What laws should be observed as an Airsoft weapon owner?

Although Airsoft weapons are generally considered free weapons and can be purchased from the age of 18, their use is regulated by the Weapons Act. In other words, anyone who owns Airsoft weapons must also adhere to the regulations arising from the Weapons Act. In principle: The Weapons Act regulates the handling and trade of weapons and ammunition, taking into account public safety and order. The reason this concerns Airsoft weapons is explained in the next paragraph.

Are Airsoft weapons considered weapons under the Weapons Act?

The Weapons Act states that firearms are objects intended for attack or defense, signaling, hunting, distance injection, marking, sports, or games, and where projectiles are propelled through a barrel by hot or cold gases (Annex 1 (to §1 Abs.4) WaffG). And this applies to Airsoft weapons! The further text of the law specifies the classification of Airsoft weapons. There are Airsoft weapons that can be purchased from the age of 14 because they are considered toys. This only applies 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 are classified as free weapons and can be sold freely from the age of 18. However, they must bear the test mark of the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, the symbol "F in a pentagon".

Which Airsoft weapons can be purchased from the age of 14?

Airsoft weapons with a muzzle energy of up to 0.5 Joules. These weapons may shoot not only single shots but also semi-automatic and fully automatic ("continuous fire").

Which Airsoft weapons can be purchased from the age of 18?

Airsoft weapons with up to 7.5 Joules of muzzle energy, which bear the mark F in a pentagon. Airsoft weapons in Germany may not be able to shoot fully automatically if they have a muzzle energy of 0.5 Joules or more! Theoretically, muzzle energies over 7.5 Joules would also be possible and thus require a permit. However, the strongest Airsoft weapons have a muzzle energy of about 3.5 Joules.

How should Airsoft weapons be transported?

Airsoft weapons must not be accessible and ready to fire during transport. The weapon must be transported in a closed container, separate from the ammunition. Suitable packaging includes a case, a bag, a gun case, or a box. Additionally, one must have a legitimate reason to transport the Airsoft weapon, for example, when going to a playing field or picking it up from a store. However, one may not carry the weapon at all times!

Is it allowed to carry the Airsoft weapon in public?

No. Airsoft weapons are considered imitation weapons because they closely resemble their real counterparts. "Carrying" means exercising actual control over the weapon outside of a secured area, such as one's own home, property, or business premises. To carry a weapon publicly, one needs a firearms permit. An Airsoft playing field is a secured 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 secured property, such as in one's own garden (provided it is ensured that the projectiles do not leave the property), as well as on Airsoft fields, provided there is permission from the owner or the holder of the house rights.

How must my Airsoft weapons be stored?

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