The trajectory of the bullet generally doesn't matter with city ordinances. If you don't have a reason to be using the deadly weapon (self-defense) you generall

The trajectory of the bullet generally doesn't matter with city ordinances. If you don't have a reason to be using the deadly weapon (self-defense) you generally aren't allowed to use it in a populated area. I had a neighbor who was shooting his assault rifle into the ground in his back yard (a typical suburban neighborhood). After a few shots, the police were called, and they showed up with an entire SWAT team. Confiscated his weapons and threw him in jail for a couple days. He wasn't waving it around, and wasn't threatening anyone. It was only 3 rounds, actually, but it was enough.