UK & EU Laws I Need to Adhere Too?

[BaconGunBeast]

Hi,

 

Background Information:

I'm 18! I've been in the cadets and have shot a wide array of rifles and LMG's. I go shooting (shotgun - 12 gauge) when the shooting season is open. I also have a .22 air rifle and use it mostly for target shooting and pest control around my house (big open feedles etc. I have permition to shoot on i.e friends or my fields). Needless too say I've been around "guns" for a while.

 

What I Know and Need To Know:

I'm now looking into airsoft, after also having done a fair bit of paintballing. My concern is UK laws, I know about shotgun certificates and applications etc, what needs to be done, locking away etc. However when it comes to airsoft I'm a little clueless, I have done some research and from what I've understoof you have to be part of the UKARA or BASC to purchase RIFs, otherwise you can purchase Two Tone airsfot weapons, right?.

 

My Aim (Pun Definately Intended):

This is all because I'd like to purchase a Tokyo Marui VSR-10 Pro Sniper (Desert Tan) (I would use a tunning kit on that). I'd also like to purchase a Glock 18C GBB as a side arm. From what I understand you can't get it in a specific RIF colour unless you are UKARA registered correct? And to become registered you have to go through the UKARA, what does "no less than 2 months" mean (straight from their website), does that mean you can go shoot airsoft no less that 3 times every two months.

This is to go play with friends at specific airsoft places, and to play airsoft in their woodland and fields.

 

Further Questions:

I'd also like to know if it's legal for me to discharge such a "weapon" in fields where permission has been granted like with air rifles.

 

What distance do you have to be from another player in order to shoot them with either a sniper or pistol? Does the distance change for different weapon classes ie. sniper, pistol, assault, LMG, grenade, RPG (I saw one!).

 

Does the weapon need to shoot below a certain FPS and what is the maximum FPS and Joules and lb?

 

How does it work, if I'd like to take it abroad (mainly Europe) to go airsofting with friends in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria too name a few?

 

I believe these are most of the questions I have for the moment, I will update if further questions arise or are raised.

 

Thanks!

BaconGunBeast

 

[two_zero]

need to be playing airsoft to buy/make a RIF. UKARA is easiest way to prove that you do. Snipers doesnt add a lot of advantage because of UK laws and you should expect to spend around two grand on one. Sidearms are pretty limited two. Engagement distance is only common in the UK with Snipers and DMR, but if you sneak up to shot someone point blank its better to say bang, then shoot if they dont say hit/raise their arm. would recommend atleast owning an AEG before getting the sniper/sidearm as they are a lot more versatile.


Ask permission to shoot with the airsoft and it should be ok (can even shoot with bio BBs) and 1J is legal max for anything fully automatic. think most sites that allow DMR/Snipers they can go slightly higher but not much (thou legally outside of a site they can go up to 7j - I dont think airsofts can get up that high)

[Jedi_Master]

It would be worth reading all the pinned threads, lots of useful information contained therein. This link is a good place to start - http://www.airsoft-f...ide-to-airsoft/

Strongly suggest that you do research on this forum, many of your questions have been answered. Use the search function, need to use 4 characters or more for search term.

 

Hire guns for your three games to get site membership, then just buy a RIF. You do not need to be on the UKARA register to buy a RIF, just a member of a an airsoft site. A valid defence can be achieved in 2 months (no less than 56 days), so game 1 is day 1, then play game 2, with game 3 not being earlier than day 56 from game 1. Check your local sites for specific membership requirements.

 

This 2 months period gives you time to reseach, ask questions, change your mind, research more, and then hopefully get a decent gun that suits your budget and needs. However, it is recommended being on UKARA database if buying guns from abroad.

Edited February 6, 2016 by Jedi_Master

[BaconGunBeast]

It would be worth reading all the pinned threads, lots of useful information contained therein. This link is a good place to start - http://www.airsoft-f...ide-to-airsoft/

Strongly suggest that you do research on this forum, many of your questions have been answered. Use the search function, need to use 4 characters or more for search term.

 

Hire guns for your three games to get site membership, then just buy a RIF. You do not need to be on the UKARA register to buy a RIF, just a member of a an airsoft site. A valid defence can be achieved in 2 months (no less than 56 days), so game 1 is day 1, then play game 2, with game 3 not being earlier than day 5 from game 1. Check your local sites for specific membership requirements.

 

This 2 months period gives you time to reseach, ask questions, change your mind, research more, and then hopefully get a decent gun that suits your budget and needs. However, it is recommended being on UKARA database if buying guns from abroad.

 

Thanks for your reply @Jedi_Master. From what you're saying I can buy a RIF after having done several games with an airsoft site, but if I where to stop airsoft or change site, would I be illegally holding the airsoft "weapon".

 

Also when registering with the UKARA is there a membership fee involved (not that it's an issue).

 

Thanks.

[Sacarathe]

Hire guns for your three games to get site membership, then just buy a RIF. You do not need to be on the UKARA register to buy a RIF, just a member of a an airsoft site. A valid defence can be achieved in 2 months (no less than 56 days), so game 1 is day 1, then play game 2, with game 3 not being earlier than day 56 from game 1. Check your local sites for specific membership requirements.

If you say so.

