Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in Arkansas but subject to Arkansas State Police (ASP) oversight under the Arkansas Firearms Freedom Act and local municipal ordinances. While not classified as firearms, their sale and use require compliance with state laws governing imitation firearms, including prohibitions on minors and restrictions in certain public spaces.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Arkansas
- State Police Registration: Dealers must verify buyer eligibility under ASP’s Firearms Transfer Act, treating blank-firing guns as “replica firearms” requiring background checks for sales.
- Municipal Restrictions: Cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville impose additional permitting for public display or discharge, aligning with 2026 updates to municipal codes restricting “look-alike” weapons in sensitive zones.
- Age and Use Limitations: Minors under 18 may not possess blank-firing guns without parental supervision, and discharge is banned in unincorporated areas without landowner consent per Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, enforce these rules via periodic compliance sweeps targeting unregistered sales. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges under Arkansas Code § 5-73-103, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. Always verify county-specific ordinances, as enforcement varies across jurisdictions.