So is it legal?

[enigmahack]

Sounds like you've already got enough information to make your decision. If you're interested in target practice, BB's it is. Cheaper and probably less hassle (though it will still look like a gun from a distance)

If you wanted to find a field and shoot others with it (Airsoft) then it looks like you still have a decision about what you'll do more with it.

[kullwarrior]

I think most people think airsoft differently than it should. Forget all the past culture belief on airsoft.
Airsoft is:
*A firearm that in Canada allows you own without license but require 18 year old
*A sport play similiar to paintball except the firearm is a replica of real one
*A smaller scale of the power that a gunpowder firearm

Treated as if it was a real gun, that means keep off sight in public, keep it store like a firearm. and finally you will be treated a person armed and dangerous when someone sees you. You will be punish if you violate the law like a regular bullet firearm, and police see you as that.

Airsoft is NOT a toy, Bows and Arrow are not toys either and none of them should me. a Water gun is not simply because it does not resemble a real one nor is paintball.

[Donster]

yes, for target practice, you are better off with a legal pellet gun or a clearsoft. i personally wouldn't shoot an AEG in my backyard, but there are no severe punishments if you do SO LONG as you take the necessary precautions. i.e. stay out of sight from the street, inform the neighbors, dont shoot anyone (you will be tried as if it were a firearm), make sure your bbs dont fly past your property and so long as you dont make an ass out of yourself, you should be ok.

[MacG!ver]

Okay, well then I conclude (correct me if i'm wrong):

1. You cannot import/export airsofts. (without crazy permits etc.)
2. It is legal to own airsoft guns.
3. You must only shoot it in airsoft fields, OR in your house/basement...hidden from the outside world and nosy neighbors because they could try to be a hero.
4. You need to be 18. (which law states this?)
5. If you shoot people with it, it will be treated as an offense with a real gun.
6. You should always hide it when transporting...to not cause a scene...which is there we get into this whole replica stuff.

Originally Posted by kullwarrior

I think most people think airsoft differently than it should. Forget all the past culture belief on airsoft.
Airsoft is:
*A firearm that in Canada allows you own without license but require 18 year old
*A sport play similiar to paintball except the firearm is a replica of real one
*A smaller scale of the power that a gunpowder firearm

Treated as if it was a real gun, that means keep off sight in public, keep it store like a firearm. and finally you will be treated a person armed and dangerous when someone sees you. You will be punish if you violate the law like a regular bullet firearm, and police see you as that.

What an exellent post! Yes I did have the wrong perceptions of airsoft. But that pretty much says it all! Yes I think I will get into it, but with a much more serious mindset.

[Donster]

Originally Posted by MacG!ver

Okay, well then I conclude (correct me if i'm wrong):

1. You cannot import/export airsofts. (without crazy permits etc.)
2. It is legal to own airsoft guns.
3. You must only shoot it in airsoft fields, OR in your house/basement...hidden from the outside world and nosy neighbors because they could try to be a hero.
4. You need to be 18. (which law states this?)
5. If you shoot people with it, it will be treated as an offense with a real gun.
6. You should always hide it when transporting...to not cause a scene...which is there we get into this whole replica stuff.

correct! we have a winnah!!!!!!!

[Sha Do]

Originally Posted by DONSTER 125

.................... that being said, if you shoot someone with an airsoft gun (even a clearsoft) you will be tried as it it were a real gun. i have read this forum AND the canadian laws referring to this subject specifically.

That is the part where you are absolutely correct.....
It is the intent to shoot (and act of shooting someone), is illegal, and one cannot legally condone to being shot.
Both, by the letter of the law are illegal acts and can result in criminal charges.
So, by the letter of the law, paint ball is illegal, as are water guns, and in extreme cases, your finger.

The recent changes in the CFC regulations, are an attemp to legislate airsoft (more correctly "classify" it) and help to clear up the grey matter that surrounds airsoft (one way or the other).
But as usual, these changes are not really helping us out. Sure, they have reworked the conditions required for items to be classified as fire arms, and they have revamped the definition of a replica.
More so, the fact that replicas are no longer illegal to own (with out being grandfathered), and have main stayed the fact that any malicous use of a replica transfers to the Criminal Code of Canada as if it were a real fire arm. But now it clearly defines that it is illegal to transfer ownership of any replica (including airsoft), and the only way to have it is to have acquired it prior to 1998 (I believe). You may also no longer inherit (or "grandfather") replicas beyond that date.
The only real thing saving our butts is most law enforcement agencies know what airsoft is about, and that in most cases are either collected, or used in sport in a controlled enviroment. They realize that there are more serious issues to deal with than us 5.59mm plastic spewing mil sim nuts.

Originally Posted by MadMorbius

Read. Then read more. Then read more. FAQ please.

^^^ Listen to that man ^^^

SHA DO

[The Saint]

Originally Posted by MacG!ver

4. You need to be 18. (which law states this?)

That's an Ontario bylaw.

6. You should always hide it when transporting...to not cause a scene...which is there we get into this whole replica stuff.

Treat it like a real gun when transporting. You should always lock it inside a proper gun case and cover said gun case when transporting it.

[MacG!ver]

Originally Posted by The Saint

That's an Ontario bylaw.

Well so it only applies to Ontario? What about BC? There could be no age limit at all, or a much higher one. How do we know?

[Shrike]

Originally Posted by MacG!ver

Well so it only applies to Ontario? What about BC? There could be no age limit at all, or a much higher one. How do we know?

It's 23 in BC and 17 in all other provinces.

[MacG!ver]

Originally Posted by Shrike

It's 23 in BC and 17 in all other provinces.

You're shitting me, right? Please say you're shitting me. Please. Not okay to mess with newbs. I have to rely on you guys, which by itself is already a scary thought.

[cndzn]

Also depending on which municipality you reside in, regardless whether you inform your neighbours or not, if a complaint is made, you MAY and CAN be charged with discharging a firearm. The cost of that here in Saanich (Victoria BC) is a 100$ fine.
But to add to that, if the call was made either the police or bylaw inforcement would arrive. As far as guns go, I bet it would be the police.

Short answer, if a complaint is made, the police have a duty to investigate. At the end of it all, you MAY have your weapon confiscated.

Make sense??

[Shrike]

[Edit never mind I'm not gona bother


edit again, read the FAQ's

[The Saint]

Originally Posted by MacG!ver

Well so it only applies to Ontario? What about BC? There could be no age limit at all, or a much higher one. How do we know?

This part is a bit complicated to explain. Instead, try to think of it like this: check to see what your local community's allowed playing age is. If you're under that age, you can't play anyways and there's no point in buying.

[MacG!ver]

Originally Posted by The Saint

This part is a bit complicated to explain. Instead, try to think of it like this: check to see what your local community's allowed playing age is. If you're under that age, you can't play anyways and there's no point in buying.

Yes, yes, I'm 18. I will check though - thanks for all the advice everyone.

[cndzn]

Might be a good idea to update your profile also MacG!ver, that way people in your local area can get up upto date with the local scene, people to contact etc.