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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in India?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, yet the compliance burden is high — often firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people actually want.
Tier 2 — Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
IN
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive India is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationUnclear
Age rule18+
PossessionVariable
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
- Avoid as a transit hub.
- Hunting effectively closed to visitors.
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Arms Act 1959: airguns originally exempted. 2010 notification brought airguns over 0.177 caliber under licensing.
Age rule
18+
18+ for arms licence.
Possession
Variable
.177 below 20 ft-lb: licence-free in many states. Larger calibers / higher energy: arms licence.
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Through licensed dealers above threshold.
Transport
Cased
Cased.
Authority
National statute
National statute; states administer.
Hunting with an airgun
Wildlife Protection Act severely limits hunting in India; not a destination for airgun hunting tourism.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor / transit
Avoid as transit hub. Personal import for visitors is highly restricted.
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.