Young people in Perleberg caught with airsoft gun! What now?

Young people in Perleberg caught with airsoft gun! What now?

On Dobberziner Strasse in Perleberg on Friday evening, three young people were observed handling a weapon-like object. It turned out it was an airsoft gun. These air guns are particularly popular with young people for off-road games and sport shooting. Loud Northern Courier Airsoft guns shoot small round balls, which are usually made of plastic, and are operated via spring pressure, gas or compressed air.

However, caution is advised when carrying such weapons. From a certain strength, specifically from a bullet energy of more than 7.5 joules, a gun ownership card is required, which is only available to those aged 18 and over. Even if violations of the weapons law occur in public, severe fines of up to 10,000 euros can be imposed. In this case, the police seized the airsoft weapon and filed an administrative offense report because carrying such weapons outdoors is an administrative offense.

What does the gun law say?

The German weapons law is very clear regarding airsoft weapons: devices with a shot energy of less than 0.5 joules are considered toys and are therefore exempt from the weapons law. However, devices that are between 0.5 and 7.5 joules may only be purchased by people aged 18 and over and may not be worn in public. Transport must also take place in closed containers, such as Catalog of fines explained.

It becomes particularly explosive when airsoft weapons look very similar to real firearms. In such cases, they may be classified as “sham weapons,” meaning additional rules apply. These regulations ensure that public safety is maintained so that no misunderstandings or dangerous situations arise.

Current legal framework

The legal regulations for airsoft weapons have changed several times in recent years. As of September 1st, 2020, special regulations of the Weapons Act for airsoft weapons that have no more than 0.5 joules of kinetic energy were no longer in force. However, a return to the old legal situation was carried out, as shown drschmitz is explained in detail. Buyers and users of airsoft weapons must therefore always be aware of the current regulations.

In the aforementioned incident in Perleberg, the young people were finally handed over to their legal guardians. The police took the matter seriously, showing that such checks are not only necessary, but also help to educate people about the laws and their meaning.