RAM devices in the light of selected provisions of the Act on weapons and ammunition

The modern market for personal protection devices has brought about such challenges as the need to phrase legal regulations regarding possession and use of such devices. The aim of the study is to answer the questions whether RAM devices are firearms and whether they are weapons at all within the meaning of the Act of 21 May 1999 on weapons and ammunition. On the way to achieve this goal, a thorough analysis of the translation of the detailed charac- terisation of RAM devices into specific definitions of the Act in question is used. The result of the author’s research is the conclusion that RAM devices are neither weapons nor firearms within the meaning of Polish legislation. Furthermore, the article provides a number of legal consequences resulting from such research conclusions, e.g. no obligation to undergo medi- cal or psychological examinations by a potential RAM device owner.