license of .22 caliber

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  62. hi good morning... i want to start a paint ball business.... what are the process in bringing in the paint ball gun into the country???? really need help on this

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    Replies
    1. Already done and shut down a few years ago... the calibre of guns are "illegal".

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  63. Is there a fine for having an air rifle without a license?

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  64. Hi. Is a .177 calibre air rifle with magazine legal?

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  65. Hi, I am interested in purchasing a BB gun "airsoft" using 6mm .12grams plastic pellets online. Does this fall under illegal firearm. Because there is a lot of different types of air gun on sale in toys stores in Trinidad.
    tks.

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  66. Hi good morning I will like to order a airsoft gun that uses plastic pellet do you think it will be taken by Customs

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    Replies
    1. Not illegal, but Customs officials are dunce and would tell you that it is.

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  67. Do you know where I would have to go if I was to find out or how to get customs to know that the airsoft bbs are plastic and not metal so they can let it through

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  68. can you bring an Airsoft guns also known as a M83 into the country of Trinidad and Tobago via Port

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  69. Daisy Powerline 340 Pistol
    .177 cal. BB Pistol with a smooth bore steel barrel
    200-Shot BB Reservoir with 13-Shot Speedload Clip
    240 fps max velocity
    Spring air action
    CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF ITS LEGAL TO BUY THIS OFF OF AMAZON OR IF I NEED A LICENCE

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  70. Hello i wanted to import a transparent airsoft pistol using plastic bb's will i need a liscense to import and own it

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  71. I do... just keep your permit with you.

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  72. How can you go about getting an import liscense

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  73. Hi, quick question. I was told by Customs that an import license is needed to bring a plastic replica training firearm (blue gun) into Trinidad and Tobago. What is your professional opinion?

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    Replies
    1. No knowledge of that. Can't help, sorry. Let's hope someone else can assist by responding.

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  74. yes crossbows are legal check glen archery in charguanas

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  75. Hey just want to know if its illegal to ship in a crossbow. Thanks much

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  76. If i purchase a bb gun of .177 online through a local courier service can it be shipped without any clearance issues relating to customs ?

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  77. Can a minor get a users permi for an air rifle

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  78. Is there a way to replace an air rifle permit if it was lost

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  79. Some types of airsoft guns are classified as illegal in trinidad however customs officers do not care whether it is legal or illegal, they pretty much seize anything that looks too much like a real firearm. Is this fair? No. For LEGAL airsoft markers and gear you can check out "tacticontt" on instagram!

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  80. Would it be illegal to bring a compound bow into the country?

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  81. Hi..i am the first time owner of a air gun permit...can i order a air rifle on line?? And not get it taken away at costoms??

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  82. Hello my fellow Trinbagonians. A petition to get .177 rifled barrels in Trinidad & Tobago reclassified so that they are no longer considered firearms has been started. If you are tired of paying premium prices for mid-to-low level airguns equiped with substandard smooth bore barrels, sign this petition. Let's all work together to change the archaic legislation that keeps our sport in the dark ages in T&T. Together, all of us, with one voice, will make a difference.


    https://www.change.org/p/the-government-of-the-republic-of-trinidad-tobago-allow-177-rifled-barrels-in-trinidad-tobago-without-a-firearms-users-license

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  83. ill try to bring in a pistol with .177 cal and ill get bck to u! cause camo is illegal and i get all mine whenever i order so lets see how the luck goes

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  84. Can I buy one on amazon with out the barrel and get a barrel over in Trinidad and Tobago

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  85. Can I purchase a smooth bore .177 air pistol in Trinidad and Tobago?

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    Replies
    1. As long as you have a license, you can purchase at Sports & Games for 100% more than you can get it on Amazon.

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  86. So this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EKWDZLU/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
    Needs a licence?
    Using these pellets :
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EKWDZLU/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

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  87. Hi good night can i walk in & around my yard with my 177 air rifled

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  88. Is it illegal to import. 177cal pellets

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  89. Bruh I just wanna buy a bb gun to play with friends and idk how or what to get :/

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  90. I just wanna get a bb gun and play competitively with each other we have proper protection but idk about the laws exactly Is there any place i can go to verify these things like what I'm getting is legal without having to get a license because it's just ment to be a match with friends

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  91. I would like anyone with an importers license to bring in a scope for me please contact 731-7906 so we can make arrangements and payments.

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  92. I'm the holder of a air rifle and illegal .. I would like to know where I'm I not able to use it? Because my neighbor said I'm not supposed to fire it in my back yard . Only in country areas. Yes that correct?

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  93. Hi wit my .177 permit can I own a 1725 gammo rifle

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  94. Hi not sure if you guys are still around but im a owner of a 1.77 sumatra 2500 air rifle now its a awsome rifle but i would rely like to know what's the proceder to obtain a bigger caliper such as .22 im a hunter and this would improve my game alot

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  95. Is there anyone with an importer license who sells rifles for a fair price?? I am will to purchase but Trinidad prices are extreme... please contact at 2806339

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