Airsoft guns in Orlando

[Aidensmum]

No idea if this belongs here. We are coming to Disneyworld from Australia and my 11 year old desperately wants to buy an Airsoft gun from Walmart and shoot cans with his Dad. Wanting an idea of the legalities of this? Do they have to find bushland somewhere to use it?
Thanks

 

[chartle]

One issue that just popped up is a lot of the major retailers are starting to or already have stopped selling realistic looking toy guns.

Not sure how that effects airsoft.

Just heard a story about this yesterday morning.

 

[Vaughn4380]

Airsoft guns are not regulated in this country and any Walmart or sporting goods store should have them in stock. They have the legal status of a rubber dart gun (i.e. toy) so you may use them wherever and however you wish, although you should use some common sense in where you use them. Most have orange tips or the entire gun is brightly colored to distinguish it from a real gun, but there are a few that look real and I would avoid using those in a public area as someone may call the police.

Also keep in mind the BB’s are plastic and bounce everywhere, so if you use it in a public park you will need to come up with a way to clean them up or you are technically littering. They are fun, we use them in our backyard for keeping the aluminum pop can population in check.

 

[Vaughn4380]

Quick question: Where you planning on using this at a Disney hotel? If so, I can see security asking you to stop for various reasons (Disney is technically private property). If you are renting a house in Orlando, then the backyard would be a perfect place to use one of these.

 

[Daisy62]

I can't imagine using one on Disney property. Can't he do without it while on vacation?

 

[Vaughn4380]

I can't imagine using one on Disney property. Can't he do without it while on vacation?

I am guesing they are not available in their home country, hence the desire to do it in this country.

 

[Daisy62]

I am guesing they are not available in their home country, hence the desire to do it in this country.

Oooh. I misread. I don't think there would be an issue Buying one locally near WDW and packing it in a suitcase
To take home. I don't think it should be used on Disney property but don't think it would be an issue on
Private property back
Home.

 

[Ceila]

Airsoft guns are not regulated in this country and any Walmart or sporting goods store should have them in stock. They have the legal status of a rubber dart gun (i.e. toy) so you may use them wherever and however you wish, although you should use some common sense in where you use them. Most have orange tips or the entire gun is brightly colored to distinguish it from a real gun, but there are a few that look real and I would avoid using those in a public area as someone may call the police.

Also keep in mind the BB’s are plastic and bounce everywhere, so if you use it in a public park you will need to come up with a way to clean them up or you are technically littering. They are fun, we use them in our backyard for keeping the aluminum pop can population in check.

What I bolded above is not true at all. There ARE regulations in some places, mostly at the local level, as to where an airsoft gun may be used. I don't live in Florida, so I don't know the regs there. If you are staying in a hotel, you may have trouble locating a good place to shoot, as you likely won't be allowed to shoot on their property, and some towns/counties restrict airsoft, BB, and paintball guns from being used in public parks.

How old is your son? There are a few airsoft places in Orlando where he and your husband could go and play for a few hours or even a whole day. They generally rent equipment, so you don't have to purchase everything. One that seems to be popular is http://www.orlandoairsoft.net/. I can't find a minimum age listed on their website, but if you want, I'd be happy to call them for you and ask. Let me know.

If you do decide to purchase one, check your country and local laws on using it at home. I know when we went to Europe last year, our son was 15 and I think he discovered that he was not allowed to play in some countries due to his age.

Also, check to see what, if any, restrictions your airline carrier might place on transporting it home. Within the US, it can be placed in checked luggage without declaring it as a firearm, but I have no idea what, if any, differences there are for international flights.

My son is really into airsoft, so if you have any more questions, let me know here or via PM!

 

[5kidsmommy]

I just googled, they have an airsoft range in Orlando. You might be interested in going there. Many cities have regulations against using bb and airlift guns in city limits. I know my son is an avid airsoft and paintball gun user and often goes to ranges to have fun with others. Here is a link to a range there. That might be a fun trip for your son. http://www.orlandoairsoft.net

 

[Vaughn4380]

What I bolded above is not true at all.

Where exactly are those localities with restrictions? I have never heard of one.

I am guessing the local ordinances are merely lip service and unenforceable. You can order any airsoft product you want on the internet and have it shipped to your door. I have never seen anyone prosecuted for purchasing airsoft products.

ETA: And I should probably clarify, that by "regulated" I meant the ability to purchase one, not the use of one. Obviously you can't expect to use one on a public bus or in front of city hall.

 

[Ceila]

Where exactly are those localities with restrictions? I have never heard of one.

I am guessing the local ordinances are merely lip service and unenforceable. You can order any airsoft product you want on the internet and have it shipped to your door. I have never seen anyone prosecuted for purchasing airsoft products.

