Minnesota prohibits the carrying of a BB gun in a public place.¹ Minnesota also prohibits the display, exhibition, brandishing or other use of a BB gun in a threatening manner, if while doing so, the possessor:

• Causes or attempts to cause “terror” in another person; or
• Acts in reckless disregard of the risk of causing terror in another person.²

Outside of a municipality, Minnesota prohibits furnishing an airgun to a child under age 14 without the consent of the child’s parent or guardian. The state also prohibits, outside of a municipality, any parent or guardian from permitting his or her child under age 14 to handle or use an airgun outside of the parent’s or guardian’s presence.³

Within a municipality, Minnesota prohibits any person from furnishing a minor (under age 18) with an airgun without the prior consent of the minor’s parent or guardian or the municipality’s police department.⁴

Minnesota also prohibits the use, brandishing, possession, storage or keeping of a BB gun while knowingly on school property.⁵

The aforementioned prohibitions are subject to several exceptions, including possession of BB guns by a ceremonial color guard or with the written permission of the principal or other person having general control and supervision of the school or the director of a child care center.⁶

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1. Minn. Stat. § 624.7181, subd. 1, subd. 2. This prohibition is subject to the following exceptions:
   • The BB gun is being carried to, from, or at a place where firearms are repaired, bought, sold, traded, or displayed, or where hunting, target shooting, or other lawful activity involving firearms occurs, or at funerals, parades, or other lawful ceremonies;
   • The BB gun is unloaded and in a gun case expressly made for a firearm and which fully encloses the firearm with no portion of the gun exposed;
   • The person has a permit to carry a handgun;
   • The BB gun is an antique firearm that is being carried as a curiosity or for its historical significance or value; or
   • The BB gun is being transported unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.

   Minn. Stat. § 624.7181, subd. 1.[↩]

2. Minn. Stat. § 609.713, subd. 3(a).[↩]
3. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subd. 1(a)(6).[↩]
4. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subd. 1b.[↩]
5. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subd. 1d(b), (c).[↩]
6. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subd. 1d(f)(6), (8).[↩]