Which retailers in the UK accept Just-Cos Cosplayer Insurance?

[BigStew]

If we're being technically correct - the best kind of correct - then simple public possession is "illegal in and of itself".  I'd like us to be very clear on that.  It's not for the State to prove (or even suspect) that we're "doing something stupid with it."  It's up to us to show that we're not.

As you say, this isn't generally going to be a problem for actual airsofters.  However, in the context of a thread asking "How 2 get RIF without play airsoft tho?" I feel it's worth mentioning.

Reminds of the Glasgow cosplayer who didn't see the issue walking around outside the convention in full riot gear with a blood splattered riot shield and a very easy to see MP7 strapped to his leg,in general Cosplayers have less common sense than airsofters. So basically fuck all.

 

[Cannonfodder]

In this case, for example, a chap (who comes across as a prize wanker) was arrested and charged for having a baton in his car.  I can't find details of how the case went - some commenters suggest that he was acquitted - but the process is enough of a punishment.

What an absolute bellend. He was being antagonistic and deserved to have the book thrown at him. I've had a couple of instances where I've been stopped by the police and they could've made an easy arrest but didn't. I think a big part of this was because I was polite and respectful rather than a cocky shit. Simply put if you fail the attitude test then prepare for your day to be ruined

 

[Tommikka]

As this topic covers a few areas, and to make a dedicated thread, I’ve added the above mentioned information plus some other information arising from the Just-Cos membership / policy 





I’ve contacted Just-Cos about some of the issues, so we’ll see what happens

 

[Tactical Pith Helmet]

In this case, for example, a chap (who comes across as a prize wanker) was arrested and charged for having a baton in his car.  I can't find details of how the case went - some commenters suggest that he was acquitted - but the process is enough of a punishment.

He was acquitted.  He put it down to the quality brief that he could afford.  Their is an archived BBC article that I found earlier on another device, hence sorry no link.  

Extendable batons are not legal for non-crown office holders/military etc.  Cheque book justice.

 

[Galvatron]

Reminds of the Glasgow cosplayer who didn't see the issue walking around outside the convention in full riot gear with a blood splattered riot shield and a very easy to see MP7 strapped to his leg,in general Cosplayers have less common sense than airsofters. So basically fuck all.

I wonder if he was the same smooth brain I saw at Birmingham ComicCon, also in riot gear and open carrying an MP7 in clear view of the public. ?

 

[Rogerborg]

I wonder if he was the same smooth brain I saw at Birmingham ComicCon, also in riot gear and open carrying an MP7 in clear view of the public. ?

Birmingham does seem to attract them.

 

[BigStew]

I wonder if he was the same smooth brain I saw at Birmingham ComicCon, also in riot gear and open carrying an MP7 in clear view of the public. ?

Umbrella corp patches? Those lot appear to be fairly special. Anime kids walking around with swords is not quite as bad. Party of me admired their confidence to go around in public in costume I always changed at the venue.

 

[Galvatron]

Umbrella corp patches?

Bingo!

A lot of people today seem to be divorced from a self-preservation instinct or reality. Even when I was a teenager playing airsoft, I understood the sheer stupidity of open carry of realistic looking weapons because of how quickly and tragically it can escalate.

Just to think the OP struggled to understand why so many in this thread voiced strong opinions about Just-Cos' legitimacy. That some cosplayers lack self-awareness of their own and the public's safety with open carry vindicates those opinions.

 

[BigStew]

Bingo!

A lot of people today seem to be divorced from a self-preservation instinct or reality. Even when I was a teenager playing airsoft, I understood the sheer stupidity of open carry of realistic looking weapons because of how quickly and tragically it can escalate.

Just to think the OP struggled to understand why so many in this thread voiced strong opinions about Just-Cos' legitimacy. That some cosplayers lack self-awareness of their own and the public's safety with open carry vindicates those opinions.

Just after I started playing so maybe 19 had to catch a train as no car or lift, some rando asked what instrument I was carrying in my bag (M16A2) had to bullshit about being a musician for 10 minutes because I didn't want to have to explain airsoft and too timid/polite to tell him to bugger off.

 

[Cannonfodder]

Nosey buggers and people who think they're funny were the reason I switched from a hard case to a soft rifle bag for travelling on public transport. All too often I'd get some twat who thought they were funny saying "what's in the box, a machine gun?".

 

[superwok]

Using the insurance for its intended purpose seems pointless, yet it has allowed me to acquire multiple RIFs without the requirement for them to be two-toned. This long discussion brimming with passionate opinions and thoughts boils down to a simple truth:

If you're buying it strictly as insurance, then indeed, it's an unnecessary expense. However, if you're spending £20 to bypass the two-tone requirement for purchasing a RIF — especially as a casual player unable to attend games monthly to secure a UKRA but still eager to invest in something new — then it proves to be invaluable.

