In Mississippi, gel blasters (or gel guns) are typically regulated under state laws that pertain to firearms, airsoft guns, and toy weapons. As of my latest information, here is an overview of the laws and regulations relevant to gel blasters in Mississippi:

1. Definition of Gel Blasters

• Gel blasters are toy guns that fire water-based gel pellets, usually made of superabsorbent polymer (SAP). They are similar in appearance to airsoft or paintball guns, but instead of using BBs or paintballs, they shoot soft, biodegradable gel pellets that break apart on impact.

2. General Regulation of Gel Blasters in Mississippi

• Gel blasters are not explicitly mentioned in Mississippi state law, so they may be treated similarly to airsoft guns or other toy guns unless otherwise noted.
• The regulation of gel blasters typically falls under broader regulations concerning firearms or weapons.
• In general, gel blasters are not classified as firearms under Mississippi law because they do not use gunpowder or a compressed gas system to propel projectiles. Instead, they rely on mechanical force, like a spring-loaded mechanism or an electric motor, to fire gel pellets.

3. Restrictions and Considerations

• Age restrictions: There are no specific state laws that ban the sale or possession of gel blasters for children, but some sellers may impose their own age restrictions (typically 18 years old) for safety reasons.
• Public safety: Gel blasters that resemble real firearms can be subject to restrictions under local ordinances. It's crucial to be cautious about how gel blasters are used in public spaces. In some localities, laws may require you to not carry or use these toys in public without proper handling to avoid confusion with real weapons.
• Possession and use: Using a gel blaster in a way that could cause alarm to the public—like pointing it at people or using it in a threatening manner—may lead to legal consequences, such as disorderly conduct or brandishing a weapon. It's important to only use these toys in private spaces or controlled environments like airsoft arenas.

4. Safety and Local Ordinances

• Local ordinances may apply to gel blasters, particularly in more urbanized or heavily populated areas. For instance, municipalities may have their own rules about discharging gel blasters in public areas, and some localities might treat gel blasters similarly to airsoft guns or BB guns under their ordinances.
• Always check with local authorities or consult local laws for specific regulations in cities like Jackson, Biloxi, or Gulfport.

5. Gel Blasters and Firearm Laws

• Mississippi follows federal laws on firearms, and while gel blasters do not qualify as firearms, it is still a good practice to avoid carrying or displaying them in public in a way that could cause confusion with real weapons.
• Federal regulations may also come into play, especially the Federal Gun Control Act and ATF regulations. For instance, the federal law requires toy guns to have a bright orange tip or distinctive coloring to distinguish them from real firearms. While gel blasters do not fall under this regulation directly, you should still consider marking the toy blasters in some way to avoid law enforcement confusion.

6. Gel Blasters and Federal Law

• Under federal law, gel blasters may not be classified as firearms, but the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) sometimes applies specific standards to toys and replicas that resemble real firearms. The orange tip requirement typically applies to any toy or replica firearm that could be mistaken for a real gun.

Conclusion

Mississippi does not have specific laws directly regulating gel blasters, but they are generally treated as toy guns. However, because they resemble real firearms, their use may be subject to restrictions in certain local jurisdictions. Always use gel blasters safely and responsibly, especially when around others or in public areas. To avoid potential legal issues, check local ordinances or consult a legal expert for guidance on how gel blasters are treated in your area.

If you're planning to buy or use a gel blaster, consider checking with local authorities to ensure you're complying with any municipal regulations that may exist.