Airsoft is a recreational activity in which participants engage in mock combat with authentic military-style weapons and tactics. Here is what you need to know if you’re considering to engage in airsoft in India.
Legal Considerations
Airsoft guns are legal in India, as per the new Arms Act, and owning them does not require licensing. However, the use of an air gun is not completely unrestricted. You need to have a license to keep or carry an air gun with you, and certain air guns require maintaining records with the ID proof of the buyer:
- Air guns with muzzle energy exceeding 20 joules
- Air guns with bore exceeding 0.177 or 4.5 mm
The use of airsoft guns is subject to limitations:
- Airsoft is not a recognised sporting activity in India.
- It’s illegal to own, manufacture, or import airsoft guns without a license in most states.
- Airsoft guns must be marked with a bright color, such as orange, to differentiate them from real firearms.
- Using airsoft guns in public places is illegal.
Airsoft Gameplay
You can play airsoft in various locations, as long as permission is granted:
- Inside your home
- In your backyard
- Private areas
- Rentable fields, such as the paintball field at Headrush Bombay for airsoft events.
Licensing & Purchasing
If you’re looking to apply for an airsoft gun license or searching for a field, consider reaching out to expert communities such as the Facebook page for Airsoft Cluj.
Remember to never allow the BBs to fly outside your designated game area.