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World Laws on buying and owning airsoft guns

Legal issues in airsoft

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Airsoft is a modern shooting sport. Airsoft guns themselves, arelegal in many parts of the world, but not in all countries. Somecountries have specific restrictions such as maximum muzzleenergy, rules against using the trademarks of real firearms, andspecial marking requirements (such as bright orange barrel tips).

Contents

1 Australia2 Austria3 Belgium4 Bulgaria5 Canada6 The People's Republic of China6.1 Macau7 Denmark8 Finland9 France10 Germany11 Greece12 Hong Kong13 Indonesia14 Ireland15 Israel16 Italy17 Japan18 Luxembourg19 Lithuania20 Netherlands21 New Zealand22 Norway23 Philippines24 Poland25 Portugal26 Romania27 Slovakia28 Slovenia

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29 Singapore30 Spain31 Sweden32 Switzerland33 United Kingdom34 United States

Australia

Airsoft guns are federally banned, although Airsoft Australia havemade significant progress in legalization. They are currently illegal inQLD and those with them can be prosecuted as if they were realweapons.

Austria

Airsoft guns and pistols more than 0.08 joule can bepurchased in specialized weapon shops only and all usershave to be at least 18 years old

Belgium

Airsoft guns and pistols can only be bought at officiallylicensed dealers, who carry a government permit along witha certified weapon of defense (W.O.D.) to import and sellfirearms.Organizations may host airsoft events under the conditionthat they are not affiliated with ideological or religiousagendas.It is forbidden to display or carry airsoft replicas in public.Events must take place in private locations.Airsoft replicas should never exceed than 7.5 Joulemeasured 2.5 meters from the barrel tip.Owning and renting out airsoft replicas is unrestricted.Sale of airsoft replicas to minors is forbidden, including saleover the internet (such as ebay)

  Bulgaria

Airsoft is a legal sport in Bulgaria and there are no restrictionsplaced on the guns.People between 14–18 years old need their parent'spermission. For the rest (18 and above) there are norestrictions.The Bulgarian law considers Airsoft guns to be Airguns - youdon't need any documents, licenses or anything else topossess them.However, shooting in "protected" (quote from the law) areasis forbidden. Protected areas are schools, administrativebuildings and other public property. Also, shooting with anAirgun/Airsoft gun in public areas is forbidden.There are no restrictions about carrying, possessing or usingAirsoft guns in Bulgaria. There are no restrictions about theage of the players (traders don't sell Airguns/Airsoft guns tominors <18 though).There are no restrictions about lasers, flashlights etc.Basically, you could put anything on your gun.

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There's no need for the end of the barrel to be painted inorange (like in the United States)There are no restrictions about the power of theAirguns/Airsoft guns - you could buy an 1J Airsoft as well asan 80J PCP AirgunThere are no restrictions about carrying Airsoft guns in publicareas (it is not a good idea, however).

Canada

From the Canada Firearms Centre's fact sheet on airguns:

Airsoft guns that closely resemble real firearms are classifiedas replica firearms and can only be imported by companiespossessing a Business Firearms License. It is unlawful to sellor transfer replica firearms without this license.Air guns with both a muzzle velocity greater than152.4 metres per second (500 ft/s) and a muzzle energygreater than 5.7 joules (4.2 ft·lbf) are considered firearms forthe purpose of the Canadian Firearms Act. For example, anairsoft BB leaving the barrel at 213 metres per second(700 ft/s) and weighing 0.20 grams (3.1 gr), has a muzzleenergy of 4.43 joules (3.27 ft·lbf).No legal distinction is made between airsoft and true firearmswhen they are used for the purposes of crime.In Ontario the minimum age to purchase airsoft is 18.Children under 18 must be supervised by someone over 18.Airsoft guns imported into the country by private citizens areat risk of being seized and destroyed at the border bycustoms agents. The few Canadian airsoft retailers that existtake advantage of this fact and the prices are high incomparison to other countries.

The People's Republic of China

In the People's Republic of China, Airsoft guns have beenillegal for years mainland China. However, it is essentially anunderground sport, and local authorities have been raidingthis sport and people carrying these guns have been arrestedand their stocks been confiscated by government. Marketstalls and Shops have stopped selling airsoft guns. It is legalin China's SARs (Special Administrative Regions, such asMacau and Hong Kong) but it has begun to go undergroundthere as well, several cargo companies already refuse to doanything with them. Ironically, the majority of the world'sairsoft guns are manufactured in China.

