Defining dangerous weapons Published June 23, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Irasema Reed 66th Security Forces Squadron HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Recently, there have been several instances of children having BB or pellet guns on base. The 66th Security Forces Squadron would like to remind personnel about dangerous weapons and having weapons on base. A dangerous weapon is an item, which by its nature, is capable of causing serious injury or death. An item is also a dangerous weapon if it is used in a way where it is capable of causing serious injury or death to another person. The following items are considered dangerous weapons: 1. Any firearm, defined as a pistol, revolver or other weapon of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which a shot or bullet can be discharged and of which the length of the barrel or barrels is less than 16 inches or 18 inches in the case of a shotgun as originally manufactured. 2. Any other instruments or devices that will propel an object by non-explosive means, such as BB or pellet guns, air rifles, air pistols, sling shots and blowguns. 3. A paint ball gun is also considered a dangerous weapon if it is used in a malicious or threatening manner. In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269, Section 12B, "No minor under the age of 18 shall have an air rifle or so called BB gun in his possession nor shall any person discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle unless he is accompanied by an adult or is the holder of a sporting or hunting license. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars and the weapon shall be confiscated." All personnel living at Hanscom who have privately owned weapons or dangerous weapons must register them within five calendar days of arrival or purchase. For more information about privately owned weapons or dangerous weapons, call Staff Sgt. Irasema Reed, NCOIC Police Services, at 781-377-2635.