New guy going from real to airsoft. These laws are confusing.
 

So I'm new to the airsoft field and I'm comming off from someone who is more interested in using real firearms than airsoft or BB. But the cost of ammo is really expensive so I started looking at airsoft as a solution. I started brushing through the laws in your faq here, and some other posts here, and where is what i found.

For the sake of argument I am going to use two firearms you can purchase legally in Canada that is very tactical looking.

IMI TAVOR
.223 caliber
10 round Magazine
http://www.canadaammo.com/images/P/T...lattop%202.jpg
Kel Tec SU-22
.22 LR Caliber
27 (I think) Magazine
http://www.keltecweapons.com/uploade...eSU22_2657.jpg

Importing:
Airsoft: You basically cannot import and airsoft gun that resembles anything like a real gun, even if it was under legal velocity, chances are that it has a very high chance of being seized by customs for at least forensic testing byt the RCMP

Real Guns: At least afik from the US, you simply import your firearm either through airport security (by you physically crossing the border) and with the required paperwork. So long as everything is under legal requirements you are clear. (paperwork may have changed from killing the long gun registry)

Difference: You can legally import a real gun much more easily than the airsoft gun of the same model (infact you cannot import the airsoft gun at all)

Messed up level: Pretty messed up

Ownership:

airsoft: You cannot own anything resembling the real gun

real guns: You can own the real gun that is illegal in airsoft, even with a 27 round magazine or a 16 round pump action 12 gauge

Difference: You can own the gun that is the actual dangerous object that's ability to kill is much much greater than the airsoft gun.

messed up level: Super messed up

Actual Use:

Airsoft: Basically you can only use it in private environments and you will get hell for using it in any public field or forest.

Real guns: So long as you are in areas of Canada where a discharge of a firearm is legal and safe such as hunting grounds, you may use any non-restricted firearm in a public area. (there are plenty of these)

Difference: Apparently airsoft guns are so dangerous that the government and public see real guns to be more safe than airsoft.

messed up level: :banghead:


what the hell.

Is Airsoft this messed up that it be better to own real guns instead?

Welcome to the crazy world of canadian airsoft laws!! :D

Welcome to Canada. :D

Buy a toy Tavor that at worse can cause someone bruises, and you're a public threat and responsible for the decline of our civilization.

Buy a real one, and as long as you have your PAL, you're fine and it's not dangerous.

Check out the "airgun" law sheet on the RCMP.GRC website. That will solidify your understanding of what is legal and not. A little black and white, but very clear.

Airsoft guns may or may not replicate real firearms with near prescision which causes a few regulation issues. There are several posts on this, and should be read in detail for thorough information.

The general idea is that you "should not" import guns on your own. Check with licsenced retailers, they can probably get you what you want. As the CBSA has it's own rules they can seize or destroy anything they want within reason.

Another major point is that replica firearms are prohibited devices. That would include any device that "replicates a firearm with near precision". The Canadian firearms program came up with a standard to help with this. Any airgun that replicates a real firearm with near precision that is capable of inducing bodily harm with a projectile is legal. Basically they decided that a standard 0.2 gram BB traveling between 407-499 is capable of hurting someone. And a replica cannot hurt someone. So to move into the "non replica" classification happens at 407 FPS plus. Once the Airsoft gun "can" hurt someone.

It makes sense in a political/beauracratic kind of way. But is is a goofy way of going about it. Airsoft is legal once you can shoot someones eye out, lol.

Do some more reading and talk to a few retailers, but that's the basic idea. Make sure to check out the airgun fact sheet on the RCMP website. There are links to it on these forums. As well as stories and experiences. Airsoft can be a very rewarding hobby, wether you play or collect.

You guys might want to check this out:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...2-005-eng.html

this is where all the fuckery stems from:
this is how you transform a toy into an object of the devil, made in hell and brought to earth by demons.The purpose of it being to avoid having people assaulting depanneurs with fake M4s to steal 300$ in cash and coins.

I see ......They changed it again. It seems like a change for the better, but more reading is required. Good find.

You'll enjoy airsoft and it is legal to own. aslong as...grandfather....BS...more BS... they cant prove grandfather rule. Yup your safe.

am i reading this right because, to me it says that any airsoft guns coming into the country now don't have to shoot that bullshit 407+fps they only need to shoot over 366fps.

Under 366

what! they have to shoot under 366 now instead of over 407fps that's... that's AWESOME. does that mean more Tokyo marui?

Re-read. Under 366 it's a replica. Over 366 it's an uncontrolled firearm.

It's only legal if it's able to cause serious bodily injury. If it can't hurt you, it's illegal.

Gotta love our laws.

so i did read it right and, now that i have that all out of my system i have to ask. How is this going to change Canadian airsoft? well guns be cheaper, the same price, more available, etc?

Tokyo Marui AEGs are has-been anyways.