Checklist: Allowed and prohibited hunting weapons

In Germany, the Weapons Act (WaffG) and the Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG) precisely regulate which weapons hunters are allowed to use. Violations can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. Here are the key points:

• Allowed: Rifles, shotguns, and certain handguns, e.g., for follow-up shots. Semi-automatic weapons are only permitted with a maximum of three cartridges.
• Prohibited: Fully automatic weapons, rifles with short barrels, air and CO2 weapons over 7.5 Joules without the F-mark, as well as certain types of ammunition (e.g., explosive ammunition).
• Obligations: A firearms ownership card (WBK), a valid hunting license, and secure storage are mandatory. A maximum of two weapons may be purchased every six months.

Important: Regular changes to the law, such as the most recent one in July 2025, require constant attention. Platforms like Gunfinder can help find legal hunting weapons and clarify legal uncertainties.

Allowed Hunting Weapons

Approved Weapons for Hunting

In Germany, there are clear regulations regarding which weapons are allowed for hunting. Rifles are included – these are long guns with rifled barrels designed for precise shots at greater distances. They are excellent for hunting game species such as deer or wild boar.

For hunting game birds like ducks, pheasants, or pigeons, shotguns with smooth barrels are the right choice. These weapons are designed for shotgun shells. Both single-shot and repeating firearms are allowed, regardless of whether they have a rifled or smooth barrel.

With handguns, the selection is limited. Permissible are single-shot handguns for cartridge ammunition as well as percussion weapons, such as revolvers. These are often used as follow-up shot weapons to quickly and humanely secure injured game.

Semi-automatic weapons are also allowed in Germany, but only with a maximum magazine capacity of three cartridges, as stipulated by § 19 Abs. 1 Nr. 2 Buchstabe c of the Federal Hunting Act.

Legal Requirements You Must Fulfill

In addition to choosing the weapon, there are important legal requirements you must observe. To own firearms such as pistols, revolvers, or hunting rifles, you need a firearms ownership card (WBK). This allows you to acquire and possess the corresponding weapon. Additionally, a valid hunting license is required, which proves your hunting qualification.

If you want to carry your weapons outside your own property, a gun permit is necessary. Without this, you may only carry the weapons on your own property.

There are also clear rules regarding ammunition. Although there are no general restrictions on calibers, the ammunition must be suitable for hunting and must not belong to the prohibited categories. Fully automatic weapons are strictly prohibited, for example. Additionally, a corresponding entry in the WBK is required for the purchase of ammunition for handguns.

Another point to consider: Within six months, you may purchase a maximum of two weapons. This regulation serves to control and trace the acquisition of weapons. To ensure that you comply with the legal requirements, you can check your offers through Gunfinder.

Find Legal Weapons on Gunfinder

If you meet all the requirements, you can find suitable and safe offers through Gunfinder. The platform offers a wide selection of hunting-appropriate weapons that comply with German laws. Here you can find both new and used rifles, shotguns, and handguns offered by dealers and private individuals.

With the search function, you can specifically look for certain types of weapons, calibers, or manufacturers. Detailed product descriptions provide you with all the important information about the technical specifications and condition of the weapons.

Gunfinder also places great importance on secure transactions. By verifying the identity of sellers, the risk of fraud is minimized, providing you with more security when purchasing. If you want to sell a weapon yourself, you can post ads on the platform for free.

Additionally, you can also find accessories and ammunition on Gunfinder, allowing you to conveniently assemble your entire hunting gear in one place. This way, you are well-prepared for your next hunting adventure.

Prohibited Weapons | Weapons Law | Back to Hunt

Prohibited Hunting Weapons

After learning about the allowed weapons, let's now take a look at which weapons are prohibited for hunting in Germany.

Overview of Prohibited Weapons

Fully automatic firearms are strictly prohibited in Germany. This includes machine pistols, assault rifles, and all weapons that fire multiple shots with a single pull of the trigger. Possession, acquisition, and any handling of such weapons are legally forbidden.

Semi-automatic weapons may only be used if they can hold a maximum of three cartridges – two in the magazine and one in the chamber. Semi-automatics with higher capacity are not allowed for hunting.

Weapons with certain dimensions are also subject to restrictions. Rifles that are shorter than 660 mm or whose barrel is shorter than 457 mm are not permitted for hunting. These regulations aim to prevent the use of weapons that are easy to conceal.

Also, air and CO2 weapons with an energy over 7.5 Joules or without the required F-mark are prohibited. Likewise, signal weapons, blank-firing weapons, and irritant weapons are not allowed for hunting.

There are also strict regulations regarding ammunition. Types of ammunition such as tracer, hard-core, incendiary, or explosive ammunition are not permitted. These types of ammunition can cause unnecessary suffering to animals and pose a significant safety risk.

