The chances are that if you live in Idaho or you plan to visit it for an airsoft match that you want to know the basics on the Idaho Law regarding airsoft guns.
It is suggested to make at least a short research on the law before heading into anything that may lead to a possible dangerous scenarios, even if it is just the use of the airsoft replica guns that are also considered as toys compared to the real guns.
I have made a summary on the law so you do not have to go through the law finding the chapters that mention airsoft guns, however if you feel up to you can find the Idaho Law page here.
Are airsoft guns legal in Idaho?
You are allowed to possess the airsoft guns but you need to use it on for it registered places, like airsoft fields. You are also allowed to use it on a private property with a consensus of the owner.
According to the law, „firearm“ is any weapon, device or instrument from which a shot, pellet, shell, BB, bullet or other projectile may be discharged by the force of combustion, gunpowder, gas or any other material that is explosive.
According to the law „weapon“ is any instrument that is used in order to discharge any type of projectile capable of causing bodily injury, powered by a pressurized gas, expanding gas, compressed air, accelerant, spring or electronic system. This includes Airsoft guns and other air and BB guns.
Instruments that are designed to operate as a noisemaker that upon firing do not propel or discharge a projectile are not considered as weapons. This includes toys like water gun, squirt gun or noisemaking guns that can not inflict any serious harm to the body.
Airsoft guns may not be dangerous in most cases, however it still may cause a serious and permanent harm to the eyes and other sensitive body parts if not correctly protected.
The prohibited acts regarding the use of airsoft guns
- It is considered unlawful to exhibit or draw an airsoft gun during a fight or quarrel, regardless of the intent, unless it is a defense to violation. It shall be a defense to a violation where a person exhibiting, directing or discharging a weapon or firearm did so in the lawful defense of any person, residence or property. ( I do not suggest the use of airsoft guns in self defense, because it may lead to the serious consequences that could be otherwise avoided, if you want to know more about this topic you can read my post on the benefits and disadvantages of airsoft guns for self defense).
- It is considered unlawful for any person to point an airsoft gun at another, regardless of the intent. (This is important to be followed, airsoft guns are not just simple „toys“ and can often be mistaken for real guns. Think about common folk and police officers see you displaying a replica gun in front of them, they may be carrying real guns and respond in fear).
- It is considered unlawful for any person to discharge an airsoft gun within the city, regardless of the intent. (If you consider doing this you need to have a written authorization that shall be provided to the police chief prior to such event).
The prohibition to the minors:
It is considered unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen years to own or purchase any weapon.
However, if a minor has the written permission of their parent or guardian to possess it or is accompanied by them, it is not an issue.
Transporting airsoft guns in public
Displaying or brandishing airsoft replicas in public is not smart because you may violate certain public laws easily, you should pay attention to the surroundings and be careful when moving with replicas in public areas. In order to safely transport it you should have a case or a bag that will fit the replica entirely.
I have written a guide that will help you choose bags and cases.
Both cases and bags will do the job, check out the space they come with and see what gear and guns you should fit in.
Also be careful when driving, do not put the replica anywhere near reach, it may be difficult explaining it to the officers that may pull you over.
Can you shoot airsoft guns in your backyard in Idaho?
When it comes to shooting in your backyard, you are allowed to use airsoft guns for as much as you wish. Shooting on the private property does not require anything more than a simple consensus of the owner.
Bear on mind that you must not discharge a single BB on the property of your neighbours or public place because if you do so, it may be considered as a violation of a property or unlawful act of discharging weapons in the public.
Also, do not hit any random passengers, for the obvious reasons.
Is removing the orange tip illegal in Idaho?
The orange tip is considered mandatory by the Federal Law. It states that an airsoft gun when imported, sold or while in a processes of a sale must be properly marked with orange color in order to distinguish it from a real gun.
I could not find any law in Idaho that punishes you for removing it, however it is suggested that you do not display your replica gun in public anyways. If possible reattach the markings when carrying it in public but if you have already disabled it like most of the airsoft players, then just keep it out of sight.
If someone sees you displaying a gun from afar, the orange markings are not going to be of big use anyways and most people will freak out anyways, whether there are markings present or not.
Simply respect your replica as you would with a real gun, that way you will eliminate the bad odds. Also buy a gun bag that fits your replica and carry it in it whenever moving on public place.