Although historical crossbows have long since become obsolete as weapons of war, the basic concept of these weapons still enjoys great popularity today. State-of-the-art technology and improved materials ensure that the bolts can still be brought unerringly into the target even at long distances. This is a challenge that especially nature-loving sport shooters get their money's worth out of. However, it is often forgotten that this simple piece of sports equipment is still a serious weapon. The following article therefore clarifies the most important questions surrounding the topic of crossbows in the Weapons Act.
Legal classification of the crossbow
We can find a definition of the term weapons already in the first paragraph of the Weapons Act. According to this, weapons are, among others, firearms or objects equivalent to them, as well as various portable objects. So, could a crossbow be a firearm? Of course, this is not the case. Characteristically, the projectiles in firearms are propelled through a barrel. So the term firearm would be incorrect. However, crossbows could be legally equivalent to firearms. The explanation of the so-called equivalent objects can be taken from Annex 1 to the Weapons Act.
"Equated to firearms are portable objects in which solid bodies are fired in a targeted manner as intended, the propulsive energy of which is introduced by muscular force or another energy source and can be stored or held by a locking device (e.g. crossbows, arrow launchers)." // Annex 1 Section 1 Subsection 1 No. 1.2.3
Crossbows are thus legally equivalent to firearms. Thus, the concept of weapons is fulfilled and the Weapons Act is fully applicable. And this is where the first principle comes into play: the handling of weapons is only permitted to persons who have reached the age of 18. // § 2 para. 1 WaffG
Acquisition and possession
Apart from this minimum age, however, the further handling of crossbows is relatively simply regulated. They are among the free weapons, which are generally exempt from the permit requirement. This applies especially to the acquisition and possession of these weapons. So, if you want to buy a crossbow, you can go to a store at the age of 18 without hesitation and choose an appropriate model. Of course, this works just as well online. However, proof of age remains mandatory here as well.
Beyond that, however, the weapon does not have to bear any special test mark. And the kinetic energy given to the projectiles is not limited to 7.5 joules either. So it is quite understandable that crossbows are classified as weapons in Germany.
Transport and carrying
If you have now decided on an appropriate model, you would like to shoot it, of course. And here it gets a bit more complicated. Therefore, let's first come to the leading of these weapons.
"Within the meaning of this law, a weapon is carried by anyone who exercises actual power over it outside his own home, business premises, his own contented property or a shooting range." // Annex 1 Section 2 No. 4
A further look at Appendix 2 again tells us that crossbows are also mentioned under the item "permit-free carrying". So it is "in principle" allowed to carry a crossbow in public. You do not need a firearms license and not even a small arms license. The emphasis is of course on "in principle". There are, of course, a few rules that must be observed despite any freedom. First of all we have § 42 WaffG, which contains the prohibition of carrying weapons at public events and in weapons prohibition zones. Since crossbows are weapons, they may not be carried here. By the way, this also includes public amusements, public festivals, sporting events, fairs, exhibitions, markets or similar public events. Likewise, it should be noted that not all places are always equally public. For example, the general terms and conditions of the operators apply in shopping centers and in the various transport companies. And these often prohibit the carrying of weapons of any kind. So if you want to take your crossbow with you on the train, it's best to do so in a locked container. Such a transport should cause the fewest problems.
Short conclusion at this point: the legislator may allow the carrying of crossbows in principle, but in practice this presents the gun owners with great difficulties again and again. So it is probably easier to carry the weapon in a locked container. And of course one must not forget § 38 WaffG. It regulates the identification obligation. So if you take the crossbow outside and forget your ID card, this is already a violation of the Weapons Act.
Shooting with the crossbow
Now, as promised, we come to shooting with the crossbow. We take the necessary definition again from the Annex 1 to the Weapons Act.
"For the purposes of this Act, anyone who shoots projectiles through a barrel with a firearm, shoots cartridge ammunition, shoots irritants or other agents with cartridge or cartridge ammunition, or shoots pyrotechnic ammunition." // Appendix 1 Section 2 No. 7
This definition does not really apply to crossbows. As already mentioned, no projectiles are driven through a barrel. Strictly speaking, there is no shooting at all. But a crossbow is and remains an object equivalent to firearms. When shooting, one can therefore orientate oneself to other firearms such as compressed air weapons. But that's what common sense tells you. Shooting would therefore be possible without any problems on shooting ranges or in pacified property, provided that the shooter can guarantee that the bolts cannot leave the property. This requires not only a simple arrow catcher mat, but rather some kind of bullet trap and a sufficient safety distance from the neighbor. Because if a bolt should ever overshoot the target, this can have serious consequences. As a reminder: with compressed air weapons we are talking about just 7.5 joules, a crossbow, on the other hand, can still have a lethal effect at a distance of many meters.
And even if this seems logical to many, I still want to mention it: you should not get the idea to shoot with a crossbow in the forest. Here, on the one hand, it becomes difficult to comply with the required safety regulations, and on the other hand, one can easily come into conflict with hunters and tenants. The hunting and criminal consequences can certainly be saved.
Storage
Finally, the correct storage of the crossbow remains to be clarified. Here, too, the Weapons Act and the General Weapons Act Ordinance contain certain requirements. According to the law, the weapon must be stored unloaded and at least in a locked container. However, a security container such as a gun cabinet is not required for this purpose. However, sport shooters advise to secure the crossbow with a padlock in the transport case and to lock this in turn in a cabinet. In this way, it can finally be guaranteed that unauthorized persons do not have access to the weapon. // § 13 Abs. 2 AWaffV
More information about crossbows and of course other free weapons can be found on my YouTube channel "Kwannick - Waffengesetz und Co".
Disclaimer: The excerpts from the Weapons Act are taken from the currently valid version of 01.09.2020. The author of this article assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of the information provided.