Macau

In Macau, China, all airsoft guns are legal but may not befired with a muzzle energy above two (2) joules of kineticenergy.

Denmark

Airsoft guns are mentioned in the Danish "Våbenlov" (Arms controllegislation).

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You have to be at least 18 years old to buy, hand over orpossess airsoft guns.You can use airsoft guns, on police approved sites, with apermission slip, at the age of 16.A firearms certificate is not required.

Finland

Visible transportation of replica firearms in public areas isforbidden. All replica firearms must be covered withsomething, for example, a weapon case.Land owner's permission is needed to play airsoft in any area.Minors (under the age of 18) are able to purchase airsoft gunsonly with written permission from their legal guardians.

France

Visible transportation of replica firearms in public areas isforbidden. All replica firearms must be covered withsomething, for example, a weapon case.Land owner's permission is needed to play airsoft in any area.Minors (under the age of 18) can only buy or use airsoft gunwhich are under 0.08 joules in power.Airsoft gun may only have a power under 2 joules , otherwisethey are considered to be a weapon and must be registered.

Germany

Airsoft guns under 0.5 joule are considered toy guns and canbe freely sold to all persons above 3 years of age.Distributors agreed to raise the limit to least 14 years of age.[This is realized and the limit is thus 14 years]All airsoft guns between 0.5 joule and 7.5 joule must be bolt-action or semiautomatic only and can only be sold to people18 years or older. These are considered "free" firearms, as aresult:Sales of guns of more than 0.5 joule are allowed only inweapon shops.Guns must be marked with the trader's weapon abbreviationand a F-in-a-pentagon mark as well as the airsoft gun caliber(such as 6 mm BB).Target illuminating devices and lasers may not be attached toguns but are legal otherwise. For example: possession of aflashlight is allowed, even shooting with the flashlight in onehand and the gun in the other; but attaching it via mount ringto the rail system of a gun is not. Devices made specificallyfor the purpose of being attached to a gun (like certainflashlights with integrated foregrip for mil-spec rail) areprohibited.While the possession of airsoft guns is allowed, the actualuse in a game is (at least) hotly debated. For sure, mostplayers using guns with more than 0.5 joule muzzle energyleave Germany to play in countries like France, Belgium,Denmark or the Czech Republic. 

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Greece

The airsoft is basically an underground sport in Greecebecause the law is a little foggy. According to law the airsoftguns are not real firearms and they are free to be purchasedfrom shops.The purchase and use of airsoft guns are not permitted forpeople under 18 years, however it is possible with parentalsupervision.It is prohibited to have any replica gun in public sight. This istreated similarly to illegal possession of a real firearm.The use of lasers, scopes and flashlights on a replica weaponis prohibited by the law.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, all airsoft guns are legal but may not be firedwith a muzzle energy above 2 joules.You are only allowed to play airsoft in private areas and non-country park areas.You may not reveal the airsoft guns in public areas.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, there are no strict rules about it, and there isstill no consideration by the government as to whether airsoftguns are treated as "toys" or are almost equal to real guns.However, airsoft were first brought to Indonesia circa 2000 -2001. The founders of Indonesian airsoft communities putsome restrictions on airsoft games.For example, airsoft players are prohibited to upgrade theirgun to above 100m/s, or they'll be rejected from thecommunity.Anyone who wants to buy an airsoft gun, must be at least 18years old and know the regulations and rules about theairsoft gun.Some events have occurred that are perceived as endangering thecontinuity of the hobby, such as some robberies in which airsoftreplicas were used.

Therefore, in order to control its growth, there is a govt authorizedclub called PERBAKIN (Indonesian Shooting Club) which is currentlyappointed by police to accommodate Airsoft as a new born sport.However, this information about Perbakin may be inaccurate, as ananonymous tip informs us that PERBAKIN do not have any agendawhatsoever relating to airsoft

IT is most likely that the Airsoft will be under IPSC supervision sinceone of the sport's types can be categorized as IPSC (practicalshooting) and not just only as skirmish (war game). However thisstatement may only be a wishful thinking cosidering how littleattention the government is paying to this activity. The governmenthasn't approved skrimish as a sport, they only permit Targetshooting and IPSC only. In other words, if you want to play Airsoft,you should become a member of this Perbakin Club and notparticipate in skirmishes, but only in IPSC.

