Airsoft law in the United States

Selling an airsoft gun (a "BB device" in state law) to anyone under 18 is a misdemeanor, and so is giving or lending one to a minor without a parent's or guardian's permission. Showing an imitation firearm openly in a public place, which includes a street, a park, a parking lot and a car, is against the law. Changing or removing the markings is a misdemeanor. Guns sold in the state must also carry a fluorescent trigger guard and fluorescent bands, or be bright or clear all over, or the seller can be fined.

No one may sell, give, lend or transfer an air gun that can cause bodily harm to anyone under 18, except a parent to a child, a guardian to a ward or an adult instructor to a pupil. A minor may not carry one on a highway or public land without an adult unless it is unloaded and cased. The law does not name airsoft, and towns may add stricter rules.

State law counts a gun that fires hard plastic pellets with enough force to hurt as an air rifle. No one may sell, lend or give one to anyone under 13, except a parent, guardian or instructor.

State law counts as a firearm any air gun, spring gun or similar weapon powered by a spring, gas or air that fires a projectile smaller than 3/8 inch "with sufficient force to injure a person". Where an airsoft gun meets that test, the state's weapons and gun permit laws treat it as a firearm. The law does not name airsoft or say where the line is, so check with your local police before you buy. A 2026 bill (S1719) to take BB guns out of the definition had not passed in November 2026.

City law bans selling or owning any air pistol, air rifle or similar instrument powered by a spring or air. The exceptions are licensed dealers selling for delivery outside the city, licensed amusements and authorized ranges. The text does not name airsoft. Separately, a toy or imitation gun that looks real may only be sold, owned or used if its whole outside is white or bright red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink or purple, or it is entirely clear, and its barrel is closed for at least 1/2 inch, it carries the maker's name and it has no laser pointer. A black gun with only an orange tip does not pass.

City law bans selling, giving or otherwise transferring a "replica air gun", and bans having or firing one anywhere in the city, except at a carnival. A replica air gun is any air gun, spring gun or BB gun that looks like a real firearm and fires a hard plastic or other hard projectile with enough force to hurt. Breaking the ban means a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Illinois state law applies as well.

State law does not count an airsoft gun, a "pneumatic gun" that fires a BB or pellet by spring, gas or air, as a firearm. Cities, towns and counties, Detroit included, may not make their own rules on owning, buying, selling or carrying one. Among the few things they may do: require anyone under 16 to be supervised by a parent, guardian or adult (not on private land with permission), ban pointing or waving one to scare someone, and ban firing one in crowded areas (not at ranges or on private land with permission). Having one in a school's weapon free zone is a misdemeanor.