How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns are a popular choice for shooting sport aficionados due to their steady accuracy, reliability, and realism. Airsoft guns are realistic replicas of actual firearms, though they discharge non-metallic pellets made of plastic, biodegradable materials, or a combination of both materials.

Within the United States regulations governing airsoft guns are established by local and state laws and also dictated by federal restrictions. Knowing the legal age requirement for purchasing an airsoft gun is essential for a pleasant shopping experience.

Federal Laws

The federal law whichdictates the age requirement for purchasing an airsoft gun is the Child Safety Protection Act (CPSA) of 2003. The act reduces the availability of children from gaining access to toy guns making it illegal tomanufacture, import and sell toy guns made of metal, plastic, or other materials which have the capability to be mistaken for real firearms. The CPSA specifies that the person buying an airsoft gun must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

State and Local Laws

Most states have age requirements to buy an airsoft gun. However, a handful of states have no regulations concerning airsoft gun purchases. The buyer must be a minimum age of sixteen (16) in those states with no laws get hold of an airsoft gun. In contrast, some states passed legislation barring people under eighteen (18) from legally buying airsoft gun.

States Requiring Airsoft Gun Buyers to be Eighteen (18)

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Louisiana
• Indiana
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• North Carolina
• New Jersey

States Requiring Airsoft Gun Buyers to be at Least Sixteen (16)

• Alaska
• Idaho
• Maine
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Ohio
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

States with Regulations on Delivery

Several states specify that airsoft guns ordered online must be delivered to an adult over 18 years of age. That includes the following:

• California
• New York
• Illinois
• New Hampshire
• Virginia

Penalties

Anyone found guilty of buying an airsoft gun in the U.S. who is below the legal age may face criminal charges. Depending on state laws, the age violation may be classified as either a misdemeanor or felony.

Brief Recap

It's essential to us to be aware of the age requirement to purchase airsoft guns, whichever state or territory one resides. Federal and state laws impose guidelines on the age buyers must be in which ranges from two categories: 18 years old or 16 years old, with a few exceptions requiring delivery of the gun by an adult for those 18 and older. Any breach of the regulations carries consequences depending on regional law enforcement.

In almost all cases, minimizing the risks associated with obtaining an airsoft gun suggests only buying from a reputable dealer or store in your area who is knowledgeable about the legal age requirements in your region.