Copyright Lewiston Morning Tribune
MOSCOW — The Moscow City Council next week will discuss a proposed new business allowing people to shoot airsoft guns indoors. On Monday, the Moscow Administrative Committee discussed Christopher King’s proposal to locate the airsoft range facility at 105 Lauder Ave. Moscow city code prohibits people from discharging firearms or weapons of any kind in city limits, including air rifles and BB guns. Airsoft guns fire small plastic projectiles that King said do not penetrate the skin. King would need the city council to grant an exception in order for his new facility to be built. His new business would allow customers to fire airsoft rifles at each other during competitions on an indoor playfield, much like paintball facilities. It will also have target shooting lanes. He said customers will be required to wear eye and face protection, as well as protective clothing. They will need to sign waivers and children aged 10 to 16 need to be accompanied by their parents. If they are younger than 10, they are not allowed on the playfield. Customers can bring their own airsoft guns or use ones available at the facility. King said an employee will be responsible for ensuring all the weapons are airsoft guns and not real guns, even if they have the orange barrel tip that is common on many airsoft weapons. City Councilor Bryce Blankenship expressed concerns about people carrying realistic-looking weapons in the facility’s parking lot in view of the public. “Obviously everything’s got to comply with legal requirements, so if they’ve got the right permits to carry, they can legally do it,” King said. “But at the same time we don’t want to become a nuisance for the city where it looks like Rambo showing up.”
