Idiocy abounds in America these days. If an “agent” cannot discern an air rifle, good grief.
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Especially “a telescopically high-powered rifle “
To be fair to the agent, from a distance, you may not notice more than a rifle with a scope on it.
Many air rifles have scopes on them these days.
I have had two in the last 10 years. They are fun, and can be used for small game. Much less energy than a .22, but can still be dangerous.