A question about firearms in the state.

Submitted by clinicallyinsane112 t3_yhsec9 in Maine

I’m a new gun owner and recently moved in a house next to a church. They aren’t like right next to us there’s about two thirds a football fields length away and there’s a five mile straight of woods behind my house before a road. I know I should go over and let them know I’m shooting anyway but is there any laws prohibiting shooting near a church?

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anyodan8675 t1_iufi4qi wrote

Yes there are laws prohibiting shooting guns near any residential area/home/roads etc. It doesn't matter which direction you choose to aim or fire. You can't usually just go blasting in your back yard even in fairly rural areas. Penalties for unlawfully discharging a firearm can be very high. Check with your local municipality for specific firearm ordinances please don't take advice from reddit. Go to the gun range.

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Dimmer06 t1_iufispg wrote

State law is that you can't shoot within 100 yards of a building without their permission and obviously you can't shoot in the direction of the building. Your municipality may also have additional regulations.

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MapleFlavoredBumhole t1_iufl4l6 wrote

Replying to anyodan8675 (#360,025)

>please don't take advice from reddit

I feel like this is the most correct answer, honestly. We dont know where you live, OP, and as many laws vary from town to town, your best bet is hooking up with a reputable range and asking them where to read up on the state AND local laws.

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Mountain_20200 t1_iufm4c2 wrote

Afreed. Don't follow Reddit opinions. Just call your local police department for answers, and resources to find online for your own records.

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DistanceSuper3476 t1_iufmy96 wrote

Local ordinances may vary but in general ..It is unlawful for a person to shoot or discharge a firearm of any kind or description in the City within 100 yards of a residential dwelling without the permission of the owner, or in his absence an adult occupant of that dwelling as set forth in 12 M.R.S.A. § 7406(13).

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sintixerr t1_iufpawq wrote

Maine State Code: can't fire a weapon from a point or have a bullet come within 100 yards or 300 feet of a building without the permission of the owners of the building. Also, I believe, but do not know that the bullet can't cross a road. (This, err, makes sense even if it's not a law). In towns more populated than where I am, this might be pretty restrictive, but if you've got five miles behind you I suspect you may be able to swing it... (Please have a backstop and check for any atv or snowmobile trails and stuff back there, too)

Also, as others have said, some municipalities will have more restrictive laws. Where I live, they do not.

I'd call my town/municipality office and ask. I tried calling the county law enforcement folks where I am (my town doesn't have any) and they just quoted the 100 yard limit back to me ....

Culturally, let people know (assuming you don't want to be a bad neighbor) and don't be an asshole with the noise.... But generally, no one seems to care much. I shoot several days a week in my back yard and I hear shots from others on a pretty regular basis.

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colinhd27 t1_iuftvda wrote

Better to ask for forgiveness than permission... Definitely doesn't apply to this scenario. Please talk to local law enforcement or at least your town hall or something.

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sintixerr t1_iufvckj wrote

Replying to likes_sawz (#363,223)

I've been looking for the road reference - particularly the 10' one. I can't find it. Can you point me to it? And are you sure that's not a hunting restriction?

I'm really asking, not challenging you! :)

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saladshooter155 t1_iujc7mb wrote

find out what local ordnance is and follow that.

And if its legal to do so. BUILD A GOOD BACK STOP!

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