Further Questions:

I'd also like to know if it's legal for me to discharge such a "weapon" in fields where permission has been granted like with air rifles.

 

It's a toy gun, if no one sees you shouldn't even need permission - i speak only of firing it, not playing airsoft (or brandishing).

What distance do you have to be from another player in order to shoot them with either a sniper or pistol? Does the distance change for different weapon classes ie. sniper, pistol, assault, LMG, grenade, RPG (I saw one!).

Does the weapon need to shoot below a certain FPS and what is the maximum FPS and Joules and lb?

 

This [both] depends upon what you are shooting, and where you are shooting it. Among you and your friends, do whatever you like. At airsoft game sites, its generally the same across the country.

How does it work, if I'd like to take it abroad (mainly Europe) to go airsofting with friends in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria too name a few?

 

Reports indicate the largest problem you will encounter will be getting it back into England, despite being entitled to.

[Sacarathe]

but if I where to stop airsoft or change site, would I be illegally holding the airsoft "weapon".

 

Also when registering with the UKARA is there a membership fee involved (not that it's an issue).

 

 

It would be worth reading all the pinned threads, lots of useful information contained therein. This link is a good place to start - http://www.airsoft-f...ide-to-airsoft/

Strongly suggest that you do research on this forum, many of your questions have been answered. Use the search function, need to use 4 characters or more for search term.

 

However, it is recommended being on UKARA database if buying guns from abroad.

http://www.airsoft-forums.co.uk/index.php/topic/5145-transporting-rifs/

 

http://www.airsoft-forums.co.uk/index.php/topic/1254-popular-ukara-questions/

[Jedi_Master]

 

Thanks for your reply @Jedi_Master. From what you're saying I can buy a RIF after having done several games with an airsoft site, but if I where to stop airsoft or change site, would I be illegally holding the airsoft "weapon".

 

Also when registering with the UKARA is there a membership fee involved (not that it's an issue).

 

Thanks.

 

Play your 3 games, get membership (pay membership fee and and get your number) and if you want send off UKARA paperwork [should be no cost involved] to get added to the database. Membership is generally for 12 months, then you can renew it if you have played 3 more games throughout the year or change membership to different site having fulfilled their requirements. Let UKARA know your new details. Once you have your RIF then it is yours without issue, the retailer selling it has to ensure you are legal to buy it, i.e. site membership. Similarly if you swap or sell it, you (as seller) have to do due dilligence on the buyer to ensure that they are 18+ and legally entitled to a RIF.

[Jedi_Master]

I'd also like to know if it's legal for me to discharge such a "weapon" in fields where permission has been granted like with air rifles.

 

What distance do you have to be from another player in order to shoot them with either a sniper or pistol? Does the distance change for different weapon classes ie. sniper, pistol, assault, LMG, grenade, RPG (I saw one!).

 

Does the weapon need to shoot below a certain FPS and what is the maximum FPS and Joules and lb?

 

A sniper rifle is a specific and specialist weapon platform. A semi-auto Dedicated Marksman Rifle (DMR) has a different role. The increased fps limits of both these guns incur a Minimum Engagement Distance (MED) for player safety.

 

Site fps limits are the maximum permitted limit for weapon types, all based on 0.20g weight BB. You do not load heavier BB into your magazine at chrono to lower your fps to the site limit, that is called using a 'Hot Gun' and is against the ethics of airsoft sportsmanship and would break the site fps rules.

 

CQB sites are generally sub 330 fps for automatic weapons, other sites will have 350 fps limit. Sniper rifles can by up to 500 fps for bolt or locked single shot guns and will have a set MED of 30m. Pistols are used close up, generally no minimum distance but it is not sporting or safe to shoot a player in the head when other parts of their body are available. Basically check individual site rules for what they will allow.

Edited February 6, 2016 by Jedi_Master

[Sacarathe]

CQB sites are generally sub 230 fps for automatic weapons, other sites will have 350 fps limit. Sniper rifles can by up to 500 fps for bolt or locked single shot guns and will have a set MED of 30m. Pistols are used close up, generally no minimum distance but it is not sporting or safe to shoot a player in the head when other parts of their body are available. Basically check individual site rules for what they will allow.

 

Your number keys today!

[Jedi_Master]

 

Your number keys today!

 

Yes, it has been one of those evenings. Need a backlit keyboard, the log fire and TV are not bright enough and nothing to do with the bottle of merlot.

[Sacarathe]

Yes, it has been one of those evenings. Need a backlit keyboard, the log fire and TV are not bright enough and nothing to do with the bottle of merlot.

Envy!

[Lord Daem]

As an ex-police officer, quick heads up (FYI please don't think I'm trying to scare you here!)

 

If you've got permission to use the airsoft rifle in a field go for it. However what I would suggest is calling 101 and informing the local police exactly when and where you're going to be doing it. They'll set up an incident and if any calls go into 999 about someone shooting in the field, they'll still send officers out, but they'll be aware that it's more than likely you with an airsoft gun.

 

Very few officers have firearm training and if you're not an airsofter yourself, you're very unlikely to have seen the hit. I'd hate for you to have armed police rolling up on you. However if that does happen, remember you've not done anything wrong. If you hear sirens/see a police car, put the gun on the floor and step away and do exactly as they say.