Are Gel Blasters Legal in Australia?

What are Gel Blasters and are they legal in Australia? 

These are two very important questions and we will explore them both in this article.  

So what exactly is a Gel Blaster? A relatively new invention on the scene, Gel Blaster guns have captivated the shooting world in recent years due to their low cost and cleanliness. Technically-speaking, Gel Blasters are manufactured as ‘toy guns’ which allows them to navigate the legal issues associated with Paintball and Airsoft gun sales in Australia.

They are often very similar in design to Airsoft guns, however, Gel Blasters differ from Airsoft due to their price, ammunition, firepower, and internal firing mechanisms. Gel Blasters are typically spring-powered and battery-operated shooting soft gel projectiles (Gel Balls) up to 250 feet per second. 

As you may be aware, firearms ownership is heavily regulated in Australia, with Airsoft being totally banned. For shooting enthusiasts, the best choice really is to own a Gel Blaster, that being said however, there are still some legal issues that you must be aware of before purchasing one. Because Australia is such a huge country, the legalities do differ from state to state, so it makes sense to learn what the rules are in each region. That way you can always enjoy shooting whilst staying on the correct side of the law.

So what does Australian law actually say about Gel Blasters? Well, according to the Department of Home Affairs Notice No. 2017/43 states:

“A recent review of Regulation 4F means that devices that discharge soft and non-dangerous items such as soft darts and hydrolyzed super-absorbent polymers (gel balls) are no longer classified as firearms under the Regulations.”

That’s great news for shooting enthusiasts. However, the document also states: 

“Where these devices resemble a real firearm, they will be classified as an imitation of a firearm under the Regulations.” 

And this is where the legality gets a bit tricky because different Australian states have different approaches to this concept, especially as it’s fairly subjective in nature when you study the exact wording they have used. 

To view the official Australian Border Force document and more details on whether Gel Blasters are legal in Austrlia, please click here.

So, let’s look at the legal issues state by state to get a better idea of what you can and can’t do according to the law. We’ll start with the states that have the ‘good news’ first and then go work through to the more tricky states:

Are Gel Blasters Legal in Queensland?

100% legal to purchase from reputable businesses, legal to own, and no license is needed. Woohoo!

The Gel Blaster Law in South Australia

Enjoying just as much shooting freedom as in QLD! It’s 100% legal to purchase from reputable businesses, legal to own, and no license is needed. Happy days all round! 

The Laws In Northern Territory

Classified as a ‘toy’ however, some Gel Blasters may be considered as an imitation firearm depending on their physical appearance. It’s advised that customers consult with their local law enforcement if they are concerned. To be on the safe side, if your Gel Blaster is all black and looks very much like a ‘real firearm’, then we would advise that you contact the police for further clarification…or you could simply make your blaster look less like a real firearm? 

Legal In Tasmania?

Same as in Northern Territory, they are classified as a ‘toy’ however some Gel Blasters may be considered as an imitation firearm depending on their appearance. It’s advised that customers consult with their local law enforcement if they are concerned about how legal Gel Blasters are in Tasmania. To be on the safe side, if your Gel Blaster is all black and looks very much like a ‘real firearm’, then we would advise that you contact the police for further clarification…or you could simply make your blaster look less like a real firearm? 

Are Gel Blasters Legal New South Wales?

Although generally classified as toys we have to advise that some Gel Blasters may be considered as an imitation firearm. It’s advised that customers need to consult with their local law enforcement, especially if your blaster is all black in appearance and looks very much like a ‘real firearm’. 

Luckily, the NSW fact sheet regarding imitation firearms clearly states that: “An imitation firearm does not include anything that is produced and identified as a children’s toy”. Click this link to the NSW Police website to help you clarify your position further.

Victoria Gel Blaster Legality

Okay, so the legal issues associated with Gel Blaster ownership are ‘quite grey’ in the state of Victoria. The best course of action is to check with the police first because ultimately you are dealing with subjective legal terms in Victoria. (Plus, if there is a future legal issue concerning your Gel Blaster ownership then at least you can hold some proof that you checked with the police first).