Ireland

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The status of Airsoft in Ireland was changed after the 2006 CriminalJustice Act, which amended the previous Firearms Acts from 1925,1963, 1972 and 1990.

Where once authorization or a license was required for all deviceswhich fired a projectile from a barrel, The law now defines a firearmas (amongst other things);

an air gun (including an air rifle and air pistol) with amuzzle energy greater than one joule of kineticenergy or any other weapon incorporating a barrel fromwhich any projectile can be discharged with such amuzzle energy

The aim of this change was to establish a minimum power a devicemust have to be classified a firearm in order to eliminate the legaloddity where toy suction cup dart guns and the like were legallyclassified as firearms, thus bringing Ireland into line with the rest ofthe EU. In this case, one joule was used as the limit, as opposed toseven joules in Germany, 12 foot-pounds force (8.9 J) in the UK andso on. The one joule limit most likely arose from UK case law whereit was found that energies in excess of one joule were required topenetrate an eyeball (thus causing serious injury). As a result, airsoftdevices under one joule of power have been declassified and havebecome perfectly legal to possess and use within The Republic ofIreland. Those over one joule of power remain perfectly legal topossess and use within the Republic, so long as a firearms certificateis applied for and granted by the local Garda superintendent - butthey are at this point classed legally as actual firearms.

Airsoft devices with a muzzle energy in excess of one joule must belicensed and as such must have a serial number marked indelibly onthem; with firearms this is achieved by stamping or engraving thenumber on the receiver or other critical component of the firearm;for airsoft devices which do not have such serial numbers, one mustbe indelibly marked on the airsoft device. A discussion on the exactmanner in which this is to be done should be had with the localGarda Superintendent, as different Superintendents may havedifferent preferences for this. However it should be noted that theairsoft device in question would then legally be a licenced firearmand shooting any person with it would constitute assault,furthermore, no Airsoft site in Ireland would allow any player to usean airsoft device in excess of 1 Joule, licensed or not.

Israel

Airsoft guns are classified as "dangerous toys" which makes airsoftillegal to import, manufacture and sell. This law is not very wellenforced, however, and it is possible to find retailers who importMPEG level airsoft guns and also AEG level airsoft guns.

Israeli airsofters have created an airsoft association in an attempt tomake airsoft legal - Girit "Girit Airsoft Association in Israel"("????? –????? ???????? ??????"). Girit is cooperating with the Israeli ShootingFederation, joining it shortly as a member and cooperating with othergovernmental authorities in an attempt to make airsoft legal in Israel.For more information you may refer to http://www.airsoft.org.il

Girit Airsoft Association has established cooperation with USAPSA,Ukrainian, Slovenian, Swedish and Czech airsofters. An Israelinational airsoft tactical shooting competition took place near BeitBerel March 2007.

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  Italy

Airsoft guns and pistols are allowed a muzzle velocity below 100 m/s(328 ft/s) i.e. equivalent to a muzzle energy equal or minor to 1 joule:under the law, airsoft guns are not classified as firearms but as toys.You can buy and sell them both from stores and from anotherprivate citizen, either domestically or from abroad: Internetpurchasing and mail shipping is legal and unrestricted. No license orregistration is required.

Red tips must be present on the barrel ends of the airsoft gunwhen they are imported and sold by a store. Once you ownthe airsoft gun, you may remove the red tip; however, thesimilarity between genuine firearms and airsoft replicas isclose enough to provoke interaction with law enforcementpersonnel if an airsoft gun is mistaken for its real counterpart.Airsoft used to commit a crime is treated as if you had thereal gun, assault weapons carry an extra mandatory sentencein addition to the regular punishment for the crimecommitted.As the law limits the muzzle energy that an airsoft replica candevelop before being classified by law as an air gun,modifying an airsoft gun to deliver more power or to shootanything other than 6 mm BB plastic pellets is a felony.There is no mandatory minimum age to purchase airsoftand/or use it during a regular match; the Italian Ministry ofInterior only recommends that their sale be restricted topeople over the age of 18, or 14 if accompanied by a parent orlegal tutor or if the replica is not particularly realistic orpowerful (i.e. low-grade airsoft products).Usage and open carriage of air soft guns in public places isforbidden. You can play on a private property away frompublic sight, or in a well-delimited private or state propertyafter having asked the local authorities for a limited-timepermit (usually from 6 to 48 hours), and having alerted thelocal police command, to avoid alarmed citizens calling foremergency.

