Buying from CRW without UKARA?

[ScoobySnacks]

No, I've not missed your point at all Dev. I understand what you're trying to say, but I don't think it's correct.

Legislation (note, not law, but we won't go there) isn't based on common sense. It's based on written acts of parliament. What is written in an act of parliament is what makes something illegal (again, not unlawful, different concept).

If it is not specifically proscribed in legislation, and does not fall contrary to the common law (generally the common law is "common sense" stuff about harming others by your actions) then it is not illegal. The VCRA does not forbid anyone from buying parts for a RIF. It doesn't say "if you are buying them to make an entire RIF out of". No matter what the intent was, it's simply not supported by the wording.

Again, there is no act that makes it illegal for someone under the age of 18 to purchase such parts.

It IS illegal under the VCRA for someone to assemble these parts into a RIF, but then it specifically provides defences against prosecution under these provisions. It does not set an age limit for such a defence to be allowable. The VCRA, where it relates to RIF's, only sets an age limit for BUYING a RIF, not owning one, not being given one and definitely not manufacturing one.

I do understand your argument, and I have some sympathy with it, but I don't feel it's supported by the wording of the act.

Again, I'm definitely NOT suggesting anyone does this. I am not legally qualified, my knowledge of the law comes from applying it to the use and ownership of various firearms, and plenty of reading on the subject, but I am not qualified to give legal advice.

I am not suggesting anyone attempt to circumvent any law, legislation, act of parliament or other legislative instrument in any way. If you choose to do so, and end up in court, I specifically disclaim any involvement in the act. You make a decision based on your own understanding, and I am telling you now it's a bad idea to do it. I don't want anyone coming back and saying "you said it was ok and I got arrested" because I'm NOT saying it's ok. I'm offering my opinion on the legislation as written. Don't come trying to sue me if what I say is a complete load of old tosh (this is more than likely!)

 

[Deva]

Yes I do see what you are saying, I have understood it isn't specifically written, and I too agree that there is nothing wrong with buying all the parts regardless of what you then do. I'm just trying to go beyond the act and suggest how it might be seen in front of a judge had you assembled a RIF from those parts.

If you're right then it would just get thrown out of court. However, I think there would be some concern that the act could be circumvented very easily. If they don't take action, that's the first case in the books re. all this and everyone, left, right and centre will be ordering parts to make their own RIF. Inevitably some of these would sell on to anyone on the 2nd hand market as not everyone does proper checks. More RIF's in peoples hand who shouldn't have them..

A good lawyer might be able to wriggle someone out of it due to the complete lack of definitiveness in the act, but I think anyone would know it is "wrong", they'd just be trying to get away with it.

 

[Zak Da Mack]

It's not worth the risk though. If a lawyer was to wriggle someone out of this from court, then everyone may start doing the same thing. This would cause some backfire and laws could be changed if there was a review of the law covering airsoft guns, making it even more difficult for airsofters to obtain RIF's and possibly even IF's as well. Also, if they think the risks of possible crimes outweigh the benefits of a niche audience, then they might even ban airsoft outright.

 

[two_zero]

Why do we need this?

Legal or not, here's the real question, with airsoft being such fragile hobby.. SHOULD it be legal? Answer is NO, it should not! Don't do it, legal or not.

Going off topic now, but, in my opinion there should also be a legal requirement for retailers to perform a CRB check (or have something like UKARA, that includes it) before selling any RIF/IF to anyone. As a matter in fact, you should probably need a valid defence to buy main airsoft parts, ea. upper / lower receiver.

I don't know about you guys, but I'd gladly have a once-a-year CRB check, as well as present my UKARA number to buy parts to prevent airsoft from being banned or used in crimes.

 

[ScoobySnacks]

two zero, don't even go there!

I use and own real steel, and have had to go through all the checks required. There is strong evidence to suggest that gun registration, and making people jump through all the hoops, makes little to no difference to the use of firearms in crime.

The use of an IF/RIF in a threatening manner is already a firearms offence, treated the same as using a real firearm to threaten. The steps you suggest would kill the hobby of airsoft as surely as banning RIF's entirely!