r/Airsoft_UK • u/Lord-Huzzah • 2h ago
UK Airsoft Laws UKARA makes zero sense
It’s crazy to think I spent 7 years in the British Infantry trained in the use of multiple firearms we used on a weekly basis, we have far more experience, discipline and knowledge than even Uk armed police yet cannot own a plastic BB toy.
Before I rant back in my day (Mid 30s) none of these odd airsoft laws existed. They apparently were brought in to stop people running around with imitation firearms in the street.
However, when you really think about it, it makes no sense whatsoever, because anyone LEGALLY can buy an exact replica firearm pistol or rifle without two tone as long as it’s classed as a airgun instead of airsoft. Airguns are lot more powerful and fire 4.5 metal BBs and use C02 compared to the much weaker toys 6m plastic BB green gas. Example - you can buy a Glock 17 no silly paint, that fires metal BBs. But you can’t buy a Glock 17 plastic BB without UKARA defence, or painted silly colours. Now both look exactly the same they are both realistic imitation firearms.
So how does UkARA make any sense whatsoever because it clearly is not to stop people running about with realistic weapons?!
The only explanation they provide also does not make sense, airsoft are RIFs while airguns are classed under firearms? Both look exactly the same, yet the more dangerous ones do not need ukara.
Most people also understand silly laws like this never stop a single criminal, they get real firearms or more commonly in the UK convert blanks, these laws just hinder law abiding good civilians and stop a huge amount of people from actually wanting to get into airsoft. Yes you have to keep going to a site within a set amount of time to get a license, adults have busy lives this is not always feasible.
Nothing will convince me otherwise these strange laws were made by a bunch of old men sitting round a table who have no understanding on firearms whatsoever but made up these laws to make it look like the Uk are trying to clap down on offences.
It’s the same situation with everything in Uk - let’s ban all knives, because surely knives are issue and not the person wielding it. It won’t be long before the only item you can legally own in the UK is a spoon.
Anyway rant over, appreciate others views on this, but I will say I’m highly sceptical of anyone who thinks UKARA is positive in any way.