This is the term used to denote pistols, revolvers, rifles or other compressed gas- or air-propelled weapons, such as:
- weapons used for paintballing or gotcha;
- airsoft weapons (pellet weapons).
Possessing and carrying weapons
Possessing and carrying non-firearm weapons are subject to different rules depending on their shot power:
- ≤ 0.5 joule: these weapons are permitted and do not require a licence;
- > 0.5 joule and ≤ 7.5 joules: these weapons do not require a licence, but can only be owned for private purposes by people of legal age;
- > 7.5 joules: these weapons require a ministerial licence.
Transport
They can be transported in public without a licence by people who can prove:
- That they are a member of a shooting club.
- That they are on the most direct route between their home and a gunsmith/firearms shop or the home of another person of legal age (purchase, sale, repair, etc. of the weapon), or a shooting range or shooting competition venue.
All other routes require a licence. Commercial/business transactions with such weapons may only be carried out by gunsmiths and firearms dealers.
During transport, each weapon (modern or antique firearm or non-firearm) must be unloaded and packaged so there is no indication it is a weapon.
Licences for minors
Minors (< 18 years) may be granted a licence to participate in hunting or shooting for sport. However, the following conditions are set out by law:
- minimum age of 11 years for non-firearm weapons (shooting for sport);
- minimum age of 16 years for firearms (shooting for sport and hunting);
- written permission from their father or mother (parental authority);
- licences to purchase are not granted to minors.
Under these conditions, minors may participate in shooting for sport/hunting in the presence and under the responsibility of:
- their father or mother (parental authority), or
- a person of legal age who has held the same type of licence to carry weapons as the minor (shooting for sport or hunting) for at least 2 years.