Swapping out 2tone parts for black replacements?

[TacMaster]

Anyway, I want to swap out my MP5's handguard for a torch one, and the normal is handguard painted in some obscure turquoise colour that I could not hope to find without massive expendature. I've found one which is relatively cheap (and black of course) would I be breaking the law if I replaced my handguard with it?

 

[Carrel]

If you are not UKARA approved yes, you can get it painted in two tone

 

[sp00n]

it is not illegal to own a RIF .... just illegal for someone to sell you one (with out a valid defense or UKAVA)

 

[ScoobySnacks]

Why does UKARA come up on all these? UKARA doesn't "approve" you. It is not a licence. IT does not allow you to do anything (in law). All it is is a cheap and easy way for a retailer to check that you come under one of the groups of people for which they have a defence in law for selling RIF's to.

sp00n, whilst you are correct it is not illegal to own a RIF, it IS illegal to manufacture one without a defence. Changing a coloured part for a plain black one such that it decreases the percentage of bright colour to blow 50% is manufacturing.

If you wish to alter an IF in such a way that it becomes a RIF (less than 50% in one of the allowed bright colours) then for it to be legal you need to have that defence, so in airsoft you need to skirmish "regularly" at a place where public liability insurance is carried for playing airsoft. Whether you are a site member or not matters not a jot. Whether you have registered with UKARA or not matters not a jot. It is being able to prove that you have a defence against prosecution under the VCRA that is the important thing, otherwise you stand to be prosecuted for manufacturing a realistic imitation firearm if you are caught.