Clarification of UKARA stuff (and hi)

[Hidden Hippo]

Hi everyone,

Fairly long time lurker here. I used to play a bit during the inception of the VCRA (back in the old days when it was still the VCRB). Before starting to play again, I was hoping to clarify a few things on that act and get some general advice.

So, the most important legal parts of it:

1. In order to qualify for membership of the UKARA I must play 3 games at a registered site within 2 months/56 days.

2. This will then give me a specific statutory defence to purchasing a RIF under s36 VCRA.

Am I correct in my interpretation here?

My second question regarding UKARA is this - is there an expiry date, or is it a case of once a member, always a member?

Now onto the fun bit, I'd really like to get back into it, as I say I used to play when I was 15/16, but the VCRB debate put me off (as well as going to college/university etc.). How do most people start out nowadays? Do most get their own goggles/protection rather than use site stuff or just wait until they get their UKARA stuff throug and get the whole lot? I've also noticed from having a quick look around some of the old known sites (Zero One etc.) there seem to be a lot more manufacturers than there used to be - are the Chinese imitations still rubbish and should you stick to the TM/ICS/CA-type brands, or are there decent cheaper alternatives.

Finally (phew), where are the good sites in Bristol? I know of Bristol airsoft down in the centre (it was in fact walking past there that made me want to start again), but are there any others? I used to do woodland stuff when I was younger, but never really got the chance to play and CQB stuff (most seemed to be too far/over 18 etc.).

Thanks everyone.

Ben

 

[Rock-climby-Dave]

no, the time period is no less than 2 months (taking 1 month = 4 weeks) this means the games can be played in a MINIMUM time of 9 weeks, up to a year since the first skirmish

Expiry date is 1 year from gaining site membership, but if you renew memberhip, the UKARA will continue for that time

and yes, It is a legitimate defence under S36

personally, I would buy my own goggles, camo, webbing and things, whislt hiring - you usually get equipment better suited to you then.

this gives you time to find a gun you want.

The only cheaper brand I would recommend as an overall thing is SRC, but with some other brands doing very good in certain areas (Dboys - Scar, Galaxy - MP5 series)

but if you can afford to, always go for a better brand from the get go.

 

[Deva]

Welcome to the forums

 

[Hidden Hippo]

Aah, must have misread it. I thought it had to be within 2 months, but it is in fact 3 games within the first year of getting stamped, but must be over 2 months or more?

That helps a lot.

With regards goggles, are there any decent ones which can take a prescription lens? My brother-in-law is an optician, so he can get the lenses made, but I'd rather not have to buy prescription ballistic lenses.

Thanks again.

 

[MZKaleem]

Haha, ask Matt! about this, he would most likely know what me and you need!

 

[Nutster]

since ive just sorted mine i may be of use for a change since it isnt worded very well on the ukara website, ill try to remove the confusion

as long as there are 2 complete months between your first stamp, and your last, then you are fine however if you are under by even a day it will bounce back.

so to give some dates as an example, say your first stamp was today 06/02/11 aslong as your third stamp is after the 06/04/11 you have met the 'requirement'. your second stamp can be anywhere between those 2 dates

hope this helps

 

[Hidden Hippo]

Thanks for the clarifications. Are there any particular brands to look out for/avoid as and when I finally get registered?

 

[IsrceamMachine]

Finally (phew), where are the good sites in Bristol?

Bristol Airsoft is a great site. I've been gong there for the past few months now and been having great fun. The rental weapons on offer are a shotgun (cant remember model/brand) and a Classic Army M15A4. Face proctection is provided aswell. It's a brilliant CQB site.

I'd highly recommend going there! Walk on is £20, hire is £40. But for first timers at the site you get 25% off!

 

[G-Force]

this should help you find a site near you

Airsoft Map