A few missed bits: I may have missed saying that you have to be 18+ to purchase an IF or RIF MEDs are apparently a thing for 350fps airsoft guns in the UK, can't say I've ever come across them at the sites I've played but I've been told they do exist at some sites I forgot to include Section 38 of the VCRA in this video - outlining the meaning of "Realistic Imitation Firearm". I think we all know what it means, but just to be sure, here's the piece of legislation: 38 Meaning of “realistic imitation firearm” (1)In sections 36 and 37 “realistic imitation firearm” means an imitation firearm which- (a)has an appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm; and (b)is neither a de-activated firearm nor itself an antique.
Would there be any issue if you purchase an arcade lightgun as a replacement part for your arcade cabinet? The replacement is available in black as opposed to the usual blue or pink, and through aliexpress, I wonder if that would present problems being imported, even though this item does not expell anything? Also if you bought a RIF years ago through ukara, but have not played airsoft in years, is there any problem with ownership of the rif at that point?
Great question on the arcade light gun - I guess that would come down to how realistic it looks? If it's very obviously an arcade light gun then there'd be no issue at all. As for the ownership of a RIF (and this likely extends to the lightgun as well in some ways), the law is that it's an offence to sell, manufacture, or import; or cause to be sold, manufactured or imported, a realistic imitation firearm. UKARA registration is simply an easy way to prove to a retailer that they have a "defence against prosecution" - UKARA itself isn't a defence, and even if it were, it wouldn't be the only one. Let's say for example the arcade lightgun is realistic enough for it to be considered a RIF (the law applies whether or not it can/is capable of firing a projectile) - I'd hazard a guess and say that "it's a replacement part for an arcade machine" would be a valid defence (though the actual list of valid defences is specific, I can't remember them all right now). Considering it's a part for an arcade machine I'd assume you'd be okay though. There is no law against owning a RIF (though there are laws against doing certain things with it, of course). To be clear: I'm not a lawyer and this isn't legal advice. Thought it worth adding that
@@ModeCharlieYT absolutely, super appreciate the response, I think all things considered may just be safe to order a blue lightgun, it's the time crisis arcade cabinet gun so not realistic but, grey area potentially, and if someone wanted to could easily paint it tbh after shipping, have a good weekend mate 👍🏻
@@ModeCharlieYT thanks for your reply and grateful for it, I asked the question on a different you tubers channel and he just deleted it. I have to say that I did a lot more research and as far as the uk goes, ordering a blue light gun for arcade replacement parts, via import should be fine as it essentially is considered a toy / imitation firearm only, if it was black almost certainly would be considered a RIF, it appears that Australia is even stricter though, there seem to be a lot of aussie arcade enthusiasts that even have trouble importing with pink and blue replacement guns for their cabinets and I read an article just now that aussies have to register nerf guns as firearms, wow
Great video, just a quick point: MED is not a system defined by law, and a few sites do apply MEDs on AEGs (and GBBPs) in the UK. Also, VCRA 2006 doesn't quote the 51% figure, it's just "principal colour" and the appearance being unrealistic (by colour) to the layperson (not an expert, or without attempt to closely examine or load/fire). This is important for giving leeway when painting; if exact figures are given, retailers who only paint 50.5%, which would still be a principle colour, would then be liable to prosecution!
Did try to cover everything but I knew there'd be some missed bits! I should have been more clear that not everything is specifically law and some are just rules, the MED section was more just tying in with the (legal and applied) FPS limits on airsoft guns. Do you know which sites apply an MED for 350fps guns? Can't say it's been a thing at any I've played at but obviously, I can't have played at them all! Thanks for the feedback and extra info though, I'd pin this if I hadn't pinned the definition of a RIF!
3:45 You just said "no law against buying..." There is if you're under 18... Section 40. 7:50 The Firearms act had no power level for "firearm" defined prior to the Policing and Crime Act. It only said "lethal", which, IIRC, was loosely defined as able to cause significant injury. 1 joule was a "de facto" number, but was only incorporated in Northern Irish law. The PCA put that definition into UK law and included the specific exception for airsoft. 10:25 Some sites DO have "bang" or "surrender" rules. Saying they don't exist in the UK is wrong.
All valid points, I knew I'd have missed things so the comments are useful for catching those and giving extra info to anyone reading them! As for the 18+ thing I'm 99.9% sure I did say over the age of 18 at some point but I also might not have 🤣 MEDs is something I've touched on in another comment, I've never played at a site with MEDs for 350fps but obviously can't have played at every site - have also heard it said that the bang rule just isn't a thing in the UK too. Always open to being corrected though, cheers for the comment 👌
I didn’t know about UKARA until watching this I have 3 realistic imatation firearms bought online idk how but on BB guns for less all I had to do was put a valid defence which was I’m a airsoft hobbiest and I didn’t have to but I did put my local field in
Thanks for this, very helpful! Always thought you needed a UKARA registration to buy an airsoft gun. But I have read somewhere recently that you can buy an RIF from retailers even if you don't have a UKARA, but only in person. If you buy it online you still need one. Please correct me if I am wrong. Great vid btw
Cheers Charlie! Thinking about getting into Airsoft and this was the perfect video. Maybe a good idea would be the best sites to buy guns, gas, ammo ect. All the best
So you don’t actually need the ukara to buy a real imitation one then if you are over 18 but the ukara helps prove what you are using it for am I right here ?
