Airsoft Gun Delivery – Are They Prohibited?

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AIRSOFT GUNS AND UK DELIVERY EXPLAINED

In this blog, we hope to identify some of the confusion around the classification of Airsoft Guns regarding delivery services within the UK.

There have been a number of changes to laws in the UK over the years that specifically apply to the sale and purchase of Airsoft guns, and how these products are classified. This blog will not look at the sale of airsoft guns (BB guns) or whether they are a RIF or 2 tone gun but the requirement when sending vis a delivery company.

It is important to understand that all UK airsoft guns are classed by the delivery company as toy guns or airsoft guns and are NOT Air Guns, Air Rifles or Air Pistols!

They are classed as Toys Guns or Airsoft Guns due to the very low FPS they have as detailed within the UK law, please read on…

In 2017, the Policing and Crime Act set out to provide further clarity about Airsoft guns and the specification thresholds that would be allowed. Exemption for Airsoft Guns within the Policing and Crime Act 2017 describes what an Airsoft gun is and why it is not seen as a firearm. An ‘Airsoft gun’ is not to be regarded as a firearm for the purposes of this Act (s. 57A). According to section 57A(2), the following are described as Airsoft guns.

An ‘Airsoft gun’ is not to be regarded as a firearm for the purposes of this Act (s. 57A). According to section 57A(2), the following are described as Airsoft guns:

  • A gun that discharges only a small plastic missile and or any other type of materials.
  • A gun that can only release any kind of missile with kinetic energy which doesn’t exceed permitted levels.
  • The ‘small plastic missile’ cited is completely or partly made from plastics, is spherical and is only up to 8 millimetres in diameter (s. 57A(3)).
  • If the kinetic energy created at the muzzle of the gun is more than the permitted level, it will no longer be considered an airsoft gun but a firearm.

The permitted kinetic energy level is:

  • For a weapon built to discharge up to two or more missiles in succession without the need for repeated pressure on the trigger, like in the case of an automatic weapon, 1.3 joules.
  • For any other weapon that discharges only one shot at a time, 2.5 joules.
  • Airsoft guns that do not follow the above rules and exceed the set limits are considered illegal and may be categorised as section 5 firearms. If you are caught with a section 5 firearm without a licence, you could face a mandatory 5-year prison sentence.

At Just BB Guns we sell mainly 2 tone airsoft guns, one that is NOT classed as a RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm) and is more than 50% Blue or Orange and can be sold to anyone over 18 years of age. However, there is no law in the UK to restrict the age of use or ownership. Please see our other blogs for information about buying a RIF airsoft gun, if you have any questions please contact us via this website.

CONCLUSION

All delivery companies in the UK should accept your airsoft guns and BB guns for delivery within the UK if explained that it is NOT an Air Rifle, Air Gun or Air Pistol. Some delivery companies may restrict insurance or the method in which you send it but should take your delivery every time.

 

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