Can I Give an Airsoft Gun to Someone Under 18?

September 22, 2025

Pennsylvania has a number of laws that regulate the sale and use of various types of weapons. Among these is a law that restricts the sale or distribution of air rifles – including guns popularly known as “airsoft” guns. Knowing what Pennsylvania law allows you to do when it comes to providing an airsoft gun to someone under the age of 18 is important. So is understanding what types of guns are included in Pennsylvania’s airsoft restriction.

If you have been accused of improperly making an airsoft gun or other air gun available to someone under the age of 18 in Pennsylvania, the LLF Law Firm can help. Our attorneys understand Pennsylvania’s laws relating to guns, including airsoft guns, and we are ready to protect your rights and defend you against the allegations you face. Call the LLF Law Firm to learn more. We can be reached at 888.535.3686 or by filling out our online contact form.

Pennsylvania’s Restrictions Relating to Airsoft Guns

In Pennsylvania, it is against the law for a gun dealer or a private individual to sell or give an airsoft gun to anyone under 18. It is also illegal for anyone under 18 to carry or fire an airsoft gun in public.

There are exceptions to the Pennsylvania prohibitions. When it comes to providing an airsoft gun to someone under 18:

  • Parents and guardians can provide their children under the age of 18 with airsoft guns
  • “Adult instructors” can provide airsoft guns to their students who are under 18

When it comes to someone under 18 who has an airsoft gun, there are also exceptions:

  • It is legal for them to have an airsoft gun in their own home
  • It is legal for them to fire an airsoft gun at an indoor or outdoor rifle range under adult supervision
  • It is legal for them to fire an airsoft gun on private property, provided it is done so safely and the projectile does not leave the property

What Types of Guns Are Restricted

The Pennsylvania law does not specifically use the term “airsoft.” Instead, it applies to “air rifles.” These include a number of types of guns, including the type that is popularly known as airsoft. In particular, the law defines “air rifles” to include: “Any air gun, air pistol, spring gun, spring pistol, B-B gun” as well as guns that do not qualify as firearms but that shoot “a pellet of any kind” that can cause bodily harm. Paintball guns are excluded from this definition.

Penalties

Gun dealers who violate this law can be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor. Individuals who illegally provide minors with airsoft guns can be charged with a summary offense.

The LLF Law Firm Can Defend You if You Face Charges for Supplying an Airsoft to a Minor

Whether you are a gun dealer or an individual, if you have been charged with selling or giving an airsoft or other type of air rifle or pistol to anyone under the age of 18, the LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team can help. Our attorneys defend clients facing all types of criminal charges all across Pennsylvania. We know the laws, regulations, rules, and procedures that apply in criminal cases in the state, and are ready to protect your rights and defend you against the charges you face.

Whether you are facing a summary offense or a third-degree misdemeanor, you need to defend yourself if you have been charged with a crime. The LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team is ready to help. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or fill out our contact form. We will schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and explain how we can help.

Categories