Air gun laws
Encyclopedia

Legal issues

While in some countries air guns are not subject to any specific regulation, in most there are laws - but they differ widely.

Each jurisdiction has its own definition of what constitutes an air gun; secondly there are often different classes of air guns defined—based on bore, muzzle energy
Muzzle energy
Muzzle energy is the kinetic energy of a bullet as it is expelled from the muzzle of a firearm. It is often used as a rough indication of the destructive potential of a given firearm or load...

 or muzzle velocity
Muzzle velocity
Muzzle velocity is the speed a projectile has at the moment it leaves the muzzle of the gun. Muzzle velocities range from approximately to in black powder muskets , to more than in modern rifles with high-performance cartridges such as the .220 Swift and .204 Ruger, all the way to for tank guns...

 - and sometimes based on the type of pellet the gun is designed for; with guns designed to fire metal pellets
Pellet (air gun)
An air gun pellet is, for the most part, a non-spherical projectile designed to be fired from an air gun. But this is not always the case.Pellets differ from bullets used in firearms because of the pressures encountered; firearms operate at pressures of thousands of atmospheres, while airguns...

 more tightly controlled than airsoft
Airsoft
Airsoft is a sport in which participants shoot round non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms.Gameplay varies in style and composition but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, historical reenactments, to competition target shooting events...

 weapons.

There may be minimum ages for possession, and sales of both air guns and ammunition may be restricted. Some areas may require permits and background checks similar to those required for firearms possession.

Australia

Australian laws are controlled and administered by each State and Territory with each classifying 'air', 'CO2' and 'mechanical propulsion' used in air rifles and BB rifles as "Category A" firearms, placing them in the same class as break-action shotguns and rimfire rifles, requiring a licence for ownership. Air pistols and BB pistols are classified as "Category H" for all handguns.http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/weaponsLicensing/indentify/categoryWeapons.htm Anyone found in Australia possessing an unlicensed air rifle or pistol faces the same charge as a person who unlawfully possesses a firearm. It is possible in most areas of Australia for an unlicensed person (from age 12) to use a firearm under direct supervision of a licensed person. It is important to check with the State or Territory Police Firearms section as the laws across Australia are not all exactly the same. Air rifle and air pistol pellets are considered to be 'ammunition components' and can only be purchased, possessed and used by a licensed person. The storage requirements for firearms also applies to air guns.

The "Category A" and "Category H" firearm licence can be issued to an 13 year old person (or a minor from age 12) after proof of being a member of a licensed shooting club, complete and pass an airgun safety awareness / safe handling and Target shooter obligations course as required by the Firearms law, and have had background checks conducted by the police.

Brazil

The Brazilian legislation that regulates the manufacture, import, export, trade, traffic and use of airguns divide them into two groups:
  • airguns by spring action of up to 6mm caliber;
  • airguns by spring action of caliber exceeding 6mm, or pre-compressed gas in any caliber.

Airguns in the first group may be purchased by anyone aged 18 years; there are no restrictions to traffic or place of use. Airguns in the second group can only be purchased by people registered in the army, transportation depends on authorization, and usage is allowed only in places approved by the army. Airguns of any kind can not be conducted openly.

Canada

Air guns that are firearms for purposes of both the Firearms Act and the Criminal Code are those with both a muzzle velocity greater than 152.4 meters (500 feet per second) and a muzzle energy greater than 5.7 joules (4.2 foot-pounds). Air guns need to meet both standards to be classified as firearms for purposes of the Firearms Act. Usually, the manufacturer’s specifications are used to determine what muzzle velocity and muzzle energy an air gun was designed to have. Air rifles that meet these velocity and energy criteria are classified as non-restricted firearms while air pistols are classified as restricted if their barrel is longer than 105 mm or prohibited if their barrel length is 105 mm or less. The lawful possession of these airguns requires that the owner have a valid firearms licence and that the airgun be registered as a firearm.

