SRS Firearms

Blank-firing, irritant, and signal weapons (SRS weapons) are freely available and can be purchased without a license by anyone aged 18 or over. They can be identified by the test mark of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt: "PTB" inside a circle.

SRS weapons fire blank cartridges — unlike firearms, they do not discharge projectiles. Their barrels are fitted with obstructions to prevent any projectile from exiting. Nevertheless, they pose a serious danger at close range: the pressure of a 9 mm P.A. blank round exceeds 400 bar and can cause fatal injuries.

To prevent SRS weapons from being illegally converted into live firearms, they are built with designed break points. To fire pyrotechnic ammunition, a flare cup is screwed onto the muzzle.

The most important manufacturers include Umarex, Röhm, Zoraki, and Weihrauch.

Because SRS weapons are subject to less strict regulations than permit-required firearms, they are offered in many online shops — you'll find most listings at eGun and VDB.