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Airsofting Beginner

  • 29-10-2011 10:50pm
    #1
    ColinM9991
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭


    I'm interested in starting Airsoft.
    I've already been paintballing quite a few times and I like to experience as many "Military-Themed" sports as I can.

    I'm just wondering where I could go in County Cork to play Airsoft and what are the laws and rules etc of it. I know that the limit for guns is 1 Joule and anything over that needs a weapon license, I've owned quite a few airsoft guns in my time, but have always sold them again. I've never gone to a skirmish though, I'm highly interested in that.

    I already have most of the gear already for it because I purchased some gear for the paint-balling and the mask I got, which I was told was Paint-ball certified, was not, nor would it ever be.


Comments

  • #2
    Lemming
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭Lemming


    ColinM9991 wrote: »
    I'm interested in starting Airsoft.
    I'm just wondering where I could go in County Cork to play Airsoft and what are the laws and rules etc of it. I know that the limit for guns is 1 Joule and anything over that needs a weapon license, I've owned quite a few airsoft guns in my time, but have always sold them again. I've never gone to a skirmish though, I'm highly interested in that.

    You'll find a few sites in cork on the sites forum. AFAIK there's a few to choose from around the Munster area, not just Cork. Contact one that's convenient or you like the look of and book in. Then just turn up on the day and enjoy yourself!

    The only legal rule is what you know; 1j or under (ref. 328fps with a .2g bb). There is an import restriction on the books but has not yet been put into effect by the authorities. Other than that, don't wave airsoft guns around in public, do transport & store them in sensible fashion (i.e. a black bin-liner bag walking down the street is not kosher), and don't go looking to buy or wear Irish army-issue DPM for airsoft; it's illegal to buy (as its legally stolen property at that point) and to wear unless on active duty (or en-route to said duty). If you decide airsoft is for you, do also pick up some decent eye protection and boots. Both are worth their weight in gold.

    The only sticking point I'll make is your understanding of anything >1j requiring licensing. It wont get licensed which means it can't be licensed which means that anything >1j is illegal under Irish law, period. There's no grey area in that interpretation. As if the above wasn't enough, if its licensed that means you're pointing a firearm at another person with intention to discharge. Not a good state of affairs to find oneself in legally.


  • #3
    CpcRc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 975 ✭✭✭CpcRc


    If you're going to college, there are a few college airsoft societies in the munster region. There's ones in UL,CIT,IT Tralee and UCC.

    It's a good way to play for cheaper and with a group of people. Also the more experienced players there can help you and give you advice.


  • #4
    ColinM9991
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭ColinM9991


    Thank you for your replies. I've looked at a few sites around Cork, Just waiting until I get my own gun and will show up.

    I'll soon be attending college too hopefully when I get the funds to..

    Also,
    Lemming wrote: »
    There is an import restriction on the books but has not yet been put into effect by the authorities.

    Would it be safe to buy + import one from Asia or America?
    I have a Gas Airsoft Rifle here for 200 euro, on an Irish site its 300 euro, but I'd much rather buy it cheaper straight from the source


  • #5
    Lemming
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭Lemming


    ColinM9991 wrote: »
    Thank you for your replies. I've looked at a few sites around Cork, Just waiting until I get my own gun and will show up.

    I'll soon be attending college too hopefully when I get the funds to..

    best just to rent the first couple of times to see what guns you like the look and feel of. It also means you can jump in right away and start playing.
    Also,

    Would it be safe to buy + import one from Asia or America?

    I have a Gas Airsoft Rifle here for 200 euro, on an Irish site its 300 euro, but I'd much rather buy it cheaper straight from the source

    First off, the import restriction is not in force, so yes perfectly ok to orderfrom abroad. With that said, you need to make sure any gun you buy is downgraded by the seller if over 1j before it lands at customs door. If it gets sent to garda ballastics and its over the limit, say goodbye to it. You will get no refund.

    Now, the other thing ... contrary to popular belief, buying from outside the EU is not radically cheaper. Once postage and customs charges are applied, it sometimes really ain't all that ...


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