Neptune

That's correct, the limit for autos & shotguns is 1.3 joules, the limit for semi-autos or single shot is 2.5 joules. So an airsoft pistol could legally run up to 2.5 joules assuming it's semi-auto (1 shot per trigger pull).

I've been through this several times, the last one was just last week. You've already been given the advice you need, but I thought I would add to this thread... They can absolutely seize it under Section 36 of VCR Act: "(7) A realistic imitation firearm brought into Great Britain shall be liable to forfeiture under the customs and excise Acts." The defences in Section 37 apply when you are charged with an offence, which Border Force aren't doing. In reality they will release it to you provided you have a defence, at least they have in all of my seizures going back 10+ years. The letter does cover it, but if it isn't clear, you want "Restoration". Write to them at the address provided, make sure your name and address is on the letter, provide them with your defence, IE, UKARA number and the site you play at. They have access to UKARA, which makes me think maybe it wasn't on the box, or wasn't clear. I would also advise to add your email on it to and ask them to contact you that way if there are any further issues, you don't want to be going back and forth by post. You also have to provide an invoice or receipt of the goods, again this should have your name and address on. Failing that, Border Force do take bribes; Send them a box of Ferraro Rochettes and all your problems will be solved. Good luck.

It did apply, because Section 57 of Firearms Act (definition of a firearm) was amended in 2017 that would have encompassed airsoft guns, but they created Section 57a (airsoft exemption) at the same time, this was done using Policing and Crime Act 2017.

...Because that's not the law, it's not as if the police and courts forgot to enforce it. Yes a blind judge could rule airsoft guns as air weapons and thus a firearm, in the same way they could rule that a sausage roll is a car and is subject to vehicle exercise duty. But in the absence of such hypotheticals becoming reality, airsoft guns are not air weapons. I should also point out that if Section 57A of the Firearms Act was somehow nullified and airsoft guns became air weapons, it would remove airsoft guns from Section 36 of VCR Act, because it doesn't apply to firearms. Meaning two tones would cease to exist and RIFs as we know them would actually become more prevalent to the general public.

Well the limit for airsoft is 1.3 joules (378fps w/ 0.2g) for auto, or 2.5 joules (518fps w/ 0.2g) for semi, but yes the VCR Act aspect of it makes no sense.

Air weapons are firearms as they exceed the one joule limit, therefore airsoft guns are not air weapons, because they aren't firearms. As stated above by novioman, it's the reason why Section 31 & 32 of the VCR Act 2006 doesn't apply to airsoft guns.

"very handsome"? What does he refer to other airsoft guns as? Cheeky fellows? I don't think I've ever heard a gun be described as "handsome" before.

Yes, I ordered something recently, it said it was in stock, although low, they even sent an email saying it's in stock when I ordered. After about one week I asked what was happening with the order, they said it was out of stock and they were waiting on more and to wait two weeks. About three weeks later it was dispatched. Their stock system clearly sucks. I've put in another order for several low stock items again, but apparently it awaiting dispatch, so doesn't seem to have happened again.

It's coming back. It doesn't show IONIS to me, but that might be a delayed DNS issue. IONIS are a web company, so it's completely normal to see something like that when moving servers.

The acronyms you've listed have a dotted line below them, so if you hover over them it provides the definition anyway.

Oh no, what will happen to their forum? Oh wait, they drove that into the ground years ago, nevermind.

One of the issues with Evri is that the package isn't really confirmed as lost and until they've paid you, this can take about 2 weeks after you've made the claim. I've had several packages go "missing" with them, I've issued a refund to the buyer, only for it to turn up at the their door a week later. But as others have said, if it is low value, just refund it. Some people are just too cheap.

I don't know what his intentions are, he mentions 'use' and 'play' (airsoft?), which is why I specified the two legal legal outcomes depending on what it is. No, UKARA is just a scheme for retailers that makes it easier for them to sell to, presumably, the right people. It's handy to have but you can purchase without it.

I do know what I'm talking about, the law is there for anyone to read, posted at the bottom. He stated to 'use' which is the key part, because what is done with the RIF is the difference. Airsoft is covered, but plinking in the back garden isn't. The offence is committed by the seller, but they have a defence if the RIF is to be used for airsoft/re-enactment etc. UKARA is not a legal requirement. Having played before is also not a legal requirement. If he's under 18 then that's that, thread over, but I only can only reply based on what he said. The law: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/38/part/2/crossheading/imitation-firearms

So this friend's Mum buys it, and then you buy it from them? If so and the RIF is to be used for an actual insured airsoft site, then yes, that's fine, she will have a defence. But if you mean play in the back garden, then no.