Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in Missouri under state law, but their use is circumscribed by municipal ordinances and federal regulations. Missouri Revised Statutes § 571.010 exempts blank-firing devices from firearm definitions, yet local governments may impose additional restrictions on public discharge. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)) defers to state definitions, creating a patchwork of compliance obligations. The Missouri Department of Public Safety has not issued formal guidance, leaving enforcement to local authorities like the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, which enforces noise ordinances that may prohibit discharge in urban areas.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Missouri
- Municipal Noise Ordinances: Cities such as Kansas City and St. Louis prohibit the discharge of blank-firing guns in public spaces under municipal noise control laws, with fines up to $1,000 for violations.
- Age Restrictions: State law requires individuals to be at least 18 years old to purchase blank-firing guns from licensed dealers, aligning with federal age limits for ammunition purchases.
- Commercial Use Licensing: Businesses using blank-firing guns for theatrical or training purposes must obtain a Missouri Private Security Business License from the Department of Public Safety, effective since 2024 amendments.