How Old Do You Have to Be to Play Airsoft in California?

Airsoft is a sport growing in popularity, and for good reason. It's an engaging recreational activity that combines the team-building aspects of paintball with the strategy of a classic video game. But regardless of how awesome you think it is, you still need to ensure you meet the legal requirements set forth by the state of California before you get to play!

Age Restrictions for Airsoft in California

Just how old do you have to be to play Airsoft in California? The short answer is, it depends. In California, the minimum age to purchase and own an Airsoft gun is 18. But you can still enjoy the thrill of Airsoft from ages 12 to 17 - as long as you have legal parental supervision while playing.

How to Play Airsoft with Parental Supervision

Have a parent or guardian present to observe the game if you're aged 12 to 17. This applies equally to both private and commercial fields, so child-friendly Airsoft arenas are also good options! It's recommended for players to wear full-head and full-face protective gear during the game.

Safety Regulations for Airsoft in California

No Airsoft game would be complete without the proper safety measures in place. It's important to follow the basic safety guidelines outlined by the state of California for both indoor and outdoor play. Always remember to never point the Airsoft gun at anyone; always keep the gun pointed down and away. And since Airsoft guns are not toys, never attempt to take it apart or tamper with the gun in any way.

Prohibited Features for Airsoft Guns in California

In addition to the menu of safety regulations, the state of California has a few specific rules regarding Airsoft guns. For instance, Airsoft guns are required to have a minimum trigger force of five pounds. Additionally, all Airsoft guns must have a fluorescent blaze-orange ring of a minimum diameter of one-half inch affixed to the barrel end of the gun. Also, any gun that shoots over 500 feet per second (fps) is prohibited.

Airsoft Laws in California

California recognizes Airsoft as a sport rather than a weapon, and therefore it's legal to play as long as all the guidelines have been followed. So if you want to get in on the fun that Airsoft has to offer, there's no reason why you can't do so responsibly.

Final Word

Just remember that you have to be at least 18 years of age to buy and own an Airsoft gun in California. But you can still play with parental supervision from the ages of 12 to 17. As long as you understand all the laws and safety regulations, there's no reason why you can't enjoy a safe and exciting game of Airsoft!