Air guns that meet the Criminal Code definition of a firearm, but that are deemed not to be firearms for certain purposes of the Firearms Act and Criminal Code are those that have a muzzle velocity of less than 152.4 meters (500 feet per second) and/or a maximum muzzle energy of 5.7 joules (4.2 foot pounds). Such air guns are exempt from licensing, registration, and other requirements under the Firearms Act, and from penalties set out in the Criminal Code for possessing a firearm without a valid licence or registration certificate. However, they are considered to be firearms under the Criminal Code if they are used to commit a crime. The simple possession, acquisition and use of these air guns for lawful purposes is regulated by provincial and municipal laws and by-laws. For example, some provinces may have set a minimum age for acquiring such an air gun. These air guns are exempt from the specific safe storage, transportation and handling requirements set out in the regulations supporting the Firearms Act. However, the Criminal Code requires that reasonable precautions be taken to use, carry, handle, store, transport, and shipped them in a safe and secure manner.

Silencers for all firearms, including airguns, are prohibited devices in Canada.

Cyprus

Air Rifles are covered by Cypriot law 113-1-2004 which is the same law that covers all firearm possession and are classified in the same category as break-action shotguns.

All air rifles must be registered to the owner at the local police station. Only persons without criminal record over the age of 18 are allowed to register and possess firearms including air rifles. When an air rifle is sold on, a transfer application must be made at the local police station.

Only rifles of calibre .177 / 4.5 mm are allowed, any other calibre is strictly forbidden. Only air guns that are legally classified as rifles are allowed. Pistols are forbidden unless they are for Olympic sport and conform to Olympic specifications. In order to acquire a pistol for Olympic sports, the owner must be a member of the Cyprus Shooting Sport Federation and have a written statement from them in order to be allowed to import the pistol.

Air rifles may have either folding or adjustable stock and there is no minimum or maximum barrel or rifle length but they must be legally classified as rifles.
There is no power limit or muzzle velocity restrictions on air rifles (no FAC limitations).
Air rifles can be PCP or spring powered and can be either single shot or magazine fed. Semi-automatics are allowed provided that, only one pellet leaves the barrel on each pull of the trigger. Fully automatic air rifles are not allowed.

In order to combat rampant poaching - lasers, torches and silencers are also forbidden. Air rifle owners are allowed to use a barrel weight on the end of the barrel provided that this does not dampen the sound emitted.

People found in possession silencers and / or unregistered air rifles are criminally prosecuted under the same laws that cover the illegal possession and transportation of firearms and explosives.

With regards to hunting with an air rifle, the current law the law states that air rifles can only be used for target shooting so shooting any live animal with an air shooter is not using the rifle to hunt.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....

 anyone over age of 18 can acquire air gun with a muzzle energy not exceeding 16 joule. Children over age of 10 have to be supervised by adult when shooting. The only restriction on shooting place is requirement of public safety. Since firearms can be used only at the officially licensed shooting ranges air guns became popular to practice target shooting at or near the home.

Air guns with a muzzle energy over 16 joule require the same licence as firearms and police registration. Such air guns can be used only at the shooting ranges.

Denmark

In Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...

 airguns can be owned by anyone over the age of 18. There are no restrictions regarding muzzle energy.

Germany

In Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...

, air guns producing a muzzle energy up to 7.5 joule (J)
Joule
The joule ; symbol J) is a derived unit of energy or work in the International System of Units. It is equal to the energy expended in applying a force of one newton through a distance of one metre , or in passing an electric current of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm for one second...

 (5.53 ft·lbf) can be owned by persons from the age of 18 years and freely acquired provided they bear the "F-in-pentagon" mark" that indicates a muzzle energy not exceeding 7.5 joule kinetic energy
Kinetic energy
The kinetic energy of an object is the energy which it possesses due to its motion.It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity. Having gained this energy during its acceleration, the body maintains this kinetic energy unless its speed changes...

. Carrying air guns in public necessitates a carry permit (§ 10 Abs. 4 WaffG), extremely rare as such and never granted for air guns. Only the transportation of unloaded and non-accessible air guns (or carrying unloaded during biathlon) is considered a "permissible carry" (§ 12 Abs. 3 Nr. 2, Nr. 3 WaffG).

