ASTM F 589 : 2012

1.1This consumer safety specification covers non-powder guns, commonly referred to as BB guns, air guns, and pellet guns, which propel a projectile by means of energy released by compressed air, compressed gas, mechanical spring action, or a combination thereof, and is to be used in conjunction with Specification F590.

1.2Special-purpose match precision and adult guns, as defined in 3.1 and classified in 8.1 and 8.2, are exempt from the performance requirements for trigger mechanisms (see 4.3), safety mechanisms (see 4.4), and drop tests (see 4.5).

1.3Special-purpose training guns, as defined in 3.1 and classified in 8.3, are exempt from the performance requirements for the safety mechanism (see 4.4).

1.4Limitations—This consumer safety specification does not cover the following categories of gun products: cl custom-made non-powder guns (see 3.1.2.6); or replica guns (see 3.1.2.15); tranquilizer dart guns; toy products such as rubber-band guns, cork guns, pop guns, rubber-tip dart guns, or pea and bean shooters; other recreational-type guns such as blow guns, spear guns, catapult guns (also identified as sling shots), bows, crossbows, paintball markers, air soft or soft air guns, or carbide guns; nonrecreational guns such as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or military agencies; nor industrial and consumer tools such as paintball guns, staple guns, or conduit guns.

1.5The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard; the SI units in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.6The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 9, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.