The legality of airsoft guns varies greatly by country and is often subject to strict regulations and restrictions.
Airsoft guns are legal in most countries but laws and regulations vary by location. Some areas may require age restrictions, proper markings, or adherence to specific guidelines. It is essential to check local laws and regulations before purchasing or using an airsoft gun to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.
The reason that laws and regulations are in place Airsoft is because of the potential dangers they pose if used incorrectly.
In this article, we will explore the legal status of airsoft guns in popular countries and provide evidence and links to official government websites to support our claims.
To start you off, I have created a table of the countries where airsoft is the most popular. Below the table, we dive deeper into each country and it’s stance on airsoft.
Click on the links for more information in specific countries.
| Country | Legal Status | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Legal | Some states and cities have their own laws regarding airsoft guns. |
| Canada | Legal | Replica firearms must have a muzzle velocity of less than 500 fps and individuals must have a valid firearms license. |
| United Kingdom | Legal | Individuals must have a valid defense to purchase or possess an airsoft gun and airsoft guns must be brightly colored or have a two-tone color scheme. |
| Australia | Illlegal | Airsoft guns are considered firearms and are regulated by state and territory laws. They are generally illegal to possess, manufacture, or sell. |
| Japan | Legal | Individuals must have a license to possess an airsoft gun, airsoft guns must have a muzzle velocity of less than 1 joule, and must be brightly colored or have a fluorescent tip. |
| Germany | Legal | Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 0.5 joules and individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun. |
| France | Legal | Individuals must have a valid reason to purchase or possess an airsoft gun, airsoft guns must have a muzzle velocity of less than 2 joules, and must have an orange tip on the barrel. |
| Spain | Legal | Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 24.2 joules and individuals must be at least 14 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun. |
| Italy | Legal | Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 1 joule, and must be brightly colored or have an orange tip on the barrel. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun. |
| Russia | Legal | Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 3 joules and must have an orange tip on the barrel. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun. |
United States
In the United States, airsoft guns are generally legal but there are some restrictions. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), airsoft guns are not considered firearms under federal law.
Therefore, they are not subject to federal regulation. However, some states and cities have their own laws regarding airsoft guns.
For example, in California, airsoft guns must have an orange tip on the barrel to distinguish them from real firearms.
In New York City, airsoft guns are illegal to possess, manufacture, or sell. In addition, some states require individuals to be a certain age to purchase or use airsoft guns.
Canada
In Canada, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to certain restrictions. Airsoft guns are classified as replica firearms and are regulated by the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP).
Replica firearms must have a muzzle velocity of less than 500 feet per second (fps) and must not closely resemble a real firearm.
In addition, individuals must have a valid firearms license to purchase or possess an airsoft gun.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to strict regulations. Airsoft guns are classified as realistic imitation firearms (RIFs) and are regulated by the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.
Under this law, individuals must have a valid defense to purchase or possess an airsoft gun.
Valid defenses include being a member of a registered airsoft skirmishing site or being a film or theater company.
In addition, airsoft guns must be brightly colored or have a two-tone color scheme to distinguish them from real firearms.
Australia
In Australia, airsoft guns are generally illegal to possess, manufacture, or sell. Airsoft guns are classified as firearms and are regulated by state and territory laws.
In most states and territories, airsoft guns are considered prohibited firearms and are illegal to possess, manufacture, or sell. However, some states and territories allow airsoft guns to be used in licensed airsoft venues.
Japan
In Japan, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to strict regulations. Airsoft guns are classified as “soft air guns” and are regulated by the Japanese Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law.
Individuals must have a license to possess an airsoft gun and must keep the gun in a designated storage area when not in use.
Airsoft guns must have a muzzle velocity of less than 1 joule (approximately 328 fps) and must be brightly colored or have a fluorescent tip.
Germany
In Germany, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to strict regulations. Airsoft guns are classified as toy guns and are regulated by the German Weapons Act.
Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 0.5 joules (approximately 214 fps) and must have an orange tip on the barrel. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun.
France
In France, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to strict regulations. Airsoft guns are classified as replica firearms and are regulated by the French Interior Ministry.
Individuals must have a valid reason to purchase or possess an airsoft gun, such as being a member of an airsoft club or using the gun for theatrical purposes.
Airsoft guns must have a muzzle velocity of less than 2 joules (approximately 460 fps) and must have an orange tip on the barrel.
Spain
In Spain, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to certain restrictions. Airsoft guns are classified as air guns and are regulated by the Spanish Arms and Explosives Act.
Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 24.2 joules (approximately 460 fps) and must have an orange or red tip on the barrel. In addition, individuals must be at least 14 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun.
Italy
In Italy, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to strict regulations. Airsoft guns are classified as toy guns and are regulated by the Italian Minister of the Interior.
Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 1 joule (approximately 328 fps) and must be brightly colored or have an orange tip on the barrel. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun.
Russia
In Russia, airsoft guns are legal but they are subject to certain restrictions. Airsoft guns are classified as pneumatic weapons and are regulated by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Airsoft guns must have a muzzle energy of less than 3 joules (approximately 656 fps) and must have an orange tip on the barrel. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess an airsoft gun.
What Is An Orange Tip On An Airsoft Gun?
By now, you’ve probably read the words ‘orange tip’ and have no idea what it means. If you do, great, if not, here is a brief description.
In most countries, airsoft guns are required to have an orange tip on the barrel to distinguish them from real firearms. This requirement is usually enforced by law and failure to comply can result in legal consequences.
The reason for this requirement is to prevent confusion between airsoft guns and real firearms, which could lead to dangerous situations. The orange tip serves as a visual cue that the gun is not a real firearm and is intended for recreational use only.
The tip is usually made of bright orange plastic and is permanent, meaning it cannot be easily removed or painted over. The requirement for an orange tip applies to both the manufacturing and sale of airsoft guns. In some countries, individuals may be required to add an orange tip to their airsoft gun if it did not come with one.
It is important for airsoft enthusiasts to be aware of this requirement and to comply with it to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
Conclusion
The legality of airsoft guns varies by country and is subject to different regulations and restrictions. While airsoft guns are generally legal in most countries, there are certain restrictions and regulations that must be followed to own or use them.
It is important for individuals to research the laws and regulations in their own country or region before purchasing or using an airsoft gun to avoid any legal consequences. It is also important to note that this article provides a general overview of the legal status of airsoft guns in popular countries and should not be used as legal advice.
If you have any questions or concerns about the legality of airsoft guns in your area, it is best to consult with a legal professional or visit any of the countries government websites.
