Are Airsoft guns illegal in some way??

CommuterIE

Someone explain the whole Airsoft thing please

Inari

Airsoft is a multifaceted sport/hobby, and is in no way illegal. All airsoft devices (i.e. airsoft guns) must not be capable of firing over 1 joule of muzzle energy. They are legal to own, and legal to use. However, it is imperative that they are treated the same as real firearms - you cannot have an RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm, the legal classification of an Airsoft device) on your person for no reason.

There are many Airsoft skirmish sites around Ireland, where you go to play the game of Airsoft (think paintball, but with more tactics, more realistic looking gear, and far cheaper ammunition). There are also some firing ranges around as well, where you can go with your RIFs and shoot targets.

And then, there are the collectors/plinkers, who buy Airsoft guns to own/collect, and shoot the occasional target.

The rough breakdown of the law is:
- RIF's must not be used in public, or in any place where the general public can see (this includes your back garden if there are low walls, or neighbouring windows which can see onto your property)
- RIF's MUST be firing under 1 joule of energy; anything over is classified as an illegal firearm
- You must have a valid reason for having an RIF on your person (i.e. in the car etc) e.g. going to/from a skirmish site, or to/from an Airsoft store.

That's some rough information...I hope it helps
-

Decoy

http://irishairsoft.ie/?page_id=4

Firekitten

If they were Illegal, would they be allowed a sub forum on Boards.ie?


Inari has it pretty perfectly in his definition, if you have any questions, feel free to ask users here. Now, I'm off back to the crack cocaine smugglers forum, toodles!

Tommyboy71

Firstly: welcome to the Airsoft section of boards.

Secondly: If you start getting more involved i.e. buying or playing, you would be well served in retaining the services of a good accountant so you dont end up losing your house, car, kids etc. 'Cos once you are in there is no getting out. Mwuahaa.

Finally: Why do you ask? Just curious is all. We are always interested in finding out how people discover the sport.

Steve

CommuterIE wrote: »

Someone explain the whole Airsoft thing please

If you're genuinely interested in the sport and not a wannabe journalist looking for a fix, let me know and I'll re-open this. Thanks.