http://www.northjersey.com/breakingnews/Woman_dies_in_pellet_gun_shooting.html?c=y&page=1

No there not and everyone should treat them with the respect they deserve. A few years ago my buddies son was killed with a Benji392, on Christmas eve. Last year a local girl was killed, when her brother shot her in the head with a Cros760.

i took a .117 pellet to the head from my benj 397 when i was 12 or so.
i watched my buddy shoot the pellet then he says can i shoot you with air.
i says sure, he pumped it 3 times and i ended up with a pellet in the head.

NJPhil,
Good post - I was thinking about this one all day.
What an unfortunate accident. and so close to home.
I all to often here the phrase "Its only an Airgun". More people need to learn respect for not only airguns but so many other tools that we use everday.
I pray for that man and his family. and also hope this does not start even more ainti-gun BS in our state.

JoeG from Jersey