Deek

Well, as long as the RIF was acquired in the right manner there should be no need for laws on ownership. And don't forget, you don't actually need UKARA to sell an item, but the retailer must ensure that the person purchasing the item has a valid defence, and UJARA is an easy way for a retailer to do this. This is a well used theme in other laws such as alcohol and tobacco, with the view that the person shouldn't be made a criminal but will stop the supply of prohibited items. For example, it is not illegal for a person under the age of 16 to have on their person tobacco yet it is an offence to sell tobacco to a person under the age of 16 (Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991). Just because there appears to be no action on something doesn't automatically make it useless; yes on the face of it it may appear useless but it has actually stopped a lot of problems, especially when you look at the events that led up to the VCRA being introduced.

So, quite recent then... I think I am inclined to go with the view of others here and suggest it is probably an inside job or as also been suggested a result of an audit, especially as the kit went missing between 2011 and 2012. Must have been a slow news day for the Newmarket News the day they reported this (which was on 14 March 2014). *edit* Aaaaaaaaaand I have just realised I have resurrected an old thread...

Thanks all - I decided to add something to my bio on my profile... As you have probably guessed I am not new to airsoft by any stretch of the imagination, but I have had a little hiatus (of about 9 years...) so some of the more recent things, like LiPo's, are completely new to me!

Depends on how you read the law and how it is interpreted and any test cases that exist. That said, the VCRA is very clear on what constitutes an imitation firearm and what constitutes a realistic imitation firearm; VCRA 2006, Sec 38(1) defines a "realistic imitation firearm" as: ( a ) has an appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm; and ( b ) is neither a de-activated firearm nor itself an antique "Imitation firearm" is discussed in Sec38(2) and (3) as below: (2)For the purposes of this section, an imitation firearm is not (except by virtue of subsection (3)( b ) to be regarded as distinguishable from a real firearm for any practical purpose if it could be so distinguished only— (a)by an expert; (b)on a close examination; or ©as a result of an attempt to load or to fire it. (3)In determining for the purposes of this section whether an imitation firearm is distinguishable from a real firearm— (a)the matters that must be taken into account include any differences between the size, shape and principal colour of the imitation firearm and the size, shape and colour in which the real firearm is manufactured; and (b)the imitation is to be regarded as distinguishable if its size, shape or principal colour is unrealistic for a real firearm. Air pistols may be covered under different legislation but if it can be proved that an air pistol falls under the above criteria it could be argued that it is, by definition, a realistic imitation firearm. For example, the air pistols on this page ( http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/bb-air-guns/air-guns/pistols/umarex/walther/ ) do they fit the definition of a RIF under the VCRA Sec 38(1) (a) and ( b )? I would argue yes they do, as they has an appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm and they are neither a de-activated firearm nor antiques. The law has many areas that overlap and at times appear to contradict each other, and it is all down to interpretation and knowledge of all the relevant aspects of the law. A retailer like the one discussed might view airsoft weapons as 'toys' and may not be aware of the VCRA or even the Firearms Act (although not having knowledge of the law is no defence if an offence has been committed) (PS - I am not an expert on the law... just find the twists and turns quite interesting )

My first airsoft weapon was a Tokyo Marui MC51 imported from Japan in about 1997(ish)... and I still use it today and it still works fine, despite the abuse the poor girl has had (lots of gears and several motors... but that is another story!)

There was a lot of unpleasantness many years ago when the VCR was just a bill and there was no mention of a defence for airsoft. Since the introduction of groups that give airsofters a voice the Home Office have issued guidance of a legal defence for airsoft and airsofters (source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-violent-crime-reduction-act-2006-commencement-no-3-order-2007-firearms-measures ) The Government probably won't ban airsoft whilst responsible sites and players exist, but if there is an increase of irresponsible owners and / or irresponsible sites then their is a realistic risk that the hobby may be affected. Whilst there are other things that do cause more harm our hobby uses something that strikes real fear into people, and that is guns, and as far as practicalities go there is no other use for a gun than to shoot at something (granted, some do look good and people do collect them to display), whereas other dangerous items do have purposes (toasters make toast for instance). That said, if enough individuals act in an irresponsible manner and do spray two-tones to look like RIFs and do silly things with them then I am in no doubt that a Government that wants to impress the public will take serious steps to ensure that even two-tones are banned, including stopping imports and the like (which was why the VCRA was introduced in the first place, to try and reduce the public's fear of people running around the UK with guns).

Just thought I would post a quick 'hello' to everybody (even though I seem to have waded in on some topics already!...) Not sure what is the norm for people to post in an introduction, so probably won't say a lot for the time being unless people have a burning desire to know Deek.

And in conjunction with the Firearms Act 1968 ( http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27 )

The law is never black and white. Whilst it may be legal to sell an air weapon it could be argued that an air weapon that resembles a real firearm could be classed as a 'realistic imitation firearm'. According to CPS guidance ( http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/firearms/#a02 ) an imitation firearm is; and furthermore a realistic imitation firearm is; So, even though a weapon may fall into the category of 'air weapon' it could still fall into the definition of 'realistic imitation firearm'. Because of how complicated the law can be it is near on impossible for law enforcements staff, and in particular the Police, to know every aspect of the law, which is why the Police have specialist departments to deal with Traffic Law, Fraud, etc. so the chances of anybody actually realising an offence has been committed are very slim.

Whilst it may seem like the end of the world, it isn't Ménière's is potentially a life changing condition, but depending on how severe the condition is depends on the success of any treatments offered. Rather than quitting right away consider having a break and allowing the specialists to review what is going on and what treatment(s) would benefit you. You may need lifestyle changes, but again discuss these with your specialist and your GP... It is quite important to remember that with any condition like this depression is common, especially when you realise it is potentially life changing. By quitting the hobby you love prematurely you run the risk of compounding your depression, which can lead to other complications. Try and remain positive, and if the treatments help to limit symptoms then with careful management there should be no reasons why you shouldn't enjoy airsofting.

Whilst it may appear that the law is very black and white on RIFs in reality the law has many grey areas. Whilst it may be perfectly legal to own an airsoft RIF, yours were seized in very specific circumstances. The CPS have issued some guidance regarding IFs and RIFs but as with all guidance of this kind it is rarely black and white: http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/firearms/ Have a look at this as it may give you more info: http://hub.unlock.org.uk/knowledgebase/getting-property-back-police/ Given the circumstances of the seizure you may have a huge battle on your hands to get them back... Good luck with it though!