Airsoft & The Law
What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a recreational activity and sport where players use replica firearms that shoot plastic BBs or pellets to simulate military and police combat scenarios. Airsoft guns are designed to look and feel like real firearms, but are engineered to be non-lethal, making them safe for players to use in simulated combat.
In airsoft, players engage in team-based games that simulate real-life military or law enforcement scenarios. These games can range from simple capture-the-flag style matches to more complex simulations that involve objectives, missions, and tactics. Players wear protective gear, such as eye protection, masks, and helmets, to minimise the risk of injury.
Airsoft guns come in a variety of models, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and sub machine guns. They can be powered by electricity, gas, or spring mechanisms, and can fire BBs at velocities ranging from around 200 to 328 feet per second, 328 feet per second or 1 joule being the FPS limit in Northern Ireland.
Airsoft is a popular activity worldwide, with dedicated airsoft fields, events, and communities in many countries. It is a social activity that promotes teamwork, strategic thinking, and physical fitness, and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
To find out more about airsoft or to book a game day check out our partner airsoft site Combat Airsoft Portadown.
What is the law and UKARA for airsoft?
In the UK, airsoft guns are classified as "realistic imitation firearms" (RIFs). As such, there are specific regulations governing the sale, purchase, and use of airsoft guns.
One of the most important regulations for airsoft in the UK is the Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2006. This act requires that anyone who wishes to purchase a RIF must have a "legitimate defense" for doing so. This means that the purchaser must be able to demonstrate that they have a valid reason for owning a RIF, such as being a member of a recognized airsoft club or reenactment group.
The UK Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) has developed a system for recognizing legitimate airsoft players, called the UKARA database. To be added to the database, an airsoft player must play a minimum of three games at a registered airsoft site within a period of no less than two months, and have their attendance and game history recorded. Once registered, the player can use their UKARA membership to purchase RIFs from registered retailers without the need for a special defense.
Airsoft guns must also be transported in a secure case when being transported in public.
Overall, while airsoft guns are legal to own and use in the UK, it is important to follow the regulations and guidelines set out by the law and organizations such as UKARA to ensure that they are used safely and responsibly.
Here at Combat Airsoft Supplies we require you to submit a valid defence / UKARA when purchasing a "RIF". If you have any questions relating to this please email store@combatairsoft.uk prior to your purchase.
In practice, the most widely recognized form of defense for owning a RIF is membership in a registered airsoft club (UKARA). Other forms of defense may include historical reenactment, film and theatrical production, and firearms training. However, these defenses are typically more difficult to prove and may require additional evidence to support.
In order to establish a reasonable excuse, individuals must be able to provide evidence that they have a legitimate reason for owning a RIF. This may include providing proof of membership in an airsoft club or a letter from a film or theatrical production company.
It is worth noting that the law does not apply to "two-tone" or brightly colored airsoft guns, which are not considered realistic imitation firearms and can be purchased without a reasonable excuse. However, two-tone airsoft guns are generally less desirable for serious airsoft players as they can affect the realism of the game.
How do i get a UKARA number?
As explained above, to be added to the database, an airsoft player must play a minimum of three games at a registered airsoft site within a period of no less than two months, and have their attendance and game history recorded. Once registered, the player can use their UKARA membership to purchase RIFs from registered retailers without the need for a special defense.
Our partner airsoft site Combat Airsoft Portadown is a UKARA registered site and as such should you fulfill the above criteria they will be able to register you for a UKARA number free of charge.
