Current weapons law in Germany
The new weapons law has been in force since 1 April 2003. To enforce the law, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has issued instructions which must be implemented by the responsible federal states and passed on to the authorities.
What is important for the association
1. Retiring members (§ 15 Para. 5)
Members leaving the association who are holders of a WBK must be reported to the competent authority (police, regulatory authority, district office, depending on the federal state).
Therefore: Ask members whether they have a WBK
2. Insurance (§ 27 Para. 1)
Associations that operate a shooting range must provide proof of liability insurance up to €1 million lump sum and accident insurance up to €100,000 in the event of disability and €10,000 in the event of death.
If the global insurance of the associations or sports federations does not cover this risk, provisions must be made here
3. Shooting by children and young people (§ 27)
Shooting under the age of 12 is not permitted unless an exemption has been granted. This age limit does not apply to crossbows!
From 12 - 14 years of age, shooting is only permitted with compressed air, spring pressure and CO2 weapons if a person suitable for working with children and young people supervises the shooting.
According to the training guidelines of the German Shooting Federation, a person who can demonstrate at least three years of practical experience in working with children and young people or who has acquired one of the DSB licences is generally suitable. The prerequisites must be substantiated - if requested by the authorities - i.e. written proof is not yet required.
From 14 - 16 years, this also applies to shooting with other weapons. In all cases, the written consent of the legal guardian is required. From the age of 16, there are no restrictions
4. Storage
There are currently no detailed regulations for the storage of weapons in the clubhouse. In individual cases, with the involvement of the criminal investigation departments, it should be necessary to secure the weapons in accordance with the type and number of weapons and the location of the clubhouse. Any requirements already imposed by the authorities must be countered with reference to the lack of implementing regulations
5. Obligation to provide proof (§ 15 Para. 1)
The club is obliged to keep a record of the member's shooting activities for the first three years after the acquisition of a weapon requiring a WBK. This regulation only applies to new purchases and only for the first three years. Proof can be provided in the form of a general shooting log or a shooting log that every marksman keeps for himself.
What is important for sport shooters
1. Deadlines to be observed (§ 58)
Since 1 April 2003, switchblade, drop, butterfly and fist knives have been prohibited. They must be rendered unusable or handed over to an authorised person by 31.8.2003. Since 1.4.2003, anyone wishing to carry an alarm gun, irritant or signal weapon (i.e. to carry it outside their pacified property) requires a so-called "small firearms licence". The small firearms licence is issued on application by the local firearms authority (public order office) for a fee if the applicant is reliable and personally suitable.
2. Acquisition of weapons
a) Single-shot long guns can still be purchased on an existing yellow WBK, as this is still valid.
b) The new yellow WBK does not currently exist. Its issue is dependent on recognition as a shooting sports association. The weapons named in § 14 Para. 4 (except single-shot long guns) can currently only be acquired on the Green WBK.
c) Due to the lack of existing recognised shooting sports associations, the relevant provisions of § 14 do not apply. However, the acquisition should be possible under the conditions of a 12-month membership and a certificate of need from the association. The legal basis for such a request can be Section 8.
d) The exclusion of certain weapons (so-called utility weapons are being discussed) has not yet taken place. The DSB agrees with the sports ministers that such restrictions represent an encroachment on the autonomy of sport.
e) The purchase of large-calibre weapons is only possible from the age of 21. The prerequisite is proof of suitability through an official or specialist medical or specialist psychological certificate
3. Storage (§ 36)
Much is still unclear in detail, as the legal regulation is missing. Initially, therefore, caution is still required when purchasing gun cabinets.
a) Long guns Up to 10 long guns can be stored in a cabinet of the VDMA "A" classification. If there are more than 10 long guns, several cabinets can be arranged in a row or the next higher classification "B" or the European standard "0" can be selected.
Proof of age
All weapons in our range are freely available for sale and are not subject to compulsory registration. Certain labelled weapons and ammunition may only be sold to persons over the age of 18. According to the law, we must have official proof of age. When placing your first order, please send us a copy of your identity card, passport or driving licence and confirm this copy with your legally binding signature. The name of the person placing the order and the holder of the proof of age must be identical. Sending by fax: If you would like to send your proof of age by fax, please set your device to photo, fine or at least particularly light transmission. Please also include your address and telephone number!
Please note that a small firearms licence and a firearms permit are required to carry alarm, irritant or signal weapons.
Furthermore, it is prohibited to carry soft-air weapons outside your own home, business premises, your own pacified property or a shooting range and constitutes an administrative offence punishable by a fine of up to 10.the transport of soft air weapons is only permitted in a secure, locked container.
It is also forbidden to carry cutting and thrusting weapons, one-handed knives and knives with a fixed blade longer than 12 cm outside of private areas. Use outside of private areas is still permitted for professional purposes, the cultivation of customs, sport and in other socially appropriate contexts.
Please always inform yourself about the currentWeapons Act.