Japan

In Japan, airsoft guns are legal, but may not shoot with amuzzle energy above 0.98 joules.Legal requirements are set on airsoft model manufacturers toprevent any possibility of a replica weapon being convertedinto an actual firearm.Standards include (but are not limited to) use of low-meltingpoint metals and non-ballistic plastics in structuralcomponents and incompatibility of mechanical componentswith actual firearm components and mechanisms.The overall litmus test used by the Japanese National PoliceAuthority is whether the replica weapon can be made tochamber and fire an actual round of ammunition.These standards have proven successful within Japan, as ithas been found that criminal elements discovered that it issignificantly easier to purchase an actual illegal weapon incomparison to modifying a comparatively fragile replica into

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a functional firearm.Due to this reality, most crimes involving a threat of physicalviolence are perpetrated with edged weapons, as firearmsseen in public are (by default) believed to be toys by thepublic at large.[citation needed]

Luxembourg

All airsoft guns are treated under the national weapon law anddemand a personal user certificate.

Lithuania

Registration of any sort is not required for airsoft weapons, however,they are only available for purchase to people over 18 years. Airsoftplayers have established unofficial set of rules, which regulates thebehavior of players belonging to the community.

Netherlands

The law places full restrictions on Airsoft Weapons, renderingpossession illegal. When one looks at the Dutch law on this subject,airsoft is not explicitly mentioned, and the characteristics of airsoftweapons would place the weapons in Category I of the Dutch gunlaws (legal to own and operate without a license). However, theDutch Ministry of Justice can make exceptions, which it has forairsoft weapons, (The reason given is that the weapons look sorealistic, that they can be used for intimidation), placing airsoftweapons that are 1:1 replicas and/or realistic in Category IV (illegalwithout any possibility of acquiring a permit). The sport itself has thesame legal status as paintball, but since Airsoft players prefer 1:1realistic replicas the Dutch players travel to Belgium instead.

New Zealand

Single-shot and semi-automatic (all automatic weapons require aspecial restricted endorsement) air-powered weapons are legal topossess and use in New Zealand, provided that the person is eitherover 18 years of age, or 16 with a firearms license. A person under 18may not possess an air gun but may use one under the directsupervision of someone over 18 or a firearms license holder.

It is illegal to use these weapons in any manner that may endangeror intimidate members of the public (pointing, brandishing, etc)except where there is reasonable cause, such as an Airsoft game.

Police, New Zealand, Airguns Factsheet,http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/infosheet04.html, retrievedon 2007-07-24

Norway

The Arms control legislation (Våpenforskrift) requires:

One to be at least 18 years old to buy, hand over, possess anduse airsoft guns.A firearms certificate is not required.

Philippines

Organized airsoft started in 1985, and interest in the hobby has goneup and down, several times over the past 20 years. The airsoftgaming community initially conducted their games in secrecy, but inthe recent years has reached the mainstream due to the

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tremendous surge of newbies, owing to the advent of cheapChinese-manufactured airsoft guns. Airsoft teams are mostly clanorganized, with a number of groups claiming representation, to acertain extent, of the local airsoft community, organizing andcoordinating between local teams, especially during big eventswhere hundreds of players from teams all over the country convergeon selected venues for friendly tournaments.

Letter of Instruction 1264, a Presidential Directive, signed by formerPresident Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1982, bans the import, sale andpublic display of gun replicas, but purchase of airsoft guns and themovement of airsoft players are largely untouched by thegovernment, with only a few confiscated shipments marring thatrecord. No direct regulations have been placed on the airsoftcommunity, and players of all ages and background are welcome toplay.

Philippine law considers any contraption a firearm if it fires aprojectile larger than 5.5 mm in diameter, however, local media hassuggested that airsofting will soon be considered officially legalprovided there are a few exceptions like the proposed ordinance ofrepainting the replica gun to make it look less realistic and moredistinguishable from an authentic firearm (similar to laws in theUnited States). However given the structure of the Philippinegovernment and their method of operation, such a ratification maytake several years to be processed.