I know some players that have like 20 even 30 Airsoft replicas . I have one friend that has over 60 airsoft rifle and pistols he’s been playing since 1998 .
You have to keep playing as it will be renewed by the initial site yearly, once its been dormant (not used for play) for 12 months it will be deleted/dropped from the system, or it should be
@@alisdairwood102 So after the initial 3 games (in a short period of time), you have the ability to spread out the matches? Because I love the idea of doing airsoft, but probably dont have the time or money to do it THAT regularly lol.
The law isnt actually that bad if you take airsoft seriously, if you love is so much you shouldnt have a problem playing it 3 times and then continuing from then on.
Damm the UK have some super strict laws out there . here in America you can walk into Walmart target big five Cabelas Airsoft G.I. Evike cash and carry Airsoft all day every day . Just have to be 18
A few missed bits:
I may have missed saying that you have to be 18+ to purchase an IF or RIF
MEDs are apparently a thing for 350fps airsoft guns in the UK, can't say I've ever come across them at the sites I've played but I've been told they do exist at some sites
I forgot to include Section 38 of the VCRA in this video - outlining the meaning of "Realistic Imitation Firearm". I think we all know what it means, but just to be sure, here's the piece of legislation:
38 Meaning of “realistic imitation firearm”
(1)In sections 36 and 37 “realistic imitation firearm” means an imitation firearm which-
(a)has an appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm; and
(b)is neither a de-activated firearm nor itself an antique.
Would there be any issue if you purchase an arcade lightgun as a replacement part for your arcade cabinet? The replacement is available in black as opposed to the usual blue or pink, and through aliexpress, I wonder if that would present problems being imported, even though this item does not expell anything?
Also if you bought a RIF years ago through ukara, but have not played airsoft in years, is there any problem with ownership of the rif at that point?
Great question on the arcade light gun - I guess that would come down to how realistic it looks? If it's very obviously an arcade light gun then there'd be no issue at all.
As for the ownership of a RIF (and this likely extends to the lightgun as well in some ways), the law is that it's an offence to sell, manufacture, or import; or cause to be sold, manufactured or imported, a realistic imitation firearm. UKARA registration is simply an easy way to prove to a retailer that they have a "defence against prosecution" - UKARA itself isn't a defence, and even if it were, it wouldn't be the only one.
Let's say for example the arcade lightgun is realistic enough for it to be considered a RIF (the law applies whether or not it can/is capable of firing a projectile) - I'd hazard a guess and say that "it's a replacement part for an arcade machine" would be a valid defence (though the actual list of valid defences is specific, I can't remember them all right now). Considering it's a part for an arcade machine I'd assume you'd be okay though.
There is no law against owning a RIF (though there are laws against doing certain things with it, of course).
To be clear: I'm not a lawyer and this isn't legal advice. Thought it worth adding that
@@ModeCharlieYT absolutely, super appreciate the response, I think all things considered may just be safe to order a blue lightgun, it's the time crisis arcade cabinet gun so not realistic but, grey area potentially, and if someone wanted to could easily paint it tbh after shipping, have a good weekend mate 👍🏻
@@ModeCharlieYT thanks for your reply and grateful for it, I asked the question on a different you tubers channel and he just deleted it. I have to say that I did a lot more research and as far as the uk goes, ordering a blue light gun for arcade replacement parts, via import should be fine as it essentially is considered a toy / imitation firearm only, if it was black almost certainly would be considered a RIF, it appears that Australia is even stricter though, there seem to be a lot of aussie arcade enthusiasts that even have trouble importing with pink and blue replacement guns for their cabinets and I read an article just now that aussies have to register nerf guns as firearms, wow
If I’m 13, can my dad buy an airsoft gun and let me go use it for Milsim events?
Great video, just a quick point: MED is not a system defined by law, and a few sites do apply MEDs on AEGs (and GBBPs) in the UK.
Also, VCRA 2006 doesn't quote the 51% figure, it's just "principal colour" and the appearance being unrealistic (by colour) to the layperson (not an expert, or without attempt to closely examine or load/fire). This is important for giving leeway when painting; if exact figures are given, retailers who only paint 50.5%, which would still be a principle colour, would then be liable to prosecution!