Shooting is only permitted on licensed ranges (§ 27 Abs. 1, § 12 Abs. 4 2 Nr. 1 WaffG), on enclosed private property if it is assured that the projectiles can not possibly leave the shooting area (§ 12 Abs. 4 Nr. 1a WaffG) The minimum age for air gun shooting in Germany is 12 years, under supervision (§ 27 Abs. 3 S. 1 Nr. 1 WaffG), but exceptions may be granted to younger children upon request, supported by suitable references from a doctor and by a licensed shooting federation (§ 27 Abs. 4 WaffG).

Air weapons exceeding 7.5 J muzzle energy, e.g. field target guns, are treated like firearms and require a relevant permit for acquuisition and possession. Proof of need, a clean criminal record and the passing of a knowledge and handling test are required (§ 4 Abs. 1 WaffG).

A purchase authorization is not required for air guns that were manufactured and introduced onto the market before 1 January 1970 in Germany or before 2 April 1991 on the territory of the former East Germany (WaffG, Appendix 2, Section 1, Subsection 2, 1.2); they can, regardless of their muzzle energy and/or the presence of an "F-in-pentagon" mark, be freely acquired and possessed.

The storage requirements for firearms do not apply to air guns (cf. § 36 Abs. 1 S. 1 WaffG); they must only be stored safely from minors.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance (HK Laws. Chap 238), "an air rifle, air gun or air pistol from which any shot, bullet or missile can be discharged with a muzzle energy greater than 2 joules (1.48 ft·lbf)" are considered 'arms'. As such, a permit is required for possession (which would otherwise be illegal) and carries penalties up to a fine of $100000 . and 14 years in jail.

Italy

In Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

, any mechanism that produces a muzzle energy higher than 1 joule (0.74 ft·lbf) and lower than 7.5 joules (5.53 ft·lbf) is considered a "low-power air gun"; the sale of such instruments is open to anyone over 18 years of age without license or registration, but it can take place only in authorized gun shops where the owner must require the purchaser to provide his ID Card as a proof of age.

Any device developing a muzzle energy equal to, or higher than, 7.5 joules is considered a "high-power air gun", requiring Police licensing and registration for purchase and detention just like any firearm. Bows, crossbows and similar are exempt from this rule. The muzzle energy of such devices is certified by a governance office called "Banco di Prova". Air guns developing less than 1 joule of muzzle energy are categorized as airsoft
Airsoft
Airsoft is a sport in which participants shoot round non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms.Gameplay varies in style and composition but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, historical reenactments, to competition target shooting events...

, which are considered by law as toys, with no restriction whatsoever to their trade, except that they can never be modified to achieve a higher muzzle energy and must be only able to shoot 6 mm plastic pellets.

Israel

In Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...

 all barreled arms shooting metallic ammunition are considered firearms and therefore require a special government license to own. Airsoft arms are defined as "dangerous weapons", and while they are not licensed as firearms, may only be sold to recognized airsoft clubs. Since civilian carry of firearms in Israel is not a citizens' right (citizens have to comply with certain conditions and prove "necessity"), the rule is that only people who fulfill the restrictive criteria for owning and carrying pistols may purchase an air rifle or pistol in addition. The exception is members of recognized shooting clubs, who may own air rifles or pistols, among other sporting firearms, after proving two years of competitive activity. The Ministry of the Interior sometimes changes the qualifications for purchasing and owning air guns.

Japan

In Japan, any air gun that fires a metallic projectile is restricted as a firearm, so only airsoft-type guns are readily available.

Malta

In Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...

, all air driven guns for target sport (this includes air guns, airsoft and paintball guns) are subject to a Target Shooter B license. This license can be issued to an 18 year old person after proof of being a member of a licensed shooting club, completed and passed an airgun safe handling and Target shooter obligations course as required by the Maltese Arms Act law, and had background checks by the police.

The licensed target shooter is obliged by the Maltese law to have a shooting sports insurance policy to cover the shooting practice. A licensed target shooter then can purchase, keep and carry and use an airgun, airsoft gun or paintball gun, only at an authorized/licensed range. There is no restriction in muzzle velocity of airguns.

Minors from 14 years of age can be issued with a special permit from the police commissioner to practice air rifle or air pistol target shooting only. This permit is issued to the junior with full responsibility of the minor's parent or guardian both of which must follow the same procedures until the license can be issued.

