Is Airsoft Guns Legal in California?
“ARE airsoft guns legal in California?” This is a common question among new players and veterans alike. Well the short answer to that question is yes, they are legal in California if you are an adult. Airsoft guns were first manufactured in Japan and have been known to be highly illegal there. However, in July of 2008, the law was changed in California, making it legal for indoor and outdoor airsoft shooting in most situations.
So what is so important about this? Well, are airsoft guns legal in California because of the two primary reasons? One, it is simply a matter of liability. Most local residents do not own airsoft guns, or at least did not know the laws on owning one. This made them liable if someone was injured using one. Since there are now local leagues that oversee these incidents, people are aware of the laws and are more careful with what they shoot.
The second reason is airsoft guns legal in California is because of their sport. Airsoft has gained a lot of popularity over the years, especially with kids. They find it a challenging activity, as it requires precise targeting of a target. Plus, the exaltation and sense of achievement when a player scores a critical hit makes the entire game exciting. Kids are attracted to these games because of the realism involved, and the satisfaction they get when they knock out an enemy soldier or robot.
Now, if you are wondering are airsoft guns legal in California, then you need to understand that there are actually several requirements to be able to own this type of weapon. Although it is a regulation from the state, the actual law itself is more complicated. However, here are the basic things you need to do in order to avoid trouble with the law.
If you are an adult, then you need to be over 18 years old. Otherwise, it is illegal. You also need to have a license to own one. It is actually based on the “shooting” part, where the weapon is actually considered a machine. This means that if you are caught breaking this law, you will be heavily fined.
If you are purchasing one from a dealer, then you need to know exactly what you are getting. Do not buy one without inspecting it carefully. Check for any obvious flaws, which will affect the way the gun works. Look for springs, for example. If there are any, you must ask the seller to return the item and get a new one. Do not try to save a few dollars by returning a real good gun, because you may end up wasting money on a non-functioning one.
If you are just starting out with this sport, then you probably want to stick with the lower powered guns. Keep in mind that these are much more powerful than their more powerful counterparts. There are two different types of low-powered airsoft guns – spring and gas powered. For better accuracy, you might consider a gas powered model, especially if you plan on using it outdoors. However, if you are not concerned about accuracy, then you should stick with the spring powered ones.
Do not take this lightly! California is a highly populated place, and there are a lot of other people out there who also want to play this game. Even if you are fortunate enough to find a licensed dealer, you will still run into problems if you are not following local laws. It does not matter whether or not you are licensed; the use of an unlicensed gun can get you in some serious trouble. Therefore, before you start playing, you need to ensure that you are fully aware of the rules and that you are carrying the proper documentation.