Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in Alabama but subject to state and local restrictions. Alabama Code § 13A-11-52 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or possession of any device designed to simulate a firearm capable of causing injury, though blanks are explicitly excluded under § 13A-11-50(3). Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Birmingham Police Department’s Firearms Unit, may impose additional permitting requirements for public display or discharge. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has not issued formal guidance on blank-firing guns as of 2026, leaving enforcement to municipal discretion.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Alabama
- State Statutory Exclusion: Alabama law distinguishes blanks from live ammunition under § 13A-11-50(3), permitting their possession without a concealed carry permit, provided they are not used to simulate a real firearm in a manner likely to alarm others.
- Local Permitting Variances: Cities like Huntsville require permits for public discharge of blank-firing guns under municipal noise ordinances, while rural counties often lack such restrictions.
- Federal Preemption Limits: While federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) does not regulate blanks, Alabama’s adherence to the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) preempts local bans on their sale or transfer, though use in public remains locally controlled.