In addition to these prohibitions, there are some typical mistakes that hunters often make.

Typical Mistakes by Hunters

Modifications to hunting weapons often lead to legal problems. For example, according to § 2 Abs. 3 WaffG, it is prohibited to attach light sources such as flashlights directly to the weapon. Such changes, which may seem harmless, can make your weapon illegal.

Air guns also cause confusion. Since July 24, 2025, stricter regulations apply: air rifles with projectile lengths over 30 mm and multi-shot capability require a purchase permit. Many hunters are unaware of these new requirements.

There are also frequent misunderstandings regarding historical or collector's weapons. Just because a weapon is legal as a collector's item does not mean it can be used for hunting.

Those who make these mistakes must expect severe consequences.

Consequences of Violations

The use of prohibited hunting weapons has serious consequences. According to § 51 Abs. 1 WaffG, fines or prison sentences of up to five years are possible. Even possession of a prohibited weapon is punishable.

Additionally, you may lose your hunting license, and authorities can permanently prohibit you from acquiring and possessing weapons. Your illegal weapon will be confiscated.

The severity of the penalty depends on whether you acted intentionally or negligently. Even if you unknowingly violate the regulations, this does not protect you from legal consequences. Therefore, it is important to stay informed about the current regulations.

Repeated violations or particularly serious cases lead to even harsher penalties. Authorities take a firm stance here to ensure public safety and animal welfare.

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Special Cases and Exceptions

After explaining the general regulations regarding allowed and prohibited hunting weapons, let's now take a look at special exceptions and cases. These complement your knowledge with important details that you should definitely consider.

Air Rifles and Blank-Firing Weapons

For air rifles, the legal classification depends on the muzzle energy. Models with a muzzle energy of up to 7.5 Joules that are marked with the F-mark in a pentagon may be possessed without special permission. However, they are not approved for hunting.

Rifles with a muzzle energy over 7.5 Joules fall under the category of firearms. To possess them, you need a firearms ownership card (WBK) as well as a valid hunting license. Nevertheless, these weapons are generally not suitable for hunting, as they often do not meet the technical requirements of the Federal Hunting Act.

Blank-firing weapons, on the other hand, may be possessed from the age of 18 with PTB approval and a small firearms permit. However, they are prohibited for use in hunting. In 2022, over 700,000 small firearms permits for blank-firing weapons were issued, indicating their widespread use.

Historical and Collector's Weapons

Weapons manufactured before January 1, 1871, are often considered exempt from permits – provided they have not been modified to use modern ammunition. However, this does not automatically mean they can be used for hunting.

Historical weapons must also meet the technical and safety requirements of the Federal Hunting Act to be approved for hunting. Often, antique weapons do not meet today's standards necessary for ethical hunting, including aspects such as precision, safety, and reliability.

Special regulations also apply to collector's weapons. Although they have historical value, many of them require a firearms ownership card. The status as a collector's item alone is not sufficient to use them for hunting. It is always important to check whether the respective weapon meets the current hunting law requirements.

Muzzleloaders may be exempt from permits, but they often do not meet the animal welfare requirements for hunting.

Check Legal Status on Gunfinder

Given these special regulations, it makes sense to clarify the legal status of a weapon before purchasing – and Gunfinder can be a valuable help in this regard. The platform provides useful information on legal regulations and makes your decision easier.

If you are unsure, take a look at the product description. Reputable sellers often provide important information about permit requirements, hunting suitability, and the necessary documents directly in the item details.

On Gunfinder, for example, you can find air rifles with the F-mark as well as models that require a permit. The platform helps you understand the differences and choose a weapon that meets your requirements – even if it is not suitable for hunting.

For historical and collector's weapons, Gunfinder often provides detailed information about the year of manufacture, technical specifications, and legal classification. These details help you assess whether a weapon is suitable for hunting purposes even before purchasing.

If you still have questions, you can contact the seller directly through the platform. Experienced dealers are available to assist you with legal regulations or the practical use of the weapon. This way, you can avoid costly mistakes and potential legal issues. Use Gunfinder to find all important information directly in the product descriptions.

How to Check if Your Weapon is Legal

Ensure that your hunting weapon complies with legal requirements to avoid problems with authorities and to hunt properly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Verification

1. Identify weapon type and model: Note the manufacturer, model, caliber, and all relevant markings. This information is the basis for further verification.
2. Check markings: Ensure that all required markings are present, such as the F-mark for air pressure weapons or the PTB marking for blank-firing weapons. If such markings are missing, the weapon may require a permit or even be prohibited.
3. Check current legal situation: Consult the Weapons Act (WaffG) and the Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG), especially regarding possible changes since July 24, 2025.
4. Check registration requirement: Verify whether your weapon is registered in the green firearms ownership card. For certain types of weapons, such as handguns, a pre-entry with the responsible weapons authority is often necessary. Without correct registration, you may neither possess nor use the weapon for hunting.
5. Clarify uncertainties: If you have questions, contact your weapons authority, the German Hunting Association, or certified firearms dealers. They can assist you with legal uncertainties.

