Can I shoot an air rifle in my garden in Czechia?
Yes — with common sense and a solid pellet trap. Air rifles up to 6.35 mm calibre sit (also under the new 2026 Firearms Act) in the free category NO: anyone 18+ may buy and keep one, no authorisation, no registration. Shooting outside a range is legal for guns with muzzle energy up to 50 J — and that's exactly your garden case: you must ensure no danger to life, health, property or public order (a firm backstop, pellets never leaving your land). More powerful air guns belong on ranges. Shooting at animals is animal cruelty, not sport.
📋 The rules
- Air rifles ≤ 6.35 mm: category NO — 18+, no registration
- Outside ranges: shooting legal up to 50 J muzzle energy
- Condition: no endangerment — pellets stay on your property, solid backstop
- Minors: only under adult supervision (sport clubs from age 10)
- Stronger guns: ranges only, or per category with authorisation
🔓 Exceptions
- Municipal decrees may further restrict shooting in built-up areas — check locally
- High-power hunting air rifles: hunting only under game-management rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Endangering neighbours or pellets leaving your land: misdemeanour against civil coexistence (fines to tens of thousands CZK), criminal liability for injuries. Shooting cats/birds: animal cruelty — a crime.
📎 Official sources
- Interior Ministry · Firearms changes from 2026 (CS) →
- Svět zbraní · Category NO explained (CS) →
- Zbraně Šubrt · Guide to the 2026 act (CS) →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a licence for an air rifle?
No — air rifles up to 6.35 mm are freely sold from 18, no registration.
May I shoot in a village garden?
Yes, up to 50 J, if nothing and nobody is endangered — solid trap, no pellets beyond your land; check the municipal decree.
Can children shoot?
Under adult supervision yes (club sport shooting commonly from age 10).
What about powerful PCP rifles?
Above 50 J they belong on ranges (per categorisation); hunting use follows game law.
Can I shoot at the neighbour's cat?
Absolutely not — animal cruelty plus property damage; criminal prosecution threatens.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “air rifle law czech republic”
- “airgun garden czechia”
- “50 joule rule czech”
- “air rifle no licence czech”
- “pellet gun rules prague”