Hello All,
Are any of you members living in Germany, or know German airgun law? Half of my airguns are what the British consider "FAC". I believe that German law is more strict regarding power. I think the limit is 6 ft lbs., but I am not sure. I plan to research the topic further, but I thought to start here.
If I move there, I would want to bring my "FAC" rifles with, as I would miss them if left behind. I wonder if there is a similar FAC registration in Germany?
Any insight would gladly be appreciated.
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I found this link which helps me to a degree.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_gun_laws#Germany
I would like to know how realistic/painless it would be to obtain the registration for higher power airguns coming in as a foreigner. Both of my parents are from Germany, but Germans still treat me as a foreigner when I visit. I assume that the government would also show me a colder shoulder than one of their own..
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Hello All,
The Embassy did not pick up my call, and directed me in an auto reply to email them, which I did. Pyramyd Air suggested that I email Diana, Walther, and any other German makers.. duh! I bet they will know better than anyone. Hopefully they reply.
Stay tuned,
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Boy oh boy are we spoiled here! So you thought the Brits had it bad with their energy limitations.
Walther just got back to me, apparently any thing over 5.5 ft lbs is treated the same way as an ARfifteen. Not what I was looking for, but WIKI already gave me the clue regarding this. I have yet to hear back from the Embassy, and Diana.
Walther did not address my question on how easy/realistic it would be to obtain a fireamrs license. Since the legal limit is less than 6 ft lbs, it doesn't even allow me to hunt rabbits humanely considering the old agreed minimum number on impact is 6 ft lbs.
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Well you could hunt if they have any of those suicidal wabbits that just come up to you and rest their heads against the muzzle. What restrictive and impractical laws! On a serious note Harry (yrrah) once wrote that 5 ft lbs on impact is enough with right placement on rabbits so you could in theory get small critters at a few yards.
Hello All,
I finally heard back from the Embassy. They redirected my question to Customs, and the German legal authorities. They were unable to answer a legal question.
I learned that the pentagon with the F in the center designates an airgun within the legal German energy limits. I didn't realize that until now.
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Back in 2013 we had the opportunity to go shoot the FT WeltMeisterschaften in Ebern, Germany.
You can read more here:
https://www.ctcustomairguns.com/hectors-airgun-blog/the-worlds-2013-a-beautiful-experience
At the time, there were two Americans living in Germany that wanted to shoot for Team USA. The Team had openings in the Spring-Piston class, and so, they joined us.
To be Very Brief, this is what I remember from the conversations that we had on the subject of airguns above the "F in Pentagon" that stands for "free sale" power level of 5.5 ft-lb.
German Law requires "Proof of need". Obviously, the easiest way is to become a member of a shooting club that shoots a discipline that REQUIRES more energy than Olympic Match. Probably your best bet is to become a member of an FT Club.
You then start shooting FT in the " Fifth Class ", that means using " F in Pentagon " guns. This is a specifically German modality because of the German law, shortened distances and bigger killzones.
After 1 1/2 YEARS of shooting FT like this you get your Club's endorsement to apply for a firearms license.
You go to the courses , you pay the fees (around $600 depending on where and with whom you take the courses), pass the examinations, and after a thorough check by the Police, you get your license.
You can then either purchase the guns you want, or apply for the import permit for them, if you have them stored in the USA.
IF our friends' experiences are typical, it is cheaper to get new guns there. Unless you have highly tuned and customized guns.
Another aspect is that according to German Law "adding or removing" metal from a weapon can only be done legally by certified gunsmiths. Any other thing is a crime/misdemeanor.
Yes, it is a long, complicated, and expensive process, but once you are done, you can also buy firearms, as long as you can present "proof of need".
Depending on where you would be living, you can also do it the other way around.
Become a member of a KK (0.22" RF) Club and go through the process. And once you have your license, get your Airguns.
As a separate note, I think that hunting small game with airguns is completely illegal. And strongly frowned upon.
All this may have changed, but that's the way it was 5 years ago.
Best of luck and keep us posted!
HM
