A few questions about legal status and compariosons

[kstinson]

Ok, to begin with, I HAVE read the FAQ regarding the legality of airsoft guns in Canada, however a few questions are still floating around in my head. I'm new to airsoft (actually just started about a week ago when some friends and I decided to get some cheep spring pistols for an exam break).

I am a long time shooter, starting with rifles when I was younger and now moving onto pistols (mostly the Colt 1911, which I am looking to purchase). I was doing some research into guns and found a really interesting Colt 1911 full-weight metal blowback airsoft pistol and figured it would be great for some live fire training in my basement when I can't get out to a range and would double as a great gun for airsoft games. Now, just to clarify, this would be illegal in Canada, correct? It does have the orange tip, however is not clear plastic body. Is this the current classification of a restricted airsoft weapon, or is there more I should know? Also, do the rules of plastic clear guns apply only to pistols, or to larger, assault rifle class guns as well?

It's really stupid that pellet guns, which can fire at a much higher velocity and with much more lethal rounds, can be exact replicas, made of metal and not have an orange cap while the safer alternative, airsoft, is the one that bites the bullet (no pun intended).

Thanks for the help, sorry if I missed a post somewhere that answered these questions.

Cheers,
Kevin

[The Saint]

Hi Kevin.

The airsoft pistol you mentioned would indeed be illegal to import and acquire in Canada. Airsoft guns are currently classified as replica firearms, and replica firearms are a subset of prohibited devices. As a real steel shooter, you're probably aware that there are no PAL or RPAL (or "P"-PAL) permission for prohibited devices.

Orange tip has no legal bearing in Canada. It's a silly, American thing.

And you're right, it is stupid. You won't get any arguments from us.

[Harbinger of Darkness]

Pistols just the same as any other airsoft gun that does not have a clear receiver - or slide in the case of pistols - is illegal to import. You can still own the gun you juts can't bring it into the country on your own.

Best advice if you're looking for any airsoft gun is to fill out your profile so we know where you're located, and get age verified. This will open up a few more ares of the site to you and give you access to the retailers.

- Looks like you beat me to the punch again Saint.

[kstinson]

Damn, I REALLY wanted that gun lol

so even like the snipers/submachine guns etc that I see online for sale (in Canada), although they show the black version will only ship clear?

Kevin

[skalnok]

where do you see them online in canada?

[The Saint]

They'll probably ship what they show unless they say otherwise.

Once the items are inside the country, it's somewhat "less" illegal.

[kstinson]

Originally Posted by skalnok

where do you see them online in canada?

Here and there around the web, I just searched for Canadian retailers in google. shootsoft.ca is one that springs to mind, they have mostly clear guns, however a few are shown as all black with no reference to "clear models only" as with some sites.

Originally Posted by The Saint

They'll probably ship what they show unless they say otherwise.

Once the items are inside the country, it's somewhat "less" illegal.

lol well as much as smuggling is an interesting concept, I think I'd like my legal status to remain more or less as it is...

Kevin

[T_A_N_K]

Hi Kevin,

I see you are local to Mississauga. Your best bet is to get Age Verified and you can probably find what your looking in the classifieds. Age Verification requires you to show government ID to an approved verifier, this is strictly done only to enforce 18+ within the ASC Community(It has no legal bearing, its just something our community does to ensure kids and idiots don't mess up our beloved sport). Once this is done, you are given access to retailers and classified within our community. Army Issue, is a surplus store located in Port Credit on Stavebank Road near HWY 10/Lakeshore, ask for Jeroon, and he will set you up. Bring him beer(s), and he will answer as many questions until he is completely inebriated.

[kstinson]

Ya, I'm heading down that way on Friday and I'll probably stop by and get age verified.

Kevin

[BloodSport]

Becarefull everytime I've visited Jeroon, I seem to walk away about $500 lighter, and I've only received 1 beer in exhange over all the years I've know him.

Other then that a great guys, and the hotties who walk by and in are worth hanging around to watch for.

[Donster]

i must admit i am still confused with the legalities of canadian airsoft. Is it illegal to actually own an airsoft gun? in that if i get pulled over and i have airsoft guns in my car in a case and the police officer inquires as to them and he sees them, can he take them away from me (indefinitely) and me go to jail or pay a fine?

[The Saint]

Only if he has reason to believe you illegally acquired it. There is no law against possession or transportation of replica firearm.

[Donster]

Originally Posted by The Saint

Only if he has reason to believe you illegally acquired it. There is no law against possession or transportation of replica firearm.

excellent, thank you. and since he cant prove how i got it i am in the clear. thank you for the answer!

[trufret]

Obviously when transporting keep it in a locked case preferably in the trunk and not just sliding around loose under a seat or something.