Its still unsure as to their standing, as due to their construction it is open to interpretation and highly debatable, a true auto indexes the next round into the breach, the air guns do not, they index a magazine position only, which is the contention, all very semantic, but they are now being assessed by the technical dept of the HO to determine if they are truly semi automatics in law .
BUT, if they are subsequently deemed illegal under the current definitions, the HO, ACPO, and the CPS have stated that they were never intended to be included as section 5's, and if now they are deemed such then they would look to change the law. I suspect if they are deemed section 5 there will be a period of limbo, and probably an exemption as per the previous HO one in '97 for the very same guns, which stated they were excempt and the law would be changed at the next opportunity, just it never happenned as every one concerned was happy with that excemption, and 20 years later, some jobsworth opened the debate again.
Only time will tell.
Have Fun
Robin
Walther KK500 Alutec expert special - Barnard .223 "wilde" in a Walther KK500 Alutec stock, mmm...tasty!! - Keppeler 6 mmBR with Walther grip and wood! I may be a Walther-phile?