Airsoft Gun Laws - What You Need to Know About the Law and Airsoft
Owning and playing with an airsoft gun can be great fun, but it also comes with a certain degree of responsibility. It is important to realize that the game of airsoft is played with weapons, and while they are not actual firearms there are certain safety precautions that should always be taken into consideration.
Many players do not realize it, but there are laws associated with airsoft play and airsoft guns that every player should familiarize themselves with in order to avoid legal trouble - or worse. Who wants to get into trouble over a toy gun, anyway?
Are Airsoft Guns Legal? Does Airsoft Require a License?
Luckily for most, airsoft guns do not require any type of licensure in most countries. The law does have a requirement that the firepower limit be under 350 fps (feet per second) indoors and less than 450 feet per second (or fps) outside.
Remember that state laws vary slightly, so please do a double check on your state's firepower limit before purchasing an airsoft gun.
The United States of America, England, France, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and Italy do not require licenses to own airsoft guns. Some countries (such as the UK) do.
Don't Brandish Your Airsoft (or Any) Gun!
If you show your airsoft gun in public, you could get into big trouble. This is for your safety and the sanity of others. The law requires that airsoft guns be displayed in public in glass if they must be displayed at all. If you think about it, this makes sense: airsoft guns are designed to look just like the real thing.
Also, airsoft guns are forbidden on any school campus. This law is also in place because of the fact that they look so realistic.
Legal Age Use - How Old Must an Airsoft Owner Be?
There are age requirements for a person to purchase an airsoft gun. A buyer must be at least 18 years old in the United States. In the UK, they must be at least 17 years old and the law requires that players from 14 to 17 be supervised by an adult. According to the law in the UK, anyone under 14 may not engage in airsoft play at all.
Orange-Tip Barrels
It is easy to notice that in the U.S., airsoft guns all have an orange barrel tip. Other countries do not all have this requirement. This is to help distinguish it from the real thing in the event that it is shown by the public or found by the police.
Airsoft guns may not be real, but they are guns and they have their dangers. Be sure to check up on all of the requirements before purchasing one to ensure that you are within the bounds of the law.
