Asomodai

Well you kind of answered your own question! 
 
Who would run it? I dont know. Someone smarter then I.
 
I think UKAPU have the right people in charge personally and would do a reasonable job. As we pay in our subs, they would be accountable to it's members as a union.
 
It's better then the "nothing" we have representing us now. 

Many people know my opinion in the need for a bonified license, which would only come with a governing body and recognition as a valid hobby/sport.
 
However some people don't want this recognition because people don't like change and oversight. It works for them right now, so why change? The answer is, Airsoft has been in or around part of this grey area of legality and acceptability for a very long time, which cant last forever. Are we allowed to continue, be visible and be legitimate, or not be legal and become underground? The risk of trying to find out once and for all is that we might get the wrong answer. But I think it's something we really have to deal with as Airsofters and get a definitive answer. If we come out of the gate wanting to become legitimate, it would give us an advantage in negotiations, rather then skulking around in the shadows waiting for an "incident" to bring the problem to us completely unprepared to deal with it.
 
I support some form of recognition and legitimate representation, as it would help legitimise Airsoft in the eyes of lawmakers and set us apart from the idiots with RIF's in public that you find in the newspapers.
 
Airsoft itself may come across a bigger (Unspecified) threat in the very near future which if we had representation in place, could help fight off whatever it is more effectively; rather then scramble around at the last minute fighting amongst ourselves to organise. If we have no representation in place to already deal with an (unspecified) threat, we would in a far worse position to defend Airsoft. 
 
Airsoft is already or will become political for those outside of the hobby, we need to acquire the tools to negotiate, defend and come out the other side as a legitimate sport or hobby. It might mean it would be harder to get into the sport as a new player, it might mean paying a regular yearly fee and as a result might mean less money flowing to retailers, but at least it will save the hobby as a whole which is far more important. 
 
Bottom line. I don't mind paying more money to help safeguard what we do. 

The EAA (European Airsoft Association.) Which are UKAPUs partner. Stopped a bill going ahead in the EU that came very nearly to passing, that would ban Airsoft entirely within the EU. Instead they turned it around so that Airsoft was recognised as a non Firearm's "activity". Which has made Airsoft more secure then ever before in the EU. So a Players Union really does make a difference if given the power. 

In addition. I am seriously thinking of throwing my hat in the ring for the vacant London Representative of UKAPU post. Though I somehow think doing the site reviews would not be possible if I did!  
 
I keep forgetting that the UKAPU Consultant Matt Furey King's Father was my wood working teacher at Secondary school back in Bristol! Matt is was also the president of the European Airsoft Association for many years.

It's not that UKAPU is ready to go to be that representation. It's that I believe they are the closest thing that we have now that could become that representation.
 
Who are they?
 
UKAPU Committee Biographies | UKAPU
 
Why are they the right people? From a personal standpoint, they helped me get a RIF into the country that had been seized by border force. They have been a source of sensible legal advice for airsofters playing in the pandemic and have been almost always been correct. They have a code of Conduct, Rules of Affiliation and more. They help not only the common Airsoft player, but also site owners and retailers. 
 
Yes you could create a company no problem. But you don't already have thousands of members already signed up? 
 
UKAPU have some sort of legitimacy and outreach within the Airsoft community that others including the Airsoft Trade Federation simply don't have. 
 
----------
 
I would hate if a commercial entity represents us. Imagine if Frank at FireSupport succeeded all that time ago to get the importation of Airsoft RIFS banned unless it was imported through them? (It was a possibility!).  Imagine if the exclusive club, the old triumvirate of retailers who run UKARA represented the hobby as a whole? 

UKAPU is my preference over all other candidates. They are not perfect and need some work, but they are in a far better position then anyone else. 
 
 

Many people know my opinion in the need for a bonified license, which would only come with a governing body and recognition as a valid hobby/sport.
 
However some people don't want this recognition because people don't like change and oversight. It works for them right now, so why change? The answer is, Airsoft has been in or around part of this grey area of legality and acceptability for a very long time, which cant last forever. Are we allowed to continue, be visible and be legitimate, or not be legal and become underground? The risk of trying to find out once and for all is that we might get the wrong answer. But I think it's something we really have to deal with as Airsofters and get a definitive answer. If we come out of the gate wanting to become legitimate, it would give us an advantage in negotiations, rather then skulking around in the shadows waiting for an "incident" to bring the problem to us completely unprepared to deal with it.
 
I support some form of recognition and legitimate representation, as it would help legitimise Airsoft in the eyes of lawmakers and set us apart from the idiots with RIF's in public that you find in the newspapers.
 
