Air guns are firearms in which air is compressed and stored in a pressure vessel. The stored compressed air is released through a valve when a shot is to be fired, propelling the projectile. In contrast, spring-powered guns use a spring-loaded piston to create an air cushion that drives the projectile. A third system is gas-powered guns, where a cold propellant gas like carbon dioxide propels the projectile—no tension or compression activity from the shooter is necessary.
Marketplace
These systems are colloquially referred to as air rifles or air pistols.
Air guns that do not exceed 7.5 joules of muzzle energy are marked in Germany with the label "F in a pentagon" and can be sold freely to individuals aged 18 and older. Also exempt from purchase requirements are air guns manufactured and brought to market before January 1, 1970, as well as those manufactured and brought to market in the territory of the former GDR before April 2, 1991. In the case of the last two mentioned, the guns may also have a muzzle energy exceeding 7.5 joules.
Air guns that do not fall into any of these categories require a permit and must be registered in a firearms ownership card.
