What is interesting is that there are places (NYC is one) where (with appropriate permit) it is legal to own (but not discharge etc) a .22 rifle, but it is totally illegal to own an air rifle of ANY kind. Yep, your classic 'Red Ryder BB Gun' is totally illegal in NYC, as is a 'wrist brace sling shot' and a lot of other things, and they actually fall under the same paragraphs of the law as more major violations (like carrying an unlicensed firearm)