In the United States, airsoft guns are not classified as firearms under federal law. However, each state has different rules and regulations regarding this toy. Moreover, there is some general practice that airsofters should be aware of. So in this blog, we will go through some of the most common laws and regulations that we've come across here at RedWolf Airsoft. Do note that this blog post is meant to be used as a reference and the law is subject to change in the future.

Airsoft Law 101

Airsoft 101. Laws and Regulations about Airsoft Guns!

Often airsoft guns are manufactured to resemble real firearms; they are made for realistic skirmish games, firearms training, movie props, or even just regular target shooting. Here are some regulations under Federal Law that apply to all the states:

  • Purchaser must be 18 years old to purchase an airsoft gun
  • Never point an airsoft gun at anyone without their consent unless the person is taking part in an airsoft event
  • All airsoft guns must be installed with an orange tip that is at least 6mm long to distinguish them from a real firearm
  • Other than airsoft fields or private property, all airsoft guns must be stored in a bag or case during transportation

And below are regulations for each state:

Arkansas

Airsoft guns aren't allowed to be sold or transported without an orange tip and a body that is colored except black/ brown/ blue/ silver/ or metallic.

California

No one can sell, load, or transfer an airsoft gun to a minor, but they can use an airsoft gun under supervision. All airsoft guns must have fluorescent coloring over the trigger guard and grip.

New York City

Requires all realistic toys (including airsoft guns) or imitation firearms to be made in either clear or fluorescent color plastic/ polymer. Possession of any pistol or rifle that is spring or gas-powered is illegal without a license.

Michigan

All airsoft guns must have a clear indication that it is a replica, which means it must have an orange tip.

Texas

Airsoft guns can only be fired outside city limited or private property.

Illinois

Airsoft guns are regulated under the category of Air Rifle. Airsoft guns aren't allowed to be sold, give, nor rent to anyone under the age of 13 without their parent's supervision.

Minnesota

The purchaser of an airsoft gun must be at least 16 years old of age. Children 14 years old or younger will require adult supervision for them to possess an airsoft gun. Airsoft guns must be unloaded and placed in a closed gun case for transportation. Minnesota only allows the firing of an airsoft gun outside the city limit. In Minneapolis city, users aren't allowed to openly carry airsoft guns in public except the gun has an orange tip or is clear/ brightly colored.

Wisconsin

Carrying an airsoft gun to a school or area 1000 feet within the school grounds is prohibited.

WHERE ARE AIRSOFT GUNS ILLEGAL IN THE UNITED STATES?

Owning an airsoft gun is actually legal all across the United States, but from our research, we only notice 1 state where the law states that brandishing an airsoft gun is illegal and requires airsoft guns to be stored in a specific way:

New Jersey

Airsoft guns aren't considered toys in this state but are regulated as imitation firearms. Purchasing an airsoft gun in this state must be at least 18 years old and the gun must be installed with an orange tip. It is illegal to brandish airsoft guns in public, you may only use airsoft guns indoor, private property, or designated airsoft fields. Airsoft guns must be stored in a bag/ case during transportation.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO BUY AN AIRSOFT GUN?

To purchase an airsoft gun, the buyer must be 18 years or above. In some states, it is illegal for children under the age of 14 to possess an airsoft gun without the supervision of an adult.

However, there isn't a law that specifies how old you need to be to play airsoft; but most airsoft fields will have a minimum age of 12 or more.

For kids under 18, there must be at least 1 guardian/ parent to accompany them.

ARE AIRSOFT GUNS CONSIDERED TO BE FIREARMS?

Airsoft guns are NOT firearms!

Though each state has its own regulations and rules, airsoft guns aren't considered firearms under federal law in the United States. Michigan considers airsoft guns as replicas; whereas in New Jersey it is regulated as imitation firearms. Airsoft guns are generally sold in the US with an orange tip installed on the barrel to distinguish them from normal firearms since airsoft guns are usually quite realistic.

Final Thoughts

An example of RWA Agency Arms EXA Pistol with an orange tip installed - Click for more Info

So to conclude:

  • Airsoft guns aren't illegal to own throughout all the states as long as they have an orange tip
  • It is good practice to keep the airsoft gun out of public view
  • When transporting airsoft guns, it is best to keep them in a gun back or a gun case
  • The customer must be 18-year-old or older to purchase an airsoft gun
  • Airsofters under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult when using an airsoft gun
  • Airsoft guns are never to be fired in public
One of the many ways to carry your airsoft guns for transportation

We hope you find this blog informative. Rest assured, we here at RedWolf Airsoft will always ensure the product is legal for you to own before we send the product over. If there is an issue with your order, our customer service team will e-mail you to let you know. So if you'd like to purchase with ease of mind, shop at our website at www.redwolfairsoft.com! Thanks for reading!