Classification of Co2 pistols

[Hardacre]

Hi there chaps. This is my first post, so as is customary on the internet I've come to pester you with questions.
I was wondering if anyone could clear up an issue for me.
I am looking at purchasing a Co2 pistol, but was wondering as to what they were classified. The problem is that I am not sure of the legal status of the guns that I am considering buying:

1. Tanfoglio Witness 1911 -Co2, 4.5mm bb
2. Wingun Sport 7 (identical to the ASG Dan Wesson) -Co2,6mm bb http://www.wgcshop.com/wgc2008/main/...atid=7&cat=668

Are either or both of these classified as RIFs (realsitic imitation firearms)? I am not an airsofter, so except for target practice I have no 'defence' in owning either.
Any clarification on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

[junaid8]

They are classed as air pistols. You do not need to be an airsofter to but these in the uk. Just make sure they don't go over the 6ftlbs power ranged (the witness and revolved you mentioned are about half of that).

[BobSki]

Hi there chaps. This is my first post, so as is customary on the internet I've come to pester you with questions.
I was wondering if anyone could clear up an issue for me.
I am looking at purchasing a Co2 pistol, but was wondering as to what they were classified. The problem is that I am not sure of the legal status of the guns that I am considering buying:

1. Tanfoglio Witness 1911 -Co2, 4.5mm bb
2. Wingun Sport 7 (identical to the ASG Dan Wesson) -Co2,6mm bb http://www.wgcshop.com/wgc2008/main/...atid=7&cat=668

Are either or both of these classified as RIFs (realsitic imitation firearms)? I am not an airsofter, so except for target practice I have no 'defence' in owning either.
Any clarification on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

No, they are too powerful and are therefore classified as firearms not requiring a licence (as are all air rifles/pistols as long as they are below 12ftlbs and 6ft lbs respectively).

Provided you are over 18yrs of age you will be able to buy either of the guns you have entioned without requiring any form of licence or belonging to any club or society.

[Hardacre]

Thanks for the swift responses.
The second gun I mentioned actually fires 6mm bbs and is fairly 'real' in terms of looks, is this still classed as an 'air gun'?
I'm a little confused, as it seems some gun dealers sell things like dan wesson 6mm revlovers without requiring the a defence for purchasing it, whilst other online retailers sell exactly the same thing but require UKARA membership.
E.g.:
UKARA required: http://www.landwarriorairsoft.com/ac...r_Pistols.html(near the bottom of the page)
Not required : http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/prod...mm-air-pistol/

Any thoughts?

[blooregard]

Absolutely no problems with them, for me these are the most fun type of guns you can own.

They really are all mouth and no trousers (mine develop 1.5-2 FPE), and they are only tin can accurate, but shooting them is great fun. You will not be disappointed with either of them.

[Hardacre]

No, they are too powerful and are therefore classified as firearms not requiring a licence (as are all air rifles/pistols as long as they are below 12ftlbs and 6ft lbs respectively).

Provided you are over 18yrs of age you will be able to buy either of the guns you have entioned without requiring any form of licence or belonging to any club or society.

OK, so having done some research I think I have come to the same conclusion. The guns mentioned above both seem to shoot above 1.35 Joules and are powered by Co2, which would make them airguns, in the eyes of the law. Being airguns they are classified as a type of firearm. Therefore they cannot be realistic imitation firearms (RIFs), because they are actual firearms.

This being the case, do you think HMRC would give me much grief if I purchased such a gun from abroad?

Thanks for your help guys.

[blooregard]

I wouldn't bother buying from abroad if its mail order, its not worth it.

[Hardacre]

I've heard fairly mixed things about importing from abroad. It would seem that its mostly down to luck as to whether customs investigate/seize a package.
But given that I am now confident that the item I want to bring into the country is not against the law or breaking any regulations, I am inclined to ordering from abroad. If it does get seized then at least I can produce evidence to HMRC that the item is legit.