What have you just 3d printed (for airsoft)

[GiantKiwi]

Wanted to make my WE Scar H mags look kinda like Lancer L7AWM’s - found a guy on Reddit who had previously talked about working on one, and got involved with testing it (and suggesting changes/improvements).

 

After about 50 hours total of printing I’ve now got 7 of these done successfully.

[casual-player]

On 13/07/2025 at 19:49, Jez_Armstrong said:

What have I just 3d printed? 

 

This 😂

 

What law says about custom 3d printed airsoft guns? I would like print one at some point, but I am afraid that police - in case of random control - might not like it at all!

[Tommikka]

1 hour ago, casual-player said:

What law says about custom 3d printed airsoft guns?

 

 

Not a lot - as long as the functional elements of the design is for airsoft, and is UK compliant then airsoft has a convenient clause exempting from firearms legislation (so it’s not a low powered air weapon / air gun - which are  legal but are under firearms legislation)

1 hour ago, casual-player said:

I would like print one at some point, but I am afraid that police - in case of random control - might not like it at all!

Dont be a dick with it and you should not find out what they think

The legislation that would apply would be the VCRA - if it is not clear nor in the specified bright colours then you would be manufacturing a RIF

 

The manufacturer is responsible, but you won’t need to prove your use to yourself so UKARA membership would not be a requirement 

 

Make it for airsoft and as long as you are old enough then you are legal

 

 

Finally …. Are you capable of doing so?

 

It would make sense if you are making a body for standard internals to go in - and it has been designed by someone with the knowledge / skills to do so

 

Or if printing specific parts to modify an existing two tone etc, then the VCRA still applies - but you as the modifier are the responsible person.

The original VCR draft had a specific offence of modifying an IF to a RIF no applicable defence, but the final legislation can be read to include the defences - so only do so for airsoft purposes 

[Lyndication]

1 hour ago, casual-player said:

What law says about custom 3d printed airsoft guns? I would like print one at some point, but I am afraid that police - in case of random control - might not like it at all!

 

99% of the time it's just a shell to slap a standard gearbox into. 

 

Very, very few people are 3D printing the working parts.

[EDcase]

I would say its impossible to 3d print an entire working airsoft mechanism so yeah, shell bits around existing components would be fine.

[Lyndication]

There's this one Japanese guy who 3D prints different MWS GBB guns. Petty incredible, but it's all running deliberately gently