For some they are a means of self-defense, for others pure collectors' items. Still others use them to fire pyro ammunition on New Year's Eve. We are talking, of course, about alarm guns. And as diverse as the possible uses may be, the legal requirements to be observed when handling these weapons are also extensive. The following article therefore contains a rough summary of the most important information that you should know before you buy.

Alarm, irritant and signal weapons

In principle, alarm guns are replicas of live firearms with the essential difference that no projectile is fired here. Due to an existing barrel lock, this is not even possible. Instead, cartridge ammunition is fired, which basically consists only of the case itself and the propellant charge it contains. Consequently, this ammunition also initially only provides a loud bang and only hot gases are ejected. Special irritant ammunition can then also be used to fire irritants and, with an appropriate attachment, even pyrotechnic signal ammunition. Due to these different types of ammunition, the weapons are also referred to as SRS weapons, where the letters stand for alarm, irritant and signal weapons.

Legal classification of alarm firearms

Based on the previously explained mode of operation, it is now clear that these are by definition not firearms in the narrower sense, since here no projectile is driven through a barrel. However, they are very much objects that are legally equivalent to firearms. Consequently, they are also weapons in the sense of the Weapons Act. And since handling weapons in Germany is only permitted to persons who have reached the age of 18, this also applies to alarm guns.

Acquisition and possession

In addition to this basic requirement, the acquisition and possession of alarm firearms is, however, basically permit-free. However, this only applies to weapons that bear a corresponding PTB test mark. It confirms that the weapons comply with national regulations. According to the latest amendment to the Weapons Act, however, alarm guns are now also permitted that do not bear a PTB test mark but do comply with the legal requirements of another member state of the European Union. The basis for this, however, is a common directive, which precisely describes the technical specifications of these weapons. However, it is currently more difficult to obtain such a firearm than to simply buy a PTB model that has already been approved on the German market.

Carrying a shotgun

In contrast to the acquisition and possession of alarm weapons, a permit is required for carrying. This is granted by the small firearms license. More details are regulated by § 10 para 4 WaffG. Only in possession of this permit, a scare gun may be led outside the own home in public. However, there are also some simplifications compared to the "big" gun license for live firearms, because it is neither an expertise, nor a need proof required. Liability insurance is also not required for a small firearms license.

And if you only want to transport your weapon from A to B on New Year's Eve, you can do so without a small firearms license. It is sufficient if the weapon is in a locked container. My recommendation here would clearly be the locked gun case. And if you don't have a suitable padlock at hand, then ordinary cable pictures are also sufficient to lock the case.

Shooting with alarm guns

Now we come to shooting with alarm guns. This also requires permission. Exceptions to this can be found this time in § 12 paragraph 4 WaffG. If one keeps to the defaults mentioned there, then the shooting is permitted with alarm shot weapons, against the widespread error, even the whole year over. So you don't have to wait 12 months for New Year's Eve, as long as you keep to the legal requirements.

Shooting without a shooting permit is permitted, for example, by the owner of the house right or with his consent in the pacified property. However, it must be noted that the projectiles may not leave the property. This applies above all to signal ammunition, but of course there should be no problems with simple cartridge ammunition.

So, in principle, it is possible to shoot in your own garden, but be careful: of course, it is also very important that no unacceptable noise is created by shooting with alarm guns. Your property should therefore have a certain size, so that the neighbors do not feel disturbed and the whole thing does not become an offence.

Storage

Finally, the correct storage of alarm firearms remains to be clarified. Here, too, the Weapons Act and the General Weapons Act Ordinance contain certain requirements. According to the law, these weapons must be stored unloaded and at least in a locked container. However, a security container such as a weapons cabinet is not required for this. However, it is advised to secure alarm guns with a padlock in the gun case and lock it in turn in a cabinet. In this way, it can finally be guaranteed that unauthorized persons do not have access to these weapons. // § 13 para. 2 AWaffV

More information about alarm guns 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.