Shooting pellets or diabolos with an airgun is common. But under what conditions can an individual acquire and possess a pistol or air rifle?
According to the law on weapons of June 8, 2006, compressed air weapons are considered “non-fire” weapons since the propulsion of their projectiles does not result from the combustion of powder or a primer Soft air gun.
Section 19 of the 2006 Act provides that “non-firearms” cannot be sold, offered for sale or disposed of in public markets and other places where there is no permanent establishment, with the exception of an official public sale, after advice from the director of the firearms testing house.
By “short weapon”, we mean any weapon whose barrel length does not measure more than 30 cm and whose total length of the weapon does not exceed 60 cm.
With regard to short compressed air weapons, the law also distinguishes those whose kinetic energy of the projectile is greater than 7.5 Joules from those whose power is lower.
It is in fact a European standard which expresses the penetration force (and therefore the risk) of a projectile.
Over-the-counter airguns
Are on sale over the counter:
Air rifles that do not meet the definition of “short arms”, regardless of the power of their projectiles.
Short compressed air weapons whose projectile kinetic energy does not exceed 7.5 Joules
Home possession of over-the-counter weapons is permitted and their transportation is not regulated by law. However, carrying an over-the-counter pistol or air rifle in public remains subject to a legitimate reason.
The possible legitimate reasons have not been specified by law. Consequently, during a police check, the person transporting a weapon will have to demonstrate the “reasonable” necessity of transport. For example: going to or from the gunsmith, shooting range, etc. An individual who takes a weapon without valid reason risks legal proceedings and the seizure of what he is carrying illegally.
The sale, possession and transfer of these weapons are not authorized to young people under 18 years of age.
Compressed air weapons subject to possession authorization
“Short” compressed air weapons whose projectile kinetic energy is greater than 7.5 Joules are subject to a possession authorization.
The sale, possession and transfer of these weapons are not authorized to young people under 18 years of age.
If you have a “short” compressed air weapon, it is therefore important to know its power by asking a gunsmith if necessary.
Precautionary measures
To avoid any accident with a weapon that can fire projectiles, let us remember the safety principles:
- At all times, consider the weapon to be loaded, even if you are convinced that it is not.
- When handling, always point the weapon in a non-dangerous direction.
- When gripping the weapon, place your index finger along the trigger guard or the frame of the weapon to avoid involuntary action on the trigger.
- Always check that the weapon is empty before any handling or maintenance.