Definition. The term firearms covers all types of guns, rifles and handguns, including air rifles, BB guns and starter pistols.

Authority. The ownership or use of a firearm carries certain safety and legal responsibilities on which the police at our local police station are your authority. Call them at 360-8400. See also the pamphlet Hunting and Shooting in Fairfax County available there and at County libraries. See also HUNTING.

Ownership of most firearms requires no special permit by Fairfax County.

Carrying most firearms is permitted if they are not concealed. The Circuit Court issues permits to carry concealed handguns; for a recording, call 246-3486.

((654**.) Businesses selling handguns must have permits and must obtain a permit for each sale.

Minors under the age of 18 may only carry a firearm that is unloaded and in a carrying case. They are not permitted to use a firearm except under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or adult instructor. The transfer of ownership of a firearm to a minor is illegal.

County policy on the use of firearms is as follows (source Fairfax County Citizen's Hand-book): Hunting with firearms and recreational shooting-generally limited to shotguns and air rifles-are permitted in the county only:
1. On a parcel of land or unbroken combination of parcels of 20 acres or more, hunters may use multiple-ball shotguns only, provided the landowner has given permission and obtained a permit from the Director of Animal Control listing authorized hunters.
2. On an outdoor shooting range for which a permit has been obtained, or on a target range operated by the Police Department or some other law enforcement agency.
3. In an entirely indoor target range, provided that adequate measures have been taken to ensure that projectiles remain within the structure.
4. By a law enforcement officer in the performance of duty, or by anyone else for the purpose of protecting any person from death or bodily harm.
5. Shooting in accordance with a special permit issued by the State Game Warden to prevent substantial property damage by an animal.