Rogerborg

I've finally cracked and bought a GBB pistol for haptic larks. In best tight Scotchman style, it's the cheapest one that I could find, the Army Armament R17-A not-a-Glock, blessed as sort-of-OK-ish by Jebus Himself: The giggle is that I've done what we all know not to do, and ordered it from... bbguns4less. Because why? Because cheapness. (£60 + 2 x £21 WE mags) - the 7% discount code you get from leaving it in your basket for 24 hours + free postage = <£95 delivered. My rule of thumb is that anything under 3 figures is disposable, and PayPal means that if it turns up pre-licked by Sweaty Dom or explodes during the first garage plinking session, then a dispute goes in, and back it goes. Famous last words: how badly can they mess up a simple order?

I'm more outraged by it being posted in "electric rifles". That should be a banhammer offence. Mind you, I think that about most things.

The magazines come to about £235 retail, although it's the usual fantasy of recouping most of what you've spent for used gear in unknown condition. I do wish that folk wouldn't try to sell things as big bundles, as it'll sharply reduce the size of their potential market.

To be fair, it's a sensible package, and a bit (not much) cheaper than buying it all new. Maybe the trigger contacts aren't too burnt out from running it on 11.1V... Did I just defend a Nuprol? I need to go and shower...

Yes. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27/section/57 "In this Act, the expression “firearm” means [...] an accessory to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon where the accessory is designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon" Important bits highlighted. Airsoft suppressors are not firearm parts, and neither are they designed to diminish the noise or flash of a firearm, even if they happen to fit on a firearm.

I particularly like how they expect a weapon that screams "CQB" to be too hot for most UK CQB sites. No, that can sod itself right off. It's just another toy gun, the trade-marks aren't worth an extra £300.

It's OK, I'll collect.

Well, it's had a lot of interest...

Hmm, thinking about it, mine may actually be too tight. It takes a good hard tug to... urgh, filth. I might slacken it off and try a bungie based solution - thanks for the idea. Which I shall claim as my own if it works.

That's a nice job. I like the cord, but should note that I've never needed any extra retention on my Kydex holster for either a TRMR or a Dynatex. Shaping them round the BFG, then removing it and reheating so that the holster contracts slightly seem to work for me. Yours looks tacticooler though.

The hilarious retail+ price aside, what's the target market for folk who want an M249 but don't have a UKARA?

Exactly. Not that I'd want to wind up anyone who's done something worthy of at least 3 years incarceration, but I am wondering if these are tales that grow in the telling.

Again, do you know the statutory basis for that, and the details?

Out of interest, do you know the legal basis for that? Firearms Act 1968 S21 prohibits possession of firearms, not imitations. On a quick scan of BAILII (this is not legal advice!), I can't see case law where imitations have fallen foul of that. To be crystal clear, I am not advocating or encouraging you to try your luck. This is an academic question.

Nobody needs anything to buy or attempt to buy a RIF. Go and speak to the local airsoft shop.

Nice one, thanks. I fully admit to being surprised that it's so many, and appears to be increasing as they get a taste for it. One to keep an eye one.

We know, chap, the body of law on firearms and RIFs is a Frankenstein's monster patchwork that really could do with being repealed and replaced by one single statute covering the lot in a consistent fashion. But that isn't likely to work out in shooters' favour, whatever we're packing. Or the other 6 reasons, but point taken. I fully agree. Actually, as a private seller, I'd prefer that to a UKARA number which I can't even personally check is assigned to the buyer. On information, belief, or assumption? I'm not aware of any prosecutions under VCRA, let alone convictions. I'd love to see some case law.

All true, but there are airgun replicas of firearms than anyone over 18 (and not Scotch) can buy without a FAC or UKARA - and someone with a FAC will know this. Someone with a FAC who is showing an interest in an airsoft gun probably has good intent, and is very, very unlikely to cause a problem for the seller. They've got two referees, are cleared by their GP, have passed a criminal background check, convinced their Chief Constable of their need, passed a home inspection, have a gun safe, and have photo ID to demonstrate that. Contrast with a UKARA that may or may not indicate that someone who may or may not be the chap making a cash purchase has spent a few hours hanging around an airsoft site. I'm not encouraging any seller to commit an offence, just noting that it's worth asking them. I can (but won't) name one who will sell to folk without a UKARA as long as they're satisfied with the intent.

Which is why I'd suggest popping down to your local airsoft shop with your FAC and seeing what they say. They want to sell RIFs, and while you don't have a defence yet, it's very, very unlikely that you're going to do anything which will mean that it's a problem for them. No harm in asking. Not unless you argue that's theatrical or reenactment use. The only retailer who accepts JustCos insurance is Airsoft World in Cowdenbeath, Fife. JustCos is a joke site which fails to give the bare minimum of contact details, but my belief is that it's also run from Cowdenbeath, Fife. I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions.

Then that's commendable, and I apologise for my testiness. Most such threads are started by marketing students who will never contribute anything meaningful to the world if they live to be a hundred and fifty. Hand / arm injuries or just weakness is a good shout. The cheapest steadicam style vest and arm that I can find is over £250. Reckon you could knock something up for less that could be used with an airsoft gun?

Another next day delivery, exactly as ordered. Splendid stuff. Aside, that's my M4 bodgegun "PDW" back in service and shooting nicely. I do like me a stubby.

Heh, no worries, I've treated my cut-down M4 to a 229mm instead. Not to worry, I'll doubtless be back when you've got the 247s in stock.

Cheers, chap. If my wife asks, that's another order for "Workmate Eddy". Also, ball bearing rot on whomever bagged the last 247mm ZCI barrel.

It would be pretty hilarious to use it in CQB just for humiliation kills. Bear in mind that the quoted "250fps" is probably more like 220fps with 0.12g, going by their other "reviews". I guess you could always try for bang kills with it. 🤔

Hang on, if I'm going to watch Sweaty Dom and his pendulous manboobs, I'll have to lock the door first.