Airsoft replica's that pre-date VCRA

[AndyTB]

Hi,

I have a question. In 1992 I bought two airsoft imitation firearms. A plastic spring operated 1911 and an MP5 SMG (electric) that is plastic & metal and has a gas reservoir, both Tokyo Marui I think.

The SMG has been in the loft since about 1995 but still works fine with green gas.

Both are black in colour, as they were purchased long before the VCRA. Where do these now stand as far as the law is concerned?

Do I need to get some orange paint and 51% spray them before they can be used in my own garden (for example)?

Any ideas?

 

[SheriffHD]

you'll be fine. it is not against the Law to OWN an RIF, only to sell one to some one with out a valid defense.

 

[ScoobySnacks]

As Sheriff says, you're absolutely fine to keep them, and use them (as long as you don't wave them around in public places etc.)

There is no offence of possession, nor is there an offence of purchase. The only offence is that of selling.

The MP5 sounds interesting. Can we see pics?

 

[AndyTB]

View attachment 7858View attachment 7859

Sorry! when I actually went & looked it was a Walther MPL, not an MP5, and by KHC not Marui.

here are pics of the model I have anyway (pics off web).

Thanks for the replies.

Andy

 

[Zak Da Mack]

It takes batteries and gas?

 

[AndyTB]

Batteries and gas, that's right. It's an odd one. The gas is propellant which goes in a gas reservoir in the pistol grip. Four AA batteries provide the power for the full auto mode. It will fire single shot semi auto without the batteries, but in this mode it uses a mechanical action, which requires a very heavy trigger pull, whereas in auto mode it's almost a hair trigger. To switch modes you have to move two selectors, the semi/auto 'regular' selector on the left side near the grip, but also a small switch on the left side of the barrel which effectively just turns the motor on or off. There is also a separate safety selector on the right side.

When I bought it in '92, gas operation was a legal issue in the UK, so you could also buy a pump-up air reservoir that attached by hose and had to be pumped up by hand at intervals - using canned gas is obviously much better.

I never really used it much because of the separate tank.

The browning 1911HP springer pistol was the Tokyo Marui item. It's still working well although I did have to araldite the slide a year or two ago when it cracked on the rear corner.

Airsoft has come a long way in 21 years!

Andy

 

[Airsoft-Ed]

Man, it sounds like it belongs in a collection or something lol.