Weapons policy

501st Weapons Policy

Being a global organization, our members are subject to a wide variety of local and regional regulations regarding replica weapons. In an effort to be sensitive to these requirements, the 501st has adopted a policy that weapons (including light sabers) are not required for membership. This ensures that all troopers will be viewed equally, regardless of regional regulations.

We encourage all members to be aware of their local regulations and, if legal to do so, carry an accurate weapon for the characters they represent. We are portraying a largely military organization and these armaments dramatically improve the visual impact of the costumes.

Membership Application

If a weapon is presented as part of membership application photos, it will be expected to be accurate to the character represented in the pictures.

Detachment Certification Programs

Many detachments have costuming excellence programs above and beyond 501st requirements. Some detachments may require accurate weapons for certification in these, Non- 501st Legion related, programs.