Do You Need a License for an Airgun in India?
Airgun license rules in India explained: .177 air rifles and pistols under 20 joules are exempt, .22 and higher calibers need an air-weapon license. Read this before you buy.
Short answer: most .177 airguns do not need a license for adults (18+). But caliber and power both matter — here is the full picture.
The .177 rule
Under the Arms Rules, air weapons with a caliber below .177 (4.5 mm) and muzzle energy below 20 joules are exempt from licensing. Almost every .177 break-barrel, CO2 and entry PCP airgun sold in India — like our Glock G17 Gen5 CO2 pistol — falls in this exempt class. You must still be 18 or older to buy one.
More detail on what these projectiles are and how they compare to other calibers is in our .177 caliber guide.
When you DO need a license
Airguns in .22 caliber and above, or producing over 20 joules, need an arms license for air weapons. Powerful .22 PCP rifles fall in this category — see what .22 LR means. If you are unsure about a model, ask us on WhatsApp before ordering, and cross-check with your local licensing authority, since enforcement varies by state.
Licensed firearms are a different game
Real firearms — revolvers, pistols, rifles and shotguns in our licensed range — always need a valid arms license under the Arms Act, 1959. No exceptions, no shortcuts. We verify documents before every licensed sale, and we do not publish prices for licensed guns on this website.
Bottom line
- .177 airgun, under 20 J → no license, 18+ only
- .22 or high-power airgun → air-weapon license required
- Real firearm → full arms license required
If you want the practical version, our arms license guide covers eligibility, documents and timelines.