TargetTalk

Hello,
I notice that on most of the air pistols, the alphabet 'F' is mentioned on the body of the pistol. What does this denote? Please let me know.
Thank you.

If it's the symbol I am thinking of, You will find it on German/Germanic pistols denoting it is "Free" of the require to have a gun licience in Germany.

Julian

An 'F' in a pentagram?
Means the muzzle energy of the pistol is below seven joules and thus (as Julian said), is free from the requirement to be licenced. You see it on air rifles as well.

Yes, Julian is absolutely right. I too just had a talk with Mr.Alberto of Pardini ab\nd he confirmed that it is more of a German requirement.
And Sparks, you have given additional info. Thank you.

Sparks wrote:An 'F' in a pentagram?
Means the muzzle energy of the pistol is below seven joules and thus (as Julian said), is free from the requirement to be licenced. You see it on air rifles as well.

7.5 Joule, to be precise. All these models marked with the F in the pentagramm are free available from 18 years or older. We can use them for shooting at home or on an official shooting range. You are not allowed to carry itopen, only transport it. With this 7.5-joule-law we in germany are by far the lowest energy rate in europe (16.3 Joule/12 ft/lbs in England and Poland, 10 Joule in France).

The F-marking is made by the manufacturer. He sends one or two samples to the proof house, they check it (especially if one could rebuild it to higher levels with average tools, then it would not be allowed) and after that the company can use the F for all other guns of the same type. So no single check with every airgun like in England. That's the secret why a lot of especially exported airguns carry the F but are a bit above 7,5 Joule (up to 9...) - the ISSF has no muzzle-energy check at the competitions...

Ulrich Eichstädt wrote:So no single check with every airgun like in England.

Airguns are NOT normally tested in England. It only happens when the authorities suspect that the gun is over the energy limit or has been used in a crime.

Ulrich Eichstädt wrote:

Sparks wrote:An 'F' in a pentagram?
Means the muzzle energy of the pistol is below seven joules and thus (as Julian said), is free from the requirement to be licenced. You see it on air rifles as well.

7.5 Joule, to be precise. All these models marked with the F in the pentagramm are free available from 18 years or older. We can use them for shooting at home or on an official shooting range. You are not allowed to carry itopen, only transport it. With this 7.5-joule-law we in germany are by far the lowest energy rate in europe (16.3 Joule/12 ft/lbs in England and Poland, 10 Joule in France)....

The 12ft/lb you quote in England is only for rifles, the limit on pistols is 6.

Rob.

Yes, of course - so England is still below germany regarding air pistols' muzzle energies.

Ulrich Eichstädt wrote: With this 7.5-joule-law we in germany are by far the lowest energy rate in europe (16.3 Joule/12 ft/lbs in England and Poland, 10 Joule in France).

Dont forget us in Ireland - anything over 1 Joule requires a Firearms Certificate. Also they can only be used on an police approved range - so no live practice at home....

Okay, okay - seems I was only fishing for compliments concerning the german gun law (in comparison to other countries)...