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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Mexico?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, yet the compliance burden is high — often firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people actually want. Watch the restricted access rule in particular.
Tier 2 — Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
MX
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Mexico is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule18+
PossessionRestricted access
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
- Above 140 J, airguns are classified with military-exclusive weapons.
- Clandestine firearm import: 5–30 years' imprisonment.
The rules in detail
Classification
Threshold-based
Major reform on May 29, 2025 (LFAFE): 140-joule threshold. Below: permitted. Above: classified alongside military-exclusive weapons (effectively prohibited).
Age rule
18+
18+ baseline.
Possession
Restricted access
Below 140 J: permitted. Above: prohibited for civilians.
Transfer / sale
Variable
SEDENA permit required for import even below threshold.
Transport
Cased
Cased; carrying any weapon resembling a firearm in public can result in serious legal consequences.
Authority
National statute
Federal statute.
Hunting with an airgun
Hunting tourism exists; airguns a niche.
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 procedure
All weapon imports (including airguns) require SEDENA permit through Mexican Consulate at least 2 months before arrival. Spring-piston and PCP airguns may be treated differently from gas-propelled. Max 2 rifles per hunter, 40 rounds per firearm. Penalties for clandestine firearms import: 5–30 years' imprisonment.
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.