The following local ordinances apply in Bristol City:
- Sec. 62-36. - Dangerous missiles. (reference)
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge within the city any bow, or crossbow, loaded with arrow, or dart. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any bow on an archery range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief.
It shall also be unlawful for any person to discharge within the city any slingshot, blowgun, bean shooter or pneumatic gun including but not limited to an air gun, air pistol, gas gun or gas pistol loaded with rock, shot, bullet, or other object. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any gun or pistol on a rifle or pistol range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief. Additionally, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any slingshot, blowgun, bean shooter or pneumatic gun on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
(Code 1966, § 29-1; Ord. No. 12.01, 1-10-12)
- Sec. 62-37. - Discharging firearms. (reference)
If any person fires off any pistol, gun or other firearm in the city for sport or diversion and not in defense of person, property or home, he shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.
This section shall not be construed to prohibit use of any gun or pistol on a rifle or pistol range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief.
Additionally, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any pneumatic gun on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
(Code 1966, § 29-2; Ord. No. 12.01, 1-10-12)
State Law reference— Willfully discharging firearms in public places, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280; shooting in or along road or in street, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.