List of US States and Airsoft Laws

  • Arkansas – Owning or using an airsoft gun has been deemed illegal in this state
  • California – Airsoft laws in the state of California are defined by Senate Bill No.199 that states:

“Existing law prohibits a person from furnishing a BB device, defined to include a spot marker gun, to a minor without the permission of the minor’s parent or guardian, and prohibits selling a BB device to a minor. Violation of either of these prohibitions is a crime. Existing law defines a BB device as any instrument that expels a projectile, such as a BB or pellet, that does not exceed 6 millimeters in caliber.”.

  • Colorado – Students who bring an airsoft gun to school will receive a mandatory expulsion. There are also other laws and regulations that govern where you can use your airsoft gun.  
  • Illinois – As of July 13, 2012, air guns are no longer considered firearms. To receive this status the gun must be the equivalent of a big bore air gun that uses .18 caliber or higher ammunition with an FPS of 700 or more.
  • Maine – Maine Law states that selling an airsoft weapon to a child younger than the age of sixteen is deemed illegal.
  • Massachusetts – Though only those who are eighteen years or older can legally purchase an airsoft gun, those who are younger can play with the gun if they’re supervised by an adult. 
  • Michigan – Orange flash hiders are mandatory and you must be eighteen or older to legally own an airsoft gun. Large caliber and high-power air pistols are considered to be firearms by state law.
  • Minnesota – Children 14 or older cannot be sold an airsoft gun without the permission of a parent or legal guardian. You cannot carry an airsoft gun in a threatening manner in a public area. Storing or carrying an airsoft gun onto a school campus is illegal. 
  • Missouri – Municipal laws enforce when and where an airsoft gun can be fired. The local police department will have more information on the subject.
  • New York City – You must be sixteen or older to be in possession of an airsoft weapon. Though not outright illegal, brandishing an airsoft gun in New York City is greatly frowned upon and may lead to legal repercussions (depending on the situation). All replica firearms must be coated with tape and marked with bright colors.
  • North Dakota – airsoft and air guns are considered to be dangerous weapons. Thus, all laws that govern firearms and other dangerous weapons also apply to airsoft and air guns.
  • Texas – You can legally purchase and own airsoft guns, but you can only fire them outside the limits of major cities. Each municipality may be different when it comes to where you can fire your weapon.
  • Washington DC– It’s illegal to fire a firearm in a public area or in any setting where a person could be injured. Air pistols that use compressed gas or any other form of gas is forbidden from school buses and school premises. Washington DC gun laws state that carrying replica firearms are illegal.

Airsoft Guns and Federal Law 

Though airsoft guns are considered to be legal weapons as defined by federal law, the definition of a firearm can vary state to state. Some states, for example, consider compressed and spring operated air guns to be firearms.

In other areas, the laws are completely relaxed. On a final note, if the airsoft manufacturer doesn’t have a license agreement with the actual firearms manufacturer then federal law requires that all trademarks be removed from the airsoft guns in question.

The bottom line

No matter where you live, you should always use common sense when dealing with airsoft guns. Even if you live in a relatively laid back state like Texas where gun laws aren’t as stringent as other parts of the country, you should always treat an airsoft gun as if it were a real firearm.

Therefore, when you have no intention of using the weapon, you should always keep your finger away from  the trigger. Recklessly using your airsoft gun could lead to criminal action, injury or possibly even death.  Always use protective gear and never allow a minor to handle an airsoft gun without adult supervision. Also, always be mindful on how you transport your airsoft weapons in public as well as in your vehicle.

Though purchasing an airsoft gun is a fairly easy and pain-free task in most parts of the country, you should always double check with your local and state laws to ensure that you’re abiding by the law when it comes to the use and ownership of your gun. Your local airsoft dealers should have this information readily on hand for you, but you can also visit your local police department for more details.

Post Credit: Airsoftnation