Some Chennai beachgoers have moved from occasional balloon shooting to buying airguns for regular practice, a local retailer says.
Shooting balloons with an air rifle is a familiar beach activity in Chennai, including at Marina and Besant Nagar. Ten shots with a hired rifle and target screen typically cost about ₹50. Some visitors decide to buy an airgun after trying the activity and practise regularly in a controlled setting.
Ashwin Kumar of Asian Air Guns on Perambur Barracks Road told The Hindu that buyers do not need a licence to purchase an airgun, but must be at least 18 and provide proof of identity. He said an Aadhaar card is preferred.
The report describes the hobby through local sellers and customers; it does not estimate how many people in Chennai own airguns.