Airsoft itself may come across a bigger (Unspecified) threat in the very near future which if we had representation in place, could help fight off whatever it is more effectively; rather then scramble around at the last minute fighting amongst ourselves to organise. If we have no representation in place to already deal with an (unspecified) threat, we would in a far worse position to defend Airsoft. 
 
Airsoft is already or will become political for those outside of the hobby, we need to acquire the tools to negotiate, defend and come out the other side as a legitimate sport or hobby. It might mean it would be harder to get into the sport as a new player, it might mean paying a regular yearly fee and as a result might mean less money flowing to retailers, but at least it will save the hobby as a whole which is far more important. 
 
Bottom line. I don't mind paying more money to help safeguard what we do. 

Italian Gucci camo and Tactical Flannel. 
 
I look well 'ard
 
Hope you like the toilet. 

ATB May be a front runner, though they wont use the ATB name afaik, they are looking to form an elected body. 
 
 
ATB UK | Facebook

ATB May be a front runner, though they wont use the ATB name afaik, they are looking to form an elected body. 
 
 
ATB UK | Facebook

I had been booked up for back to back skirmishes next weekend. Bit of a kick in the teeth for the government to only just put out new guidance for it now. 
 
Odd that Airsoft was the example used, either too many people asked them the question or as is being touted on Social Media, some of the recent "idiots that ended up in the media" highlighted airsoft.
 
Edit:
 
UKAPU has weighed in. Shut it down folks! 😞

So the refund through Paypal has been cancelled I am now down £210 😕 I have emailed the retailer this morning asking what's up. No response as of yet. 

Italian Gucci camo and Tactical Flannel. 
 
I look well 'ard
 
Hope you like the toilet. 

Ordered some original Russian uniforms from DGBakery. (At great expense)
 
2007 FSB Government Contract Sniper Suit 56/58-6
 


 
SOBR Black Moss Suit with Patches. 
 

 
 
 
 

Ordered some original Russian uniforms from DGBakery. (At great expense)
 
2007 FSB Government Contract Sniper Suit 56/58-6
 


 
SOBR Black Moss Suit with Patches. 
 

 
 
 
 

Ordered some original Russian uniforms from DGBakery. (At great expense)
 
2007 FSB Government Contract Sniper Suit 56/58-6
 


 
SOBR Black Moss Suit with Patches. 
 

 
 
 
 

Ordered some original Russian uniforms from DGBakery. (At great expense)
 
2007 FSB Government Contract Sniper Suit 56/58-6
 


 
SOBR Black Moss Suit with Patches. 
 

 
 
 
 

Its a gear day rather then a RIF day! 
 
Invader Gear Revenger BDU Italian Vegetato
Invader Gear Revenger BDU Combat Trouser Italian Vegetato
Invader Gear Flannel Ubacs in Blue
Invader Gear Boonie Bush hat in Vegetato
x2 Viper Shotgun Cartridge holder
MFH Large Radio pouch in Green
Z-Tactical Xo29 Bowman style Headset Evo 3
Z-Tactical TCI PTT Z114
 
I really hope the sizing of the clothes is correct for me! 
 

Change the barrel to a tight bore 6.01mm to get some more free FPS which doesn't strain the gearbox. Change bucking to a Prommy Purple and a large nub to lift heavier bbs. See how it performs after that. 

It's a good question. I am unsure myself. I want an AMD-65, but wondering if just going with the Golden Eagle for £125 rather then the LCT for 309 is a better bet. 

It's a good question. I am unsure myself. I want an AMD-65, but wondering if just going with the Golden Eagle for £125 rather then the LCT for 309 is a better bet. 

I did get most of the stuff I wanted in before Jan. However when gunfire is the only place on the planet that genuinely has sets of 5 PPS Shell Ejecting Gas Shells at a reasonable price, I had no choice and ordered knowing of the UPS issues. 
 
Edit: I can either get 2 shells for £13 not including postage in the UK. Or (At the time of purchase) Or 5 shells for just over £18 taking into account import fees from Gunfire. It's a no brainer.

Dot mounted to the upper rail. Its an underfolder so no side rail. If there was I would be even more out!
Its off the because the front gas tube bracket does not line up with the rear sight. Because of this its actually an absoloute nightmare to lock the handguard in because of the angle. 

Disagree with the FN57. Its a modern classic!

Disagree with the FN57. Its a modern classic!

Disagree with the FN57. Its a modern classic!