Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in Kentucky but subject to nuanced state and local restrictions, including Louisville Metro’s 2024 firearm ordinance amendments. Federal regulations under the ATF exempt blank-firing devices from NFA restrictions, yet Kentucky’s concealed carry laws and municipal codes may impose additional constraints. Retailers must verify purchaser eligibility under KRS 527.020, and sellers in Louisville face heightened scrutiny due to Metro Council’s 2026 compliance deadlines for firearm-related businesses.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Kentucky
- Age and Background Checks: Purchasers must be 18+ (21+ for handgun-style blanks) and pass a federal NICS background check, per KRS 237.110. Louisville Metro requires sellers to log transactions in its 2026 digital compliance system.
- Local Ordinances: Lexington-Fayette County bans open carry of blank-firing replicas in public spaces, while Bowling Green prohibits their use within 500 feet of schools. Violations trigger municipal citations under local public safety codes.
- Manufacturer Compliance: Devices must display legible serial numbers and comply with ATF’s 2023 guidance on “simulated firearms,” including orange-tipped barrels for models resembling real firearms. Failure to meet these standards voids warranty protections under Kentucky’s consumer protection laws.