From the official Victoria Police website, this is what they state about Firearms Classifications:

“Generally, if an item cannot be mistaken for a working firearm by a reasonable person and does not have the function of a firearm, it will be treated as a toy firearm or other firearm-themed paraphernalia and can be owned without a licence or other authority.

However, items that have the appearance of a working firearm, even where they do not function as one, are classified as imitation firearms. As imitation firearms can cause public alarm, only people with a Chief Commissioner’s Weapons Approval or Governor in Council Exemption can possess, carry or offer them for sale in the State of Victoria.”

Source: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/firearm-classifications

Please be advised that you may wish to take extra precautions before purchasing in Victoria.

Are Gel Blasters Legal Western Australia?

In Western Australia the legality of possessing a Gel blaster gun is still being discussed by Parliament, you can read about that here.

The wording however does not outright state that it’s 100% illegal, as it states: “The Western Australia Police Force advises that gel blasters are not legal in Western Australia. The Western Australia Police Force is reviewing the legal status of gel blasters, taking into account their status in other states and territories.”

So, by analysing this terminology we can ascertain that it’s ‘borderline’ as to what the exact legal status actually is, especially as it is ‘currently under review’. However, we still recommend with extreme caution in WA, and if in doubt, we would advise you to check with your local police force for absolute clarification on what is allowed. 

The fact that a 16yr old decided to bring his blaster to school earlier this year is certainly not helping matters in WA (massive facepalm).

We would certainly advise that you never use your Gel Blaster in a public location, wherever you live in Australia, simply to avoid it being mistaken as a real firearm. A good rule of thumb is always approach its usage with the same care and respect as you would a real firearm! And like we have mentioned above for NT and Tasmania, if you’re really concerned then you could simply make your blaster look less like a real firearm? A bit of spray paint, some stickers, maybe some sci-fi themed tactical attachments; there are many different ways to skin this cat! So get creative.

Here are 6 of our favourite Gel Blasters for 2020!

So know you are more familiar with Gel Blasters and how legal they are in Australia, now time to explore some of our top picks of best Gel Blasters for 2020!

The JinMing M4A1 Gen 8 (J8)

JM M4A1 Gen 9 J9 with Nylon Gearbox Gel Blaster [CLEARANCE]

JM M4A1 J9 (Gen. 9) w/ Nylon Gearbox Gel Blaster

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Features:

• Manufacturer: JinMing
• Model: M4A1 Gen. 9 / J9
• Released: January 2020 (Nylon Gearbox Version)
• Type: Automatic / Battery Operated
• Firing Modes: Single & Full A…
  

$250.00 Original price was: $250.00.$195.00Current price is: $195.00. GST Included

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A reliable, hard-hitting, Gel Blaster, totally legal in Australia, right out the box!

One of the top Gel Blasters available on the market right now! The JinMing M4A1 is a firm favorite among blaster enthusiasts for all the right reasons. Its massive popularity comes as no surprise due to its relatively low price and ‘straight outta the box’ performance. It comes in a full black colour scheme, tip-to-stock, along with massive potential for serious upgrades and modifications. For example, you can easily upgrade to drum mags, laser sights, alloy barrels, and much, much more. If you upgrade the battery to the 11.1v version you can nearly double your firing rate! How awesome is that?

Whether you’re new to the Gel Blaster shooting scene or you’ve been around for a while, this is definitely one you will want to add to your arsenal. Be the envy of all your mates when they see you with this absolute beast.

JinMing M4A1 Features:

Brand: JinMing

Model: M4A1 Gen 8 (J8)

Firing Mode: Full Auto

Mag Capacity: Approx 180 7-8mm Gel Balls

Shooting Spec: Up to 270 Feet Per Second, Up to 25 Meter Firing Distance, Up to 11 Rounds Per Second (7.4v Battery), or up to 20 Rounds Per Second (11.1v Battery).

Other features: Nylon Gearbox Shell, Mag Fed, 20mm Rails on all 4 Sides for Tactical Accessories, Adjustable Stock Length, Sling Attachment Points, and Holographic Sight with Illumination.