ETA: And I should probably clarify, that by "regulated" I meant the ability to purchase one, not the use of one. Obviously you can't expect to use one on a public bus or in front of city hall.

I did take your post to mean use, not simply purchase. But actually, there are some US locations that place restrictions on purchases and shipping. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_issues_in_airsoft#Selected_local_requirements (You have to scroll down to the US section.)

 

[EMAW_KSU]

Where exactly are those localities with restrictions? I have never heard of one.

I am guessing the local ordinances are merely lip service and unenforceable. You can order any airsoft product you want on the internet and have it shipped to your door. I have never seen anyone prosecuted for purchasing airsoft products.

ETA: And I should probably clarify, that by "regulated" I meant the ability to purchase one, not the use of one. Obviously you can't expect to use one on a public bus or in front of city hall.

Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, and parts of Michigan

 

[Vaughn4380]

Well I stand corrected, Thanks to Wikipedia it looks like New Jersey has pretty strict laws over airsoft:

"New Jersey law clearly states that BB and airsoft guns are considered real firearms, therefore making them subject to the same laws as actual firearms. This means that one has to have a state firearms license to possess and therefore one must be over 18 to operate and/or own an airsoft or pellet gun. It would also proscribe convicted felons, domestic abusers and other firearm "prohibited persons" from possessing Airsoft or BB guns. Anyone not over 18 and/or who does not have a New Jersey firearms license is subject to arrest and prosecution. The criminal charges may include: unlawful possession of a weapon, (3rd degree felony). Punishments may include: 3rd degree crime, punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both (can be 2nd degree crime if gun meets certain specifications).

N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 2C:39-5, 2C:58-4

Enforcement of this law is intermittent. There are many fields and stores in operation and sporting goods stores regularly carry Airsoft replicas. However, a man was arrested in 2013 for firing a replica in his backyard."​

Seems a bit strict for a toy that won't even puncture a pop can.

 

[Vaughn4380]

Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore...

I clearly stated "in this country".

 

[5kidsmommy]

We can buy them and legally own them here but I know you can't use them even on your property because there is a city ordinance here and they enforce it with several officers, been there done that which is why my son no longer uses his at home.

 

[Vaughn4380]

I did take your post to mean use, not simply purchase. But actually, there are some US locations that place restrictions on purchases and shipping. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_issues_in_airsoft#Selected_local_requirements (You have to scroll down to the US section.)

LOL, I just texted my Cousin who lives in New Jersey and he had no idea his airsoft guns required a firearm owners license. Technically he is a felon under state law. He doesn't even own a "real" gun. Now he is freaking out.

ETA: He lets his 16 year old son keep his airsoft rifle in his room and use it in the backyard all the time. Technically, that is two additional felonies.

 

[Vaughn4380]

We can buy them and legally own them here but I know you can't use them even on your property because there is a city ordinance here and they enforce it with several officers, been there done that which is why my son no longer uses his at home.

Sorry to hear this. In your own backyard with proper safety precautions should not be a situation that requires "several officers".

 

[5kidsmommy]

Sorry to hear this. In your own backyard with proper safety precautions should not be a situation that requires "several officers".

Luckily the officers were really nice but they got a call of a man with a gun. The "man" was my 14 year old son and his 13 year old friend. They set up an obstacle course and were playing. Luckily when they saw the officers speeding down the street they were smart enough to quickly put them down and put their hands up. But yeah it was kind of terrifying as I saw it occur, I was out on my front porch. The world has gone crazy. Oh and these were the clear kinds with bright ends and they make no noise so ummm yeah. Craziness.

 

[Hrhpd]

You also have to be 18 to purchase anywhere in this country.

It was a big thing with the teens in our old town for awhile. But since the area is uber ecologically oriented, there was grave concern over the impact of the pellets on wildlife, especially for birds. Teens and tweens, no matter how responsible, don't get on their hands and knees and scour an entire park for their spent pellets. They have since been banned on any public property throughout the county. And it is definitely being enforced and is not just "lip service." Just ask the teens that were having an airsoft war in the open space behind their houses and had the swat team come out and shut them down. After that, teens do not go out and shoot in this county. Private backyards with fences or specific airsoft places are the only real places kids can use their airsoft guns.

It is very important to check state and city ordinances before you take one out for shooting.

 

[LisaR]

We have multiple airsoft places in and around Orlando. Take him there. They are a ton of fun and far more entertaining than shooting at a few pop cans or targets. They set up specific battles and obstacles for the group and it really is a good time. They all rent equipment. Word of warning: if you are coming now, it is HOT! Those plastic pellets can hurt and can leave a welt. Long pants and long sleeves can provide protection, but they will just make an already sweltering day even worse. My son always wore shorts and just sucked it up, but you need to be prepared for some welts if you go that route. Bring water. A lot of water! Sunscreen and eye protection are also mandatory.