Airsoft Guns - Minimum Age

The federal law requires a person of 18 years or older to purchase an airsoft gun; however, a child is allowed to possess an airsoft gun at any age but normally restricted by the parents. This is true in most states in the United States, excluding Minnesota which the minimum age for a child to possess an airsoft gun is 14 years old. It is highly recommended for parents to carefully consider if their child is mature enough to own an airsoft gun because they appear so similar to a real firearm. Citizens or the police can mistake it as a threat (real gun) and misfortunes can occur.

United States

Any Airsoft gun that is entering the United States is considered at best to be a toy gun and for legal purpose they must have a blaze orange tip during sale and transportation. The Federal Law requires it. Some states allow the tip to be removed while others say they cannot. Check with your state laws before removing any thing from these guns.

Japan

In Japan the age limit is 18 years old as well. In August 2006, Japan airsoft guns were declared legal but these guns are not allowed to be shot with a muzzle energy that exceeds .98.

Canada

In Canada the age limit is also 18 years old. These airsoft guns are considered to be replicas by the Canadian Customs Department. But if you are trying to bring one into the country the Customs will take it from you. In Canada the only way to get an airsoft gun is by local retailers who themselves need a special license in order to import them. The price is then doubled because they have to be brought in.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom these airsoft guns cannot be purchased until 18 years of age like most countries but if you are 14 years old you may fire them only in the company of an adult. Airsoft guns are not classified as firearms but they are still age restricted. In the United Kingdom it is also illegal to change or modify any part of the weapon or even the ammo and you are not allowed to carry the airsoft gun in public places.

Most countries have age limits of 18 years old. Even though in some countries these guns are considered to be firearms they do come with the dangers of hurting someone and when you are 18 and younger sometimes you cannot be responsible enough to handle that kind of responsibility. Safety precautions must be followed at all times and when you are playing in a game, always check your equipment to make sure they are working properly.