Color: Full Black Color Scheme

Gun Spec: Length: 68cm, Width: 5.5cm, Height: 23.5cm, Weight: 680g. 

Included Accessories: 5 x 500 Packs of Gel Balls, 1 x Bottle, 1 x Rechargeable 1200 mAh 7.4v Li-ion Battery (Upgrade to a 11.1v Li-Po Battery to double rate of fire!), 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x Reflex Scope with Illuminated Crosshair (Battery Operated) and 1 pair of Safety Glasses. 

Additional Accessories: Drum mags, laser sights, hop ups, alloy barrels, higher voltage and larger capacity batteries, stronger springs, metal gears, and full upgrade kits for this model. Message us for more info.

Price: $169.99 

To view this blaster in full, click here. 

The LDT HK416D Gen 3.0 (with HK Carry Bag)

LDT is known for making quality blasters and this one is no joke!

Presented in its own incredibly-designed carry bag, the LDT HK416D Gen 3.0 just oozes with style, powerful spec, and comes with plenty of room for upgrades or attachments if you desire. It has a classic M16 aesthetic to it, and both looks and feels very well-balanced in your hands. It is fully ready to be taken straight to the game right out of the box…and with 10,000 Gel Balls included, you’re definitely set for hours and hours of shooting fun straight off the bat. One of the slightly pricier Blasters on the market but definitely worth every cent for all the awesome features it comes with. 

LDT HK416D Gen 3.0 Features:

Brand: LDT 

Model: HK416D Version 3

Firing Mode: Full Auto & Semi Auto

Mag Capacity: Approx 240 7-8mm Gel Balls

Shooting Spec: Up to 330 Feet Per Second, Up to 25 Meter Firing Distance, Up to 11 Rounds Per Second (7.4v Battery), or up to 20 Rounds Per Second (11.1v Battery).

Other features: 2-piece split receiver, Strong nylon construction from tip to stock, LDT Warinterest No.2 Gearbox with Nylon Gears, 1.2mm Spring, 18:1 Gear Ratio, Metal Barrel, Metal Outer Barrel to reduce vibration, Metal Buffer Tube, Metal Charging Handle, CNC Metal Pin, Laser Print on Receiver, Solid metal rod for added strength, Extendable Stock, Factory Fitted Z2Z hop up, Solid rubber cap on stock butt, Rails on all 4 sides for tactical attachments, compatible with JM Gen 9 Magazines. 

Color: Full Black Color Scheme

Gun Spec: Length: 71cm (or 80cm with Stock Extender), Width: 6cm, Height: 20cm, Weight: 1650g. 

Included Accessories: A high quality full-length HK padded carry bag (with pockets, elastic loops, and zip pockets), 1 x Magazine, Holographic sight, Flash hider, Sling, 7.4v Rechargeable Battery, USB Charger, Safety Glasses, Bottle, 10,000 Pack of Gel Balls

Additional Accessories: DK Adjustable Hop Up which can increase firing distance and improve accuracy by applying backspin to the Gel Balls as they leave the barrel. The HK416D also has a Tamiya battery connector and requires an adapter to connect other batteries or 11.1v batteries. Message us for more info on upgrading your LDT HK416D.

Price: $349.99 

To view this blaster in full, click here. 

The XYL ARP9 SMG 

XYL ARP9 V3.5 Gel Blaster (Black)

XYL ARP9 V3.5 Gel Blaster (Black)

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Features:

• Brand: XYL
• Model: ARP9
• Released: February 2020
• Type: Automatic / Battery Operated
• Firing Modes: Semi Auto / Full Auto
• Blow-Back Feature
• Full Blac…
  

$440.00 Original price was: $440.00.$319.99Current price is: $319.99. GST Included

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With its big 1:1 scale, big mag clip and a big list of features, the XYL ARP9 SMG slams down hard! This is a serious Blaster for serious shooters. Released earlier this year, this XYL ARP9 SMG blaster is just dripping with quality and feels really good in either one or both hands. If you wanna feel like an absolute boss, then try dual-wielding with 2 ARP9s in each hand on Full Auto! With a 200 round mag, you will feel simply invincible at the game. LDT have really gone to town on the ARP9 with many of the internal mechanisms being exceptionally high quality. Like most Blasters, if you want to increase your firing rate then upgrade your battery to an 11.1v Tamiya and you will be good to go. A highly recommended higher-end Blaster.

