Yes, Blank firing guns are legal in Michigan but subject to strict state and local firearm regulations. While not classified as firearms under state law, their sale and use require compliance with Michigan’s pistol-free zones and local ordinances. The Michigan State Police Firearms Unit enforces these rules, with recent 2026 legislative proposals targeting enhanced background checks for blank-firing devices resembling real firearms.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Michigan
- Pistol-Free Zones: Blank firing guns are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated pistol-free zones under MCL 28.425o, enforced by local law enforcement and the Michigan State Police.
- Resemblance to Firearms: Devices that closely mimic real firearms may trigger local ordinances, such as Detroit’s 2025 ban on openly carrying blank-firing replicas in public spaces, per Ordinance No. 21-2025.
- Dealer Licensing: Retailers must hold a Federal Firearms License (FFL) if selling blank-firing guns that accept cartridges, per ATF guidance, with compliance audits conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) annually.
Local municipalities, including Grand Rapids and Lansing, have enacted additional restrictions on blank-firing gun use in public parks and events, requiring permits for organized demonstrations. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges under MCL 750.227b, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. Always verify county-specific ordinances before purchase or use.