Once you have completed these steps, you should always refer to reliable legal sources.

Where to Find Current Legal Information

Official sources such as the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), your local weapons authority, and the Federal Law Gazette are the best points of contact for current legal texts. Your local weapons authority is particularly helpful, as they not only know the nationwide regulations but are often also informed about regional specifics.

Another tip: Many police authorities publish an annual weapons calendar that summarizes all important changes and updates. Hunting associations at the state and federal levels also provide guides and information sheets to make complex legal topics understandable.

Gunfinder as Support for Legal Verification

Gunfinder can additionally assist you in the legal assessment of your weapon. The platform provides detailed information in the product descriptions and categorizes weapons by types such as rifles, shotguns, repeating rifles, or straight-pull rifles – exactly the models commonly used in hunting.

With practical search filters for calibers and categories, you can specifically search for weapons similar to your model. This way, you not only get an overview of similar models but also hints about their legal classification. In the listings, reputable sellers often indicate whether a weapon is approved for hunting and what requirements must be met for acquisition.

If you have questions, you can contact the sellers or the Gunfinder customer service. Many experienced dealers and private individuals on the platform have extensive knowledge of legal regulations and can assist you in your assessment.

Remember that Gunfinder provides helpful support but does not replace an official legal review. For a complete and legally binding examination, you should always refer to the current legal texts and official sources or contact the responsible authorities. Gunfinder is a practical addition, but the responsibility for compliance with the laws ultimately lies with you.

Summary: Stay Legal While Hunting

Here are the key rules to stay legally safe: Compliance with the weapons laws not only protects you from legal consequences but also ensures your safety. Violations can be costly and may lead to weapon confiscation, loss of hunting license, or even imprisonment.

Important: Only approved hunting weapons such as rifles, shotguns, or combination weapons may be used for hunting. Fully automatic weapons, certain handguns, or unregistered weapons are strictly prohibited. Every weapon must be properly registered in the green firearms ownership card and securely stored in a certified gun cabinet.

Gunfinder supports you in staying legal. All offers are clearly categorized by type and legal classification. With the special search filters, you can quickly find approved hunting weapons, while reputable sellers directly indicate the required acquisition conditions. This way, you can be sure that you are well-prepared before putting your knowledge into practice.

Legal regulations change regularly. Stay informed by using official sources such as the Federal Ministry of the Interior or your local weapons authority. Additionally, Gunfinder provides helpful information to keep you up to date.

Besides owning a weapon, secure storage, correct transport, and regular checks of the legal situation are crucial. If you have uncertainties, do not hesitate to contact the responsible authorities or experienced dealers on Gunfinder. They are there to assist you with legal questions and help you avoid costly mistakes.

FAQs

What requirements apply to apply for a firearms ownership card (WBK) and to legally possess a hunting weapon?

To apply for a firearms ownership card (WBK) and legally possess a hunting weapon, you must meet several requirements. These generally include:

• Minimum age of 18 years
• Proof of reliability according to the provisions of the Weapons Act
• Proof of expertise confirming your ability to handle weapons safely
• Proof of need, such as a valid hunting permit or membership in a shooting sports club
• Personal suitability, meaning the mental and physical ability to safely handle a weapon

The exact requirements may vary depending on the federal state and individual situation. To be sure, you should consult the responsible authority or a specialist advisor. If you are looking for the right hunting weapon, Gunfinder could be a practical solution. This platform is specifically aimed at hunters and sports shooters and facilitates the buying and selling of weapons and accessories.

How do I find out if a hunting weapon complies with current legal requirements in Germany?

Before purchasing a hunting weapon, it is important to thoroughly inform yourself about the current legal regulations in Germany. German weapons law sets clear requirements that must be strictly adhered to. A violation can not only have legal consequences but also endanger your safety.

A helpful resource is the platform Gunfinder. There, you can not only choose from a wide selection of hunting weapons but also be sure that the products offered comply with legal requirements. This way, you can make your decision with confidence and be legally safe.

What changes in weapons and hunting law do I need to know to always be legally secure?

To ensure that you are always up to date with the legal requirements, you should regularly check for current changes in weapons law and the Federal Hunting Act. These regulations can change, especially regarding approved or prohibited hunting weapons as well as safety regulations.

A reliable source of information is official bodies such as the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture or the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Additionally, specialized platforms for hunters, such as Gunfinder, provide valuable support – whether through current information or the search for suitable equipment.

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