The alarm pistol is a weapon that tends to become popular. It is popular with individuals who seek it mainly for their own safety. It is a harmless weapon that aims to scare or deter ill-intentioned people. Still called a blank pistol, the alarm pistol is a dummy replica of a firearm. It has the same characteristics, except that it cannot propel live ammunition.
Conditions for owning an alarm pistol
The alarm gun is a weapon freely sold to adults in specialty stores. It is designed to fire blanks. These are brass ammunition with little powder and no projectiles at all.
Although this weapon looks genuine and looks dangerous, it is not. It is a harmless weapon that fires blanks in order to frighten or ward off burglars or potential attackers. The proof is in its detonation which produces a deafening sound like a real firearm. The alarm pistol proves to be effective in scaring off intruders or alerting the neighborhood of imminent danger. It can also use other types of ammunition such as tear gas or pepper cartridges. Some models can fire rubber balls by means of an adapter.
Moreover, in the artistic world, the alarm gun is one of the essential accessories. In the cinema or in the theatre, we can have need an alarm gun to give realism to certain scenes. No authorization is required for its port. However, in order to purchase it, you must have your ID document which proves that you are at least 18 years old.
On the other hand, its transport is subject to regulations which require a legitimate reason. The weapon must also be enclosed and separated from the ammunition, all in a locked case. The validity of the pattern is determined by a judge or law enforcement according to the context.
The necessary authorizations for this kind of weapon
French legislation classifies alarm pistols as category D weapons. As we have already mentioned, they are available over the counter and can be purchased by anyone, as long as the person is at least 18 years old. The holder of this type of weapon is not required to make a declaration to the prefecture. Still according to the law, it is strictly forbidden to carry this weapon on oneself in public places.
In case of loss of your alarm pistol, no declaration of loss is required, since it is a harmless weapon. Note that the alarm pistol must be subject to an expertise by the National Proof House before it is put on sale. The purpose of the expertise is to ensure that the model complies with the directives of the decree of April 28, 2020.
When and where can an alarm gun be used?
In addition to supervised and authorized circumstances (filming of scenes, demonstration involving a weapon, accounts of historical facts, etc.), carrying the trigger gun on public roads or in the car is strictly prohibited. However, you can have it at home. In this case, it is up to you to determine where you want to keep it, provided that you observe the basic safety rules. Compliance with these rules becomes essential, especially if there are minors in the house. For example, we recommend that you opt for a locked safe to secure its location.
In theory, you can shoot anywhere with a white pistol. However, it should be noted that the reality is quite different. Blank pistols are classified in category D, that is to say that of harmless weapons. By virtue of this, the holder of this weapon can use it in a private setting. On the other hand, given the noise of the detonations produced by the shot, you risk falling under the penalty of other offences: disturbance of public order or noise pollution, etc.
It is possible to shoot with a blank gun provided you are in a remote area and have no immediate neighbours. You can use your weapon in deserted places where you don't fear disturbing anyone. In any case, you must ensure that the shooting perimeter is completely secure. At the slightest problem, your civil liability will be engaged.
As you will have understood, the alarm pistol is a dummy weapon which ensures a feeling of security for its holder. However, its use is particularly regulated by law.