Thanks to this Just-Cos Cosplayer Insurance, I've successfully purchased 3 RIFs.

Now, you may or may not agree with this method, but any concerns should be directed at the retailer accepting it; it's their responsibility to decide whether to sell or not.

 

[GenuineGerman]

Whilst I agree with @superwokpremise that for casual players it is hard to obtain and get UKARA current, I can’t help but think this leaves a bitter taste for those that go regularly and get UKARA current. 
 

I am in no way saying that superwok is the at fault here or that I blame him. It’s simply frustrating that the very retailers that agree to partake in this scheme, that lots of people subscribe too, are finding a way around it. 
 

 

[superwok]

If you have a bitter taste in your mouth because you feel as if you earn a UKARA because you play so often then take it up with the retailers. 

I have been playing airsoft for just over 10 years now, In my 20's I could go every week but not so much now, so to it from the other side, I see it as a punishment that I cannot buy a new rif because I haven't been able to play as much as I used to, to keep an active UKARA

 

[GenuineGerman]

If you have a bitter taste in your mouth because you feel as if you earn a UKARA because you play so often then take it up with the retailers. 

I have been playing airsoft for just over 10 years now, In my 20's I could go every week but not so much now, so to it from the other side, I see it as a punishment that I cannot buy a new rif because I haven't been able to play as much as I used to, to keep an active UKARA

Like I said I wasn’t having a pop at you and I do understand your argument and emphasise with you. The rules and laws clearly aren’t perfect and penalise those that shouldn’t always be penalised. 
 

I think perhaps as a collective we could come together and find a solution that benefits everyone that wants to play and not just buy a rif for nefarious reason. 
 

The issue you have highlighted has quite simply shows how easy it is for bad actors to purchase rif’s.
 

I was in no way suggesting you are a bad actor or anything other than a good bloke who just wants to enjoy Airsoft.  
 

 

[Rogerborg]

I was in no way suggesting you are a bad actor or anything other than a good bloke who just wants to enjoy Airsoft.

Isn't airsoft predicated on honouring both the letter and spirit of the rules, even if that results in personal disadvantage?  ?

 

[Cannonfodder]

Despite playing regularly I haven't had an active site membership for a couple of years but I've still managed to get my hands on rifs, it just takes a bit more effort.

The big issue with schemes like just cos is that our defence was given on the basis that the airsoft community would be self policing. So when retailers are actively looking to promote ways of selling rifs to people without them ever setting foot on a site it comes across as a big middle finger to those who put in the work getting our defence. Not to mention the fact that said defence could easily be taken away at the stroke of a pen so they're potentially putting the hobby (and their own business) at risk

 

[Pseudotectonic]

It does seem to defeat the whole premise of VCRA if anyone can bypass it for £20

It is just a legal loophole, that is what it is

Although arguably, VCRA is only a deterrent really, if one is determined to do crime they can rattle can a two-tone with a £5 can of black paint

And if you are really just an airsofter playing legitimate airsoft, I have to agree £20 is less than three games of rental which costed me £90

Although the three rental games actually helped inform my first purchase so it can reduce the risk of wrong purchases, if someone jumps the gun and invest in something but later regret it, that is going to cost more than the £70 difference (worse if someone decides airsoft isn't for them within three games)

So I guess (as a new player) if you are certain about the RIF you want and not regret it, £70 is £70

Of course it doesn't apply to older players who already have their own RIF which is just a matter of playing another three games vs £20 bypass, in this case I don't see it as much of a problem

The only scenario where this might become a problem is if someone uses the £20 bypass to get an RIF and then do a crime, which might make the court examine the "standard of proof of defence" question i.e. is a photo sufficient proof of "organisation and holding of permitted activities" (as per Defences to an offence under section 36 of the 2006 Act or under paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to that Act).

If a photo is sufficient, the loophole will stay.

If a photo is insufficient, the loophole is plugged, but the court will have to say what is considered sufficient.

And arguably a photo should be enough proof as this is probably a common standard of proof in other areas of laws.

--

PS on second thought, a photo alone is probably not enough, the retailer also needs to check a photo ID to make sure it is the same person in the photo, so the person should really be identifiable in the photo, along with the clear indication of the nature of the activity itself

 

[GenuineGerman]

Isn't airsoft predicated on honouring both the letter and spirit of the rules, even if that results in personal disadvantage?  ?

You are absolutely right. I don’t want to call into question people’s motivations but if for example I were reading this as a firearms officer I would be highly concerned by this thread. 

 

[superwok]

are you a firearms officer?

 

[JinxDuh]

Are you?