Airsoft is a clean, fun, safe sport practiced by thousands of people thoughout the UK, dont allow the government to ban our sport!

Question.. What is Airsoft?

It has come to our attention that very few people, MP's included, are aware of what Airsoft guns are or what they are used for . I will therefore attempt to explain what Airsoft is in the most basic form possible, wish me luck.

History

Airsoft Guns originated in Japan in the 1980s. Tt the end of WWII it became illegal for a Japanese citizen to own a firearm, much like the laws regarding firearms in the UK today. Airsoft guns were born as a safe and respectable alternative to the real thing for basic target shooting, collecting, training and wargame scenarios.

Basics

An Airsoft gun is a 1:1 scale replica of a modern day or historical firearm. They are mostly plastic in construction and all fire a 6mm or 8mm plastic BB at very low velocities. Due to the design and construction it is impossible to convert ANY Airsoft gun to fire a real bullet and due to the velocities these products opperate at it would be very difficult to seriously injure someone.

Application

Airsoft guns are used in many applications as a replacement to real firearms, now severely restricted to UK citizens, here are just some of their uses:

  • Historical & Modern-day Re-Enactment/Airsoft Games
  • Practical Pistol Shooting
  • Military Cadet Recruitment and Training
  • Target Shooting
  • Collecting

I would like to expand a little on “Airsoft Games” as this is the major use of these products. Airsoft games are easiest described as Paintball-like games that utilise the realistic nature of Airsoft guns to create a very intense, yet safe, military simulation.

These games are controlled and run by professional organisations that have governed themselves for years, thanks in part to a lack of interest shown by the government of the day. Full safety precautions are insisted upon and to my knowledge the entire Airsoft community boasts an impressive safety record with no serious injuries being caused by an Airsoft gun to date.

The appeal of Airsoft games over Paintball and other Wargame alternatives are:

  • Airsoft is cheaper, with ammunition for the guns costing around 0.002 pence per shot.
  • The games provide a realistic military simulation that adds to the experience
  • Participants are able to use military surplus clothing and equipment in order to store additional magazines and ammunition
  • Airsoft guns fire at a lower power than a paintball gun , however due to the size of the ammunition and other technology called “hopup” they fire at a greater range and are far more accurate than your average paintball marker.

There are currently estimated to be around 10,000 regular Airsoft players in the UK and around 70 games sites all around the UK.

Problems

The problems recorded with Airsoft guns have NOT come from regular Airsoft players, the games sites or the retail outlets supplying them. The problem comes from irresponsible market traders who utilise the lack of restriction on these products to make a quick buck.

All stores supplying Airsoft products within the UK self govern themselves in order to impose a strict age limits on the supply of their products, most store owners are professional Airsofters themselves and will be able to support and educate their customers concerning the uses of their Airsoft guns.

The major problem is that young (usually underage) children visit their local market or car-boot sale and purchase a cheap “BB Gun” from a stall holder. There are no age restrictions, the customers are given no warnings or instruction concerning the use of their Airsoft product or the legal implications and restrictions and the Children purchasing, from said irresponsible retailers, have no practical application for such an item. This leads them to take to the streets with, what in their eyes is just a toy.

Solution

Do NOT ban Airsoft. Instead restrict the sale and import of such items to professional registered retailers. If further restrictions are required the Airsoft community I am sure would be happy to register themselves as being Airsoft gun owners in order to keep tabs on Airsoft in the UK.

In addition Airsoft guns and equipment must be recognised and controlled by the Home Office, Including strict guide lines as to what constitutes an “Airsoft gun” e.g. A product designed to fire a 6mm plastic ball at powers will not exceed the following power regulations

  • Automatic Airsoft Rifles & Pistols – Limited in power to 1 joule
  • Single or bolt action Rifles – Limited in power to 2.5 joules
Please be aware these are JUST guidelines to inform the general public about Airsoft guns, their use, the problems in controlling their use outside of the organized sport of airsofting, and the workable solutions we think we can achieve in order to aid in the reduction of  indiscrimnate use by non-airsofters.

If required by the UKASGB or the UK Airsoft Retailers these comments will be changed to reflect the feelings of the greater majority.

If anyone has any questions regarding my comments please feel free to contact me here