Airguns issued under a target shooters license are intended for sport target shooting only.
Airgun license for hunting is a different license which is controlled by hunting laws and regulations. This is issued only for wild rabbit hunting.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...

, air guns can be owned by persons from the age of 18 years and can freely be acquired. Until 1997 there were limitations on muzzle velocity and kinetic energy, similar to the German law, but these restrictions were lifted for practical reasons. Carrying air guns in public and the possession of air guns (and toy guns) that resemble firearms is prohibited. The expression "to resemble" is nowadays given a very broad interpretation so that just about any airgun can be considered as resembling a firearm. Whether an airgun is considered to resemble a firearm too closely is decided by the police or, when it comes to that, by the court. It is impossible to predict the outcome of such courtcases.
Air guns may be kept in private homes but must be inaccessible for persons under 18.
Commercial sales of airguns may only take place in licensed gunshops. It is illegal to own an airgun that was "produced or modified so that it can more easily be carried concealed". Generally this is considered the case when the barrel has been shortened or the weapon has a folding or telescoping stock.

New Zealand

In New Zealand any member of the public over the age of 18, may own and fire most air rifles without a firearms license, provided they use the air rifle in a safe environment with a responsible attitude.

Minors 16 and over, but under the age of 18 require a Firearms License to possess an air rifle - however they may use an air rifle under adult supervision without this license.

Airguns can not be fully automatic, and there is provision under the NZ Arms Laws to specify "specially dangerous airguns". Only Pre-charged pneumatic rifles (over 762mm long) have now been specified in this category, so a firearms license is now a requirement for possession and use. The change was made as a consequence of two fatal shootings by .22 calibre semi automatic air rifles.

Philippines

In the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

, airguns can be legally owned by citizens 10 years old and above. Registration of airguns is required by the payment of a one-time but non-transferable registration fee.

Poland

In Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...

 it is possible to freely acquire air guns with a muzzle energy not exceeding 17 joule. Air guns with muzzle energy over 17 J must be registered at a local police station no later than 5 days after purchase (gun license is not needed).

Spain

In Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...

, it is possible for any person over the age of 14 to freely acquire an air rifle with a muzzle energy not exceeding 18 ft.lbf (roughly 1000 ft/s or 300 m/s muzzle velocity in 0.177 calibre).

Sweden

In Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....

, it is possible to freely acquire air guns with a muzzle energy not exceeding 10 joule. Air guns with muzzle energy over 10 J must be registered (gun license is needed).

United Kingdom

Air pistols generating more than 6 ft·lbf (8.1 J) or air rifles generating more than 12 ft·lbf (16.2 J) of energy are considered firearms and as such require possession of a Firearms Certificate (F.A.C.). Pistols and rifles below this energy level are unlicensed, and may be purchased by anyone over the age of 18.

UK legislation, the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006
Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006
The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.-Origin:The United Kingdom Government published a paper "Drinking Responsibly - The Government's Proposals" in 2005 setting out their proposals for introducing Drinking Banning Orders...

, prohibits the online or mail-order sales of new air guns. Deals must be finalised "face-to-face", either at the retail store of purchase, or through a Registered Firearms Dealer (to which an item may be posted and the transfer completed). The sale and transfer of second-hand airguns is not affected by these restrictions.

As of 10 February 2011, The Crime & Security Act 2010 (S.46) makes it an offence "...for a person in possession of an air weapon to fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent any person under the age of eighteen from having the weapon with him...". This legislation essentially relates to the storage of airguns and the requirement of owners to prevent unauthorised access by children. Failure to do so renders owners liable for a fine of up to £1,000.

United States

Sale or possession of air guns are usually unregulated in most U.S. States. A few States and municipalities restrict or prohibit air gun sales or possession in some manner, including: San Francisco, New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...

, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...

; Camden, New Jersey
Camden, New Jersey
The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...

 and Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...

. Johnson City, Tennessee
Johnson City, Tennessee
Johnson City is a city in Carter, Sullivan, and Washington counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee, with most of the city being in Washington County...

; Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...

, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...

, and the States of Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...

, and Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....

. Additionally, ordinances in many cities prohibit the discharge of air guns outdoors outside of an approved range.
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