Description
Description
The minimum age for shooting at shooting ranges is generally 12 years. Specifically,
- children aged 12 and older may shoot with air guns, spring-powered guns, and guns whose projectiles are propelled by cold propellant gases;
- youth between the ages of 14 and 18 may also use firearms with a caliber of up to 5.6 mm lfB (.22.l.r.) for rimfire ammunition with a muzzle energy not exceeding 200 joules (J), as well as single-shot long guns with smooth barrels of up to 12-gauge caliber.
Children and adolescents may generally shoot only if a written or electronic declaration of consent from their legal guardians is on file and supervisors qualified to work with children and adolescents are present.
If a shooting sports club considers children under the age of 12 to be sufficiently talented to practice shooting as a competitive sport, the competent authority may, upon request, permit these children to shoot. A special exemption must be requested for each of these children. Depending on the federal state, either the shooting sports club or the parents or legal guardians must apply for the exemption. It is recommended to contact the competent authority to inquire about the specific regulations.
For children below the minimum age, proof must be provided that they are mentally and physically capable. This must generally be confirmed by a doctor. For exceptions, it is recommended to contact the competent authority to inquire about the applicable regulations.
Whether children under the minimum age are suitable for competitive shooting must not be tested using the actual firearms but must be determined by other means.
An exemption from the minimum age requirement may also be requested for a specific event, such as a “trial day” to recruit new members in a shooting sports club. This exemption is granted only for that specific event and does not apply to regular training sessions for children and youth.