XYL ARP9 SMG Features:

Brand: XLY

Model: ARP9 SMG

Firing Mode: Full Auto & Semi Auto

Mag Capacity: Approx 200 7-8mm Gel Balls

Shooting Spec: Up to 260 Feet Per Second, Up to 25 Meter Firing Distance, Up to 20 Rounds Per Second (7.4v Battery).

Other features: Blow-Back Feature, Black Muzzle, High Quality Solid Nylon Body, Approx 1:1 Scale, Nylon Gearbox with High Quality 8mm Bushings, Stainless Steel 60% Volume Cylinder, 18:1 Metal Gears, Long Shaft 480 Motor with Vented Case Capable of 24,000RPM @ 11.1v, MOSFET with Active Braking, Nylon Butt Stock, Nylon Fishbone, 20mm Rails on All 4 Sides for Tactical Accessories, Metal Trigger, Metal Charging Handle, Metal Dust Cover, Metal Bolt Catch, Adjustable Stock, MLOK Handguard, 130mm Alloy Inner with 7.5mm ID and 9.5mm OD, Nylon Outer Barrel with 14mm CCW Threaded Tip, Removable Muzzle, Adjustable Iron Sight.

Color: Mostly Black Color Scheme with some coloured detailing and highlights.

Gun Spec: Length: 50-59cm, Width: 5cm, Height: 28cm, Weight: 1620g. 

Included Accessories: 200 round Magazine, 7.4v Battery, USB Charger, Muzzle, Set of Iron Sights, and Safety Glasses.

Additional Accessories: The XYL RP9 Gel Blaster has a Tamiya battery connector and requires an adapter to connect other batteries or 11.1v batteries. Message us for more info.

Price: $329.99

To view this blaster in full, click here. 

The Jieying (Swift Hawk) AWM Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle 

Looking for an awesome, hard-hitting, 1:1 scale build bolt-action sniper rifle? Then look no further than the Jieying AWM. This Blaster is about as solid as they come, and just like how many photographers say that a heavier camera is easier to wield than a light one, the same principle applies here. Weighing in at just over 3kg, the Jieying AWM is exceptionally steady and well-balanced when in your hands. Precise aiming at even very small targets is completely possible with the Jieying AWM. So, if you’re after a mid-range price Sniper Rifle that is exceptionally accurate to shoot, then the Jieying AWM could be what you’ve been waiting for.

Brand: Jieying (Swift Hawk)

Model: AWM

Firing Mode: Manual / Mechanical / Spring-Powered / Single-Shot Bolt-Action

Mag Capacity: Approx 50 7-8mm Gel Balls

Shooting Spec: Up to 290 Feet Per Second, Up to 20 Meter Firing Distance, One shot per pull. 

Other features: 1:1 Scale build, Electronic Magazine, High Quality Nylon Body, Metal Bolt Handle, Solid Nylon Bolt, Satin Rubberized Coating, Magnifying Scope with 20mm Rails on 3 Sides, Metal Sling Attachment at Front and Rear, Thick Hard Rubber Capped Butt Stock, Solid Metal Butt Stock Hinge, Foldable Butt Stock, Trigger Safety Lock, Alloy Inner Barrel, Dual Sling Attachment Points, Cheek Riser, Solid Aluminium Height-Adjustable Monopod, 20mm Rail on Top & Bottom for Tactical Accessories, Magazine Runs on 2x AAA Batteries (not included). 

Color: Available in Tan or Green with black trim.

Gun Spec: Length: 107-129cm, Width: 9cm, Height: 24cm, Weight: 3120g. 

Included Accessories: Safety Glasses.

Additional Accessories: Magazine, Magnifying Scope, and Muzzle, message us for more info.

Price: $299.99

To view this blaster in full, click here. 