As of 24 July 2006 the-then Philippine National Police (PNP) ChiefGeneral Oscar Calderon has signed a Memo approving a petition forclassification of airsoft guns as air guns under current PNP Rulesand Regulations dated 29 January 1992, and thus providing anopportunity for legal ownership and transport of airsoft guns underspecific conditions. Despite the approval of the memo its validity isstill the subject of debate. Under Philippine law, a memo from theChief PNP amending the PNP Rules and Regulations cannotoverrule, repeal or amend a Presidential directive. Only theLegislative body, the Supreme Court or the present President can doso. Since the PNP has the authority to classify what constitutes a gunreplica and airsoft guns were deemed different from replicas theremaybe no need to repeal LOI 1264 in order to achieve fulllegalization of airsoft in the Philippines.

At present, the current PNP Chief Director, General Avelino Razon Jrhas signed a revised version of the 2006 Memo and has given theairsoft community 6 months to comply with revised rules andregulations. Airsoft guns must now be registered and airsofters mustalso sequester a permit to legally transport their guns to authorizedgame sites. Unregistered airsoft guns may be confiscated.

  Poland

Airsoft guns fall into the same category as paintball guns and air-powered guns, up to 17 Joules they are not considered to beweapons (above 17J they become pneumatic weapons requiringregistration) and are available to people over 18 years of age,registration of any sort replica under 17 Joules limit is not required.There's no need for the end of the barrel to be painted in orange orany other similar markings. The age restriction, however, is notstrictly enforced and many cheap spring replicas can be found in toyshops due to common practice of labelling them as "toys". Generally,the Police considers airsoft replicas toys rather than "non-lethalweapons". It is not forbidden to display or carry airsoft replicas inpublic, but as it may lead to unplesant encounter with local police it is

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better to avoid it. The Customs also recognize airsoft and allow theirprivate import. The Polish airsoft community has formulated "AirsoftRules", an unofficial set of rules regarding airsoft as a whole. Whilethey are not enforced in any specific way, abiding by "Airsoft Rules"is a sign of "playing fair" and belonging to the community. Excerptsfrom "Airsoft Rules":

Eye protection must be worn at all times during the game.Brandishing replicas in public places is not allowed. Doing somay lead to ejection from the community.Local law enforcement (police, Forest Guard etc.) must beinformed prior to every airsoft game taking place in the area.Players between 16 and 18 years of age are able to participatein airsoft games only with written permission from theirparents.

Portugal

Airsoft is legal in Portugal under the name of Softair. Softair falls intoa specific category designated as "Arma de softair" or in English"softair gun". According to the new Guns and Ammunitions Act (DR -Lei n.°5/2006 de 23 de Fevereiro - Regime Jurídico das armas esuas munições) some of the main excerpts are:

Any softair gun must be totally or partially painted influorescent red or yellow color;Maximum energy level at muzzle exit must not exceed 1.3Joules (or 374 ft/s);Softair gun purchase is limited to:Minimum age of 18;Only for sport practice;Buyer/gun owner must be registered in a softair federation;Softair players/gun owners don't need to possess PublicLiability insurance;Other special limitations may apply to softair gunsmiths andplayers.This information is an excerpt of the law, for further information referto full document (DR - Lei n.°5/2006).

Romania

Law nr. 295 from 2004 (Regimul Armelor si Munitiilor) regulates alluse of weapons and associated ammunition:

The law is quite unclear (in what concerns airsoft weapons)as to whether this kind of weapon classifies as "non-lethalweapon" or "toy".The law regulates the use of air-powered weapons (e.g.sport/competition use, that use a metal projectile) under"non-lethal" category and solely requires that you (1) are atleast 18 years old and (2) register your weapon at the policeprecinct nearest to your location.The law specifies that usage of night vision (infrared) or laseraiming devices designed for military use is completelyrestricted to members of the army and associated entitieseven if the aiming device is used on a lower-restrictioncategory weapon (e.g. such as on an airsoft gun). The law,however, does not restrict in any way the use of aimingdevices not designed for military use.

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The law specifies that, should you attempt to use a non-lethal or replica gun to perform (or attempt to perform) armedrobbery, you shall be prosecuted as if a real gun had beenused.Airsoft and paintball replicas can not be covered by Law nr.295/2004 regarding the Guns and Ammo regime (Regimularmelor si al munitiilor), they are not listed in the law's annexas a gun because of their destination and mode of operation,therefore there's no need for an authorization to buy, ownand use them.A new addition to the law 295/2004 was made at 17/02/2008called OUG 28/2008 which add further restrictions to theforms and regulations.

