What Are the Legalities of Owning an Airsoft Gun in the UK?

Airsoft guns are popular with many hobbyists since they imitate real-life weapon platforms. Applying this trait, airsoft enthusiasts can play in games, competitions, and airsoft matches. People enjoy every type of airsoft model they can get their hands on. 

However, there are many reports worldwide showing that some criminals use airsoft guns in holdappings, kidnappings, or just to scare or intimidate other people. Looking at a typical airsoft gun, one can easily be passed off as a real gun. It is why some countries today have laws and regulations about owning airsoft. 

Benefits of Implementing Airsoft Laws and Regulations

Before we discuss some airsoft laws and regulations, let us first take a closer look at when a person follows the laws and regulations of owning an airsoft gun. Learning about these details will help you follow the basic regulations when you like collecting airsoft models. You will also learn about why these laws apply to you.

Today, many countries like the UK implement laws and regulations concerning airsoft gun owners. For hobbyists that have Airsoft Guns in the UK, they should be aware that there are laws that they should follow. All these laws apply to all age groups. The youngest age group to own airsoft in the UK is below 18 years of age. 

Overall Safety

There was a growing number of criminals using RIFs (Realistic Imitation Firearms) when performing crimes against other people. When your typical worker faces a person armed with a RIF, their first reaction could be fear and stress, thus allowing them to submit to the demands of a criminal. To promote the overall safety of their citizens, purchasing airsoft guns fall under some laws and regulations. 

Proper Handling of Airsoft Guns

Many airsoft gun models of today tend to mimic the features of real-life guns. These models range from pistols, SMGs (Submachine guns), ARs (Assault Rifles), along with sniper and hunting rifles. Laws and regulations limit airsoft owners from harming another human being. We want to remind you that a modified airsoft gun such as a sniper rifle can cause serious tissue damage when fired upon some exposed organs like the eyes. 

Prevent Crime

There are now laws that limit the distribution of RIFs (Realistic Imitation Firearms). It limits the ability of criminals to employ realistic airsoft guns against the public. Some laws also implement the reduction of FPS power of some airsoft gun models. As a result, airsoft guns cannot seriously harm any human being. 

What Are Airsoft Laws and Regulations in the UK?

Airsoft laws and regulations come in handy when controlling the widespread use of realistic airsoft models. It helps government authorities fight crime while letting people enjoy airsoft as a hobby. Let us now take a closer look at some of these airsoft laws and regulations. 

2006 Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA)

The UK’s 2006 Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA) introduced new ways detailing how RIFs (Realistic Imitation Firearms) are handled. Overall, the act limits the widespread use of airsoft guns. However, the UK’s Airsoft Players Union successfully submitted an exemption making RIFs safe for public use and consumption. 

2017 Policing and Crime Act

In 2017, one of the UK’s anti-crime laws which are known as the 2017 Policing and Crime Act managed to clarify why an airsoft gun should not be considered a dangerous firearm. The typical airsoft gun should not be regarded as a firearm for this Act (s. 57A). Referring to the act’s section 57A(2), the following are features of Airsoft guns:

• A toy gun that discharges a plastic projectile and other materials.

• A gun that launches projectiles that do not exceed permitted levels.

• The small plastic projectile should be made of plastic or other lightweight materials which measure up to 8 mm in diameter.

• If the kinetic energy that propels the projectile fired from its barrel exceeds permitted limits, it will not be considered an airsoft gun but a firearm. 

Conclusion

There you have it! We hope this covers some official UK laws concerning airsoft guns. Luckily, RIFs (Real Imitation Firearm) models now feature lower FPS levels even if they are modified. These laws make playing airsoft guns fun knowing that we won’t be able to harm another individual.