It’s finally over! The campaign for exemptions for airsoft in the Policing and Crime Bill has been maintained at 1.3 joules which is approximately 370fps using 0.20g BBs for airsoft guns that have full automatic modes. The Policing and Crime Bill has been given the Royal Assent, meaning that is now law.

But the UKAPU and other lobby groups concerning airsoft are still worried how it will affect full-auto HPA and Gas Blowback airsoft guns and they are making representations to the Home Office to address this issue as many airsoft players own full auto GBB-Rs and HPA airsoft rifles that that may just fall under Section 5 (will be considered as firearms) since they can be pushed beyond the legal limits. Please refer here to learn more about it.

A great part of the objectives of the airsoft lobby has been approved as they worked hard to ensure that airsoft hobby is protected. Now we wait until Guidance in order to be within the law has been released in order for the airsoft community to properly comply with the law.

Here is the update from Matt Furey-King, Chairman of the UKAPU:

The Policing and Crime Bill 2015-16.....

Is now the Policing and Crime Act 2017!

Commencement of the firearms provisions will come next. New guidance for airsoft players will come, and several manufacturers are looking at how new and existing products will comply with the new law. My feeling is overwhelming positive for the future of UK airsoft, so please be patient as things are worked out behind the scenes.

We are very pleased to see the community talking about this situation, there has been an exponential increase in the number of players now aware of the upcoming law change. But please do stop contacting the Police or MPs on the subject as its essentially out of their hands (MEPs have nothing to do with the PCA 2017 so don't email them either).

If anything you could disturb the work of UKARA and UKAPU, who are right now working with the Government towards a good outcome for airsoft.

Thanks,

Matt