Slovakia

Airsoft guns have status similar to the Czech Republic andSlovenia, where they are considered to be firearmsAll firearms are governed by law 190/2003, airsoft guns fitinto weapon class D (§7b), no permit is needed.The use of airsoft guns is allowed by players that are least 18years old.Guns may not have an energy greater than 15 joules.The use of laser sights or night vision scopes is forbidden,attaching a laser sight to any weapon makes it a class A(prohibited) weapon.The owner of a gun is required by law to secure the weaponwhen not using it.

Slovenia

One has to be at least 18 years to buy airsoft guns.If the velocity of an airsoft gun is below 100 m/s (328 ft/s) i.e.equivalent to 1 joule, it is considered to be a toy.If the velocity is higher than 100 m/s (328 ft/s), the airsoft gunis classified as a section D weapon in the Firearms controllegislation of Slovenia. Additionally Air Soft Clubs andNational Shooters Association in Slovenia recommends thatairsoft gun velocities should not be above 100 m/s (1 J).

Singapore

Used to be legal, no age limit to purchase Airsoft guns. One yearafter the sport was introduced in the country it was banned due tosafety issues. A petition is underway hoping to legalise Airsoft.Currently, only a few clubs in Singapore have managed to set upIPSC shooting using Airsoft guns, with permission from thegovernment and firearm licenses. Currently, the clubs allowpurchasing of Airsoft pistols but these are not allowed to be takenback to the home. There are no skirmishes except the shooting ofpaper targets.

Spain

In Spain the airsoft is not regulated due to the outdated gun law.They fall in the category of "replica weapons" of this law and shouldnot be carried away from home. The fine if caught carrying thereplica is normally 300€ and the seizure of the gun. However, in

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some areas the local authorities lets airsofters play on private zoneswith their permission. It's legal to buy, possess and sell airsoftreplicas and accessories, but sometimes there have been problemswith customs.

Sweden

One must be at least 18 years old to buy airsoft weapons. Minorsunder the age of 18 can only use an airsoft weapon under the closesupervision of someone older than 20. However, this law is meantfor target shooting at a range. Thus there is no legal way for a minorto own or play airsoft. A parent that buys a weapon for their childcommits a crime.

In order to possess a Co2, air or spring operated firearm without alicense the impact energy of a projectile fired at a distance of 4meters(from the muzzle) must be less than 10 joules. If it is semi orfully automatic the impact energy must be less than 3 joules.

Switzerland

Airsoft guns are not considered as subject to the weaponlegislation and no permission is necessary.All types of laser sights are forbidden.

United Kingdom

There are currently certain restrictions on the possession of airsoftreplicas, which came in with the introduction of the ASBA (Anti-SocialBehaviour Act 2003) Amendments, which prohibit the possession ofany firearms replica in a public place without good cause (to beconcealed in a hard gun case or sealed container only not to be leftin view of public at any time) . The prohibition of self-contained gascartridge weapons similar to that made by Brocock can arguablyapply to Moscarts and BB-Shower grenade systems, however aformal case precedent has yet to be set. There were initial concernsamong the airsoft community that the Violent Crime Reduction Bill(passed an Act in November 2006, but not yet commenced) would infuture prevent airsoft skirmishers from buying realistic imitationfirearms. However, on the 20th of September 2006 the Associationof British Airsofters (ABA) received a letter from Tony McNulty(Minister of State for Security, Counter-Terrorism, Crime and Policingat the Home Office) saying that he has "decided to provide adefence for airsoft skirmishing in relation to the ban on the sale etc.of realistic firearms". There has been confirmation airsoft will receivean exemption. This letter has been scanned and reproduced on theABA website [2]. Note that membership of the ABA may be requiredin order to view the letter.

Since then, the Bill has received Royal Assent, and while now StatuteLaw in the UK, is still a matter of some (at times heated) discussion inthe UK Airsofting community - not least of which the question as tohow the Act, and Specific Defence, will work, the process of which isstill being decided upon at the Home Office, at the time of this edit (5December 2006).