Did try to cover everything but I knew there'd be some missed bits!
I should have been more clear that not everything is specifically law and some are just rules, the MED section was more just tying in with the (legal and applied) FPS limits on airsoft guns.
Do you know which sites apply an MED for 350fps guns? Can't say it's been a thing at any I've played at but obviously, I can't have played at them all!
Thanks for the feedback and extra info though, I'd pin this if I hadn't pinned the definition of a RIF!
Brilliant video with simple to the point easy to understand information. Keep up the good work.
3:45 You just said "no law against buying..." There is if you're under 18... Section 40.
7:50 The Firearms act had no power level for "firearm" defined prior to the Policing and Crime Act. It only said "lethal", which, IIRC, was loosely defined as able to cause significant injury. 1 joule was a "de facto" number, but was only incorporated in Northern Irish law. The PCA put that definition into UK law and included the specific exception for airsoft.
10:25 Some sites DO have "bang" or "surrender" rules. Saying they don't exist in the UK is wrong.
All valid points, I knew I'd have missed things so the comments are useful for catching those and giving extra info to anyone reading them!
As for the 18+ thing I'm 99.9% sure I did say over the age of 18 at some point but I also might not have 🤣
MEDs is something I've touched on in another comment, I've never played at a site with MEDs for 350fps but obviously can't have played at every site - have also heard it said that the bang rule just isn't a thing in the UK too. Always open to being corrected though, cheers for the comment 👌
what if i went into a shop just to buy clothing/webbing/gear but not weapons?
didnt mean to say this here sorry
Great video this cleared up so much confusion for me
I didn’t know about UKARA until watching this I have 3 realistic imatation firearms bought online idk how but on BB guns for less all I had to do was put a valid defence which was I’m a airsoft hobbiest and I didn’t have to but I did put my local field in
So can i get one if im over 18 without a ukara but if i do have a defence?
Thanks for this, very helpful! Always thought you needed a UKARA registration to buy an airsoft gun. But I have read somewhere recently that you can buy an RIF from retailers even if you don't have a UKARA, but only in person. If you buy it online you still need one.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Great vid btw
Cheers Charlie! Thinking about getting into Airsoft and this was the perfect video. Maybe a good idea would be the best sites to buy guns, gas, ammo ect. All the best
Can you mod the Airsoft to do under 370fps and it all just void everything else and make it ok to ship from US to UK?
So you don’t actually need the ukara to buy a real imitation one then if you are over 18 but the ukara helps prove what you are using it for am I right here ?
Many thanks for clarifying this law. Regards.
I know some players that have like 20 even 30 Airsoft replicas . I have one friend that has over 60 airsoft rifle and pistols he’s been playing since 1998 .
Great video dude 👍
Thanks for the info..you got a like and a subscribe...Im just starting airsoft at 53...the things we do to prove we are still young!!😂😂
what about buying RIFS and IFS for Re-actment events?
Thanks 👍
very high quality vid nice help me with the laws
Thanx for information 😊
Subbed for cat
I am slightly confused! Can I buy a non-two tone gun in the U.K. without a UKARA as long as it will be used for Airsoft?
No what lol thats the whole point
Do you need to be 18+ to play airsoft ? Or just to buy guns ?
Just to buy guns. I think the minimum age to play is 13 legally, although some sites may require you to be older.
what if i went into a shop just to buy clothing/webbing/gear but not weapons, would i have to be over 18 for that or naw? Im 15 and all so yeah.
You can go and buy the clothing and and accessories just not the guns themselves
Once you have ukara number how many guns can you own? Thanks
As many as you want.
once u get a UKARA registration number, is it permanent? or do u have to keep plying at the same field to maintain it?
Also curious
You have to keep playing as it will be renewed by the initial site yearly, once its been dormant (not used for play) for 12 months it will be deleted/dropped from the system, or it should be
@@alisdairwood102 So after the initial 3 games (in a short period of time), you have the ability to spread out the matches? Because I love the idea of doing airsoft, but probably dont have the time or money to do it THAT regularly lol.
@@derpy9452 yes after the initial 3 games, you only need to go once a year at your registered site after you've achieved your ukara
@@alisdairwood102 That’s good, thanks 👍
do you need orange tip or no?
No
Shame the laws are so oppressive, can't be having fun these days
The law isnt actually that bad if you take airsoft seriously, if you love is so much you shouldnt have a problem playing it 3 times and then continuing from then on.
Damm the UK have some super strict laws out there . here in America you can walk into Walmart target big five Cabelas Airsoft G.I. Evike cash and carry Airsoft all day every day . Just have to be 18
I have 1 question can I use my parents ukara license
You would have to get them to ‘gift’ you an airsoft gun
No you cannot use it, but the can buy a RIF and gift it to you
God he’s already hit you with fake information ( most of watching are not subscribed)