What laws must be observed as an airsoft gun owner?

Although airsoft weapons are usually free weapons and thus may be purchased from the age of 18, the handling of them is regulated by the Weapons Act. Or in other words, whoever owns airsoft weapons must also comply with the regulations resulting from the Weapons Act. Basically: The Weapons Act regulates the handling and traffic with weapons and ammunition, taking into account the concerns of public safety and order. Why this concerns airsoft weapons is explained in the next paragraph.

Are airsoft weapons weapons in the sense of the Weapons Act?

The Weapons Act states that firearms are objects intended for attack or defense, signaling, hunting, distance injection, marking, sport or play, and in which projectiles are propelled through a barrel by means of hot or cold gases (Annex 1 (to §1 para.4) WaffG). And this applies to Airsoft weapons! In the further text of the law, the classification of Airsoft weapons is further specified. So there are Airsoft weapons which may be acquired already from 14 years, because they are considered as toys. However, this applies only to models with a muzzle energy of up to 0.5 joules. Airsoft weapons, with a muzzle energy between 0.5 joules and 7.5 joules belong to the free weapons and are free for sale from 18 years. However, they must have the test seal of the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, the sign "F in a pentagon".

What airsoft weapons are allowed to buy from 14 years?

Airsoft weapons with up to 0.5 joules muzzle energy. These weapons are allowed to shoot semi-automatic and fully automatic ("continuous fire") in addition to single shot.

What airsoft weapons are allowed to buy from 18 years old?

Airsoft weapons, up to 7.5 joules muzzle energy, which have the F mark in the pentagon. From 0.5 joules muzzle energy airsoft weapons may not be able to shoot fully automatic in Germany! Theoretically, muzzle energies of over 7.5 joules would also be possible and therefore subject to licensing. However, the most powerful airsoft weapons have a muzzle energy of about 3.5 joules.

How should airsoft weapons be transported?

Airsoft weapons must not be ready for access or firing during transportation. The weapon must be transported in a closed container separate from the ammunition. A case, a bag, a gun case or even a cardboard box is suitable as packaging. In addition, you must have a need to transport the airsoft gun, for example, when you go to a playing field or pick up from a store. However, you are not allowed to take the weapon with you all the time!

Is it allowed to carry the airsoft gun in public?

No. Airsoft weapons are considered to be apparent weapons because they look deceptively similar to their real counterparts. "Carrying" in the sense of the Weapons Act means exercising actual power over the weapon outside the pacified ground, i.e. one's own home, property or business premises. In order to be allowed to carry a weapon, i.e. to publicly exercise power over it, one needs a weapons license. An airsoft playing field is a pacified area where the airsoft weapon may be carried.

Where is it allowed to shoot with airsoft weapons?

Weapons with a muzzle energy of up to 7.5 joules may be shot on pacified territory, i.e. in one's own garden (provided that it is ensured that the projectiles do not leave it), as well as on airsoft fields, provided that permission has been granted by the owner, the holder of the house right.

How should my airsoft guns be stored?

A safe is not necessary for airsoft weapons. However, the owner must ensure that the weapon is safe from unauthorized access - so it must be stored in a locked cabinet, a locked case or similar.