The Defence will be based on whether or not a person is aSkirmisher. One of the measures put in place by retailers to aid inidentifying Skirmishers is a database of skirmishers registered in acentral database. A person must be a regular skirmisher (i.e. skirmish3 or more times in no less than two months) in order to beregistered, and the airsoft site they register/skirmish at must holdpublic Public Liability Insurance. Once a skirmisher is registered they

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receive a membership card and must produce this before buying ortrading airsoft weapons from these retailers, though not a legalrequirement (As long as you can prove that you are an airsoftskirmisher you may purchase Realistic Imitation Firearms or RIFs.(Airsoft guns deemed to be realistic.) It is expected that HM Customs& Excise will also have access to the database to verify the identityof importers.

The VCRA (Violent Crime Reduction Act) came into effect as of the1st October 2007, thus meaning that RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearms)can only be purchased by registered members of an airsoft skirmishsite (accessories and ammunition are not covered by the VCRA).Only those people over the age of 18 can purchase Replica ImitationFirearms. IF (Imitation Firearms), however, are still legal and may bepurchased by anyone 18 or over and used by any age, regardless ofmembership status. These usually take the form of "Two-Tone" guns- normal Airsoft guns, that have around 50% of the gun painted ormanufactured in bright colours in order to mark them out clearly asImitation Firearms and not Realistic Imitation Firearms. However thereis still nothing in the books preventing people from painting the gunafter purchase.

United States

Under Federal Law,Airsoft guns are not classified as firearms and are legal for allages under federal law, as well as the laws in each state.However, in some major cities and population centers thedefinition of a firearm within their respected ordinancesincludes propulsion by spring or compressed air, and airsoftare thus subject to applicable laws.A 6 mm minimum orange tip must be present on the barrelend of the airsoft gun(or clear/transparent body) to identify itas such for any commercial sales. Once sold, local laws mayvary on whether or not the orange tip must be kept - in manyplaces, no laws exist restricting one from removing orreplacing the orange tip, but one should check the local lawsbefore making such a modification.Airsoft guns' trademarks must be removed where themanufacturer does not have an existing license agreementwith the manufacturer of the real fire arm. For example:Classic Army has a licensing agreement with Armalite, so thetrademarks can stay on imported replicas of Armalite'sweapons. In practice enforcement is hit or miss. You mightget an "unlicensed" gun through customs with trademarksintact, while a licensed gun might be held in Customs by anuninformed customs agent. House Resolution 607,sponsored in early 2007, would change this if passed,allowing imports to retain trademarks even if there is noagreement between the real firearms manufacturer and thereplica manufacturer.In addition, the similarity between genuine firearms andairsoft replicas is close enough to provoke interaction withlocal law enforcement personnel if an airsoft gun is carriedopenly in public.[

If someone were to, for example, attempt a robbery with anairsoft gun, they would be charged as if the airsoft gun were

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a real firearm.New York City requires that all realistic toy or imitationfirearms be made of clear or brightly colored plastics;furthermore, New York City makes possession of any pistol orrifle or similar instrument in which the propelling force is aspring or air, unlawful without a license. See New York CityAdministrative Code § 10-131(b) and New York CityAdministrative Code § 10-131(g)(1)(a)[ The rest of New YorkState is unaffected by these laws, and there are no stateregulations limiting or prohibiting airsoft.Michigan allows the purchase of Airsoft guns. However, theymust have an orange tip on the barrel.Texas allows Airsoft guns to be owned but most citiesrequire that the Airsoft guns be discharged only whileoutside city limits.Some cities in Illinois considers shipping or distributingairsoft guns illegal. It is officially now not illegal to removethe orange tip of the airsoft gunAccording to New York state law, airsoft guns are classifiedas firearms, and therefore, must follow state firearm lawsregarding possession and purchase. Due to this, "technically",airsofts are legal in New York. If you are going to play, youmust do so on a private property.In Minnesota, It is illegal for a child under the age of 14 topossess an Airsoft gun unless under the supervision of aparent or adult. It is also illegal for any child under 18 topurchase an Airsoft gun without parental permission. In SaintPaul and Minneapolis, airsoft guns cannot be carried in publicunless they either have an orange tip, are clear, or brightlycolored. Airsoft guns also cannot be carried in public if theyhave a laser attached. It is legal to possess Airsoft guns inthese cities as long as they are transported in a closed andfastened gun case (in accordance with Minnesota firearmtransportation laws) and unloaded. The vast majority ofmunicipalities in Minnesota ban the firing of an Airsoft gunwithin the city limits.

  Friday 05 June, 2009       

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