Hello,

I play airsoft in NJ, NY, and PA and I was looking into the legality of owning and using blank fire airsoft grenades. These grenades are essentially a striker that activates a blank cartridge or a primer for the purpose of making noise (est. 120+ db). I have seen a ton of conflicting opinion but no facts whatsoever. I would assume the legality would depend on the state you're in (info for NY or PA also appreciated) so I am focusing on NJ which is my home state.

Here are some of the forum posts I have looked through. AMS Forum Post rules exclude them, not based on laws. Reddit Post talks about the ease of converting something into a zip gun. I think that kind of ruling would be opinion based on how hard it it to convert. Airsoft Society Post Minnesota classifies them as fireworks which makes them legal.

One thing I found classifies blanks (at least pistol caliber) are not "handgun ammunition". I don't know if that helps.

Quote

2C:58-3.3 1. a. As used in this act, "handgun ammunition" means ammunition specifically designed to be used only in a handgun. "Handgun ammunition" shall not include blank ammunition, air gun pellets, flare gun ammunition, nail gun ammunition, paint ball ammunition, or any non-fixed ammunition.

I think my next step will be to contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit. I don't know if it will go anywhere but its worth a try.

Example products:
http://blankfiringgrenade.co.uk/
https://www.socomtactical.net/airsoft-accessories/pyros-and-grenades/reusable-blank-firing-grenades
https://ohshiboom.co.uk/

Far from an expert opinion but if it's fun it's probably against the law in NJ

My $0.02 for trying to figure out what they are. 

1) Does it have projectiles? Then go to the firearms and weapons definitions and see if it is a firearm. 

2) It goes bang and makes noise. So I'd read up on the statutes for fireworks. 

3) Beyond that I would make sure you aren't in possession of the worlds most useless explosive device if you have one in NJ. 

 

 

Quote

P.L. 2017, c. 92

21:3-2. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell, possess or use, or explode any blank cartridge, toy pistol, toy cannon, toy cane or toy gun in which explosives are used; the type of balloon which requires fire underneath to propel the same; firecrackers; torpedoes; skyrockets, Roman candles, bombs, or other fireworks of like construction, or any fireworks containing any explosive or inflammable compound or any tablets or other device commonly used and sold as fireworks containing nitrates, chlorates, oxalates, sulphides of lead, barium, antimony, arsenic, mercury, nitroglycerine, phosphorus or any compound containing any of the same or other explosives, or any substance or combination of substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, other than aviation and railroad signal light flares.

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2016/bills/pl17/92_.htm

It seems that blank cartridges are still regulated with the updated fireworks laws but it doesn't saw anything about primers which cal also be used in some of those grenades.