Gang Jiang Mini 98K Sniper Rifle  

Looking for a Blaster that’s both really fun to use and very reasonably priced? After a Sniper Rifle package that is ready to go, not very bulky and also suitable for younger shooters to practice with? Then look no further than the Gang Jiang Mini 98K Sniper Rifle! For less than the price of a family dinner, you can get a fully-ready-to-go Sniper Rifle package that will keep you entertained for years and years. An awesome little package that will help younger shooters learn how to handle a rifle and also allow you to enjoy some target practice in smaller environments such as indoors or in the backyard. A miniature version of the full sized blaster, this is one of our favourite low-priced Blasters available.

Brand: Gang Jiang

Model: Mini 98K

Firing Mode: Manual / Spring-Powered / Single Shot

Hopper Capacity: Approx 40 7-8mm Gel Balls

Shooting Spec: Up to 120 Feet Per Second, Up to 10 Meter Firing Distance, One shot per pull.

Other features: Miniature Version of the Full Sized Blaster, ABS Construction, Simply Cock Back and Fire, Hopper Scope

Color: Wood effect with black detailing 

Gun Spec: Length: 45.5cm, Width: 2.8cm, Height: 10cm, Weight: 1620g. 

Included Accessories: Bipod, Hopper Scope, Suppressor, Muzzle, 3 x Targets, 3 x Nerf Darts, Safety Glasses, and a 500 Pack of Gel Balls.

Additional Accessories: Optional Suppressor and Optional Muzzle, message us for more info.

Price: $24.99

To view this blaster in full, click here. 

LeHui Kriss Vector V2 Gel Blaster

LH Kriss Vector V2 Gel Blaster [CLEARANCE]

LeHui Kriss Vector V2 Gel Blaster

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Features:

• Brand: LeHui
• Model: Vector v2
• Released: Dec 2019
• Type: Automatic / Battery Powered
• Firing Modes:
  • • Full-A…
      

$280.00 Original price was: $280.00.$219.99Current price is: $219.99. GST Included

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After a Blaster that can cover all types of shooting? From single shots to 15 rounds a second? The Lehui Kriss Vector V2 might just be the one for you then. Based upon the design of the machine gun of the same name, the Kriss Vector, feels great in your hands and offers shooters 3 different ways to blast; all at the flick of a switch! It comes with loads of features and upgrades that even allow for some Airsoft options. A really robust and cool-looking Blaster, you will surely be winning plenty of games in the future with this. The package comes with everything you could need including an 11.1v battery, an attachable flashlight, and a red dot laser sight! And with a reasonable mid-range price tag, it won’t put such a big dent in your wallet either. The LeHui Kriss Vector V2 has been our go-to Blaster of choice for many months now here at the Renegade HQ and we seriously cannot recommend it enough, she’s sweet as!

LeHui Kriss Vector V2 Features:

Brand: LeHui

Model: Kriss Vector V2

Firing Mode: Single, 3-Shot Burst, or Full Auto.

Mag Capacity: Approx 200 7-8mm Gel Balls

Shooting Spec: Up to 240 Feet Per Second, Up to 25 Meter Firing Distance, Up to 15 Rounds Per Second (7.4v Battery), or up to 20 Rounds Per Second (11.1v Battery).

Other features: Full Nylon Construction, Next Gen High Performance Gearbox, Silent Operation, Mag Fed, Mag Primer, Foldable Stock, Vertical Foregrip, Tactical LED Flashlight, Tactical Red Dot Laser Sight, Holographic Scope, Iron sights, 20mm Rails on all 4 Sides for Tactical Accessories, Optional Sling Attachment included with a storage compartment in the sling attachment.

Color: Black Color Scheme with Orange Detailing. 

Gun Spec: Length: 77cm, Height: 36cm. 

Included Accessories: Magazine, 11.1v High Quality Rechargeable Battery, Battery Charger, Holographic Sight, Muzzle, Suppressor, Vertical Foregrip, Pack of Screws and Screwdriver, Set of Iron Sights, Sling Attachment, 2 x Hex Keys, 500 Pack of 7-8mm Gel Balls, Illustrated Instructions. 

Additional Accessories: Gearboxes and internals can be upgraded, message us for more info.

Price: $219.99 

To view this blaster in full, click here.

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