Well, sort of. Yes, ownership is fine, no offence, no defence needed. UKARA is a scheme paid for by retailers, for their benefit. But it covers the offence committed by the retailer. That applies to any seller, retail or otherwise.
Everything I've come to expect from airsoft retailers. Incorrect. At the point where you modify in imitation firearm so that it becomes a realistic imitation firearm, you are literally Hitler. See VCRA 2006 S36 (1) (b).
Modifying.
You can own a RIF without any defence at all. If you are over 18, you can obtain it in any way you like, from anyone, without any sort of defence, because you are not committing any offence.
The practical answer.
Pffft. I doubt you could find a copper who would know or care about the specific offence of modification, or think to ask the questions that would get you to incriminate yourself. Evidence: this thread.
The method doesn't matter, just the act of modification itself.
MODIFY!
Anyway, tl;dr version, just do it. The fact that you've contacted the local coppers demonstrates that you're a very responsible person, and so it will never in practice be an issue. And also that the police have no idea that an offence is even (technically) being committed, and so it will never in practice be an issue.
AdamH0808 reacted to Rogerborg in Changing Two Tone Colour to Black