Airsoft Guns

Both the TSA and the FAA, the agencies responsible for travel safety and regulations, have well established laws and rules for the transportation of arms and ammunition. Even if the weapon or firearm that is being transported is for airsoft or paintball, these guns are treated with the same security as real guns and failure to follow the regulations can result in serious penalties.

It is important to remain up-to-date with all FAA and TSA laws as increases or decreases in threat levels can affect whether some particular rules are being suspended or adjusted. Also be sure to check the rules of the airline and, if you are traveling outside of the U.S, the local government. Some airlines have more lax rules about traveling with guns, while some prohibit it entirely. Similarly, many countries have bans on guns, even airsoft guns. Countries including Canada, Thailand and Singapore prohibit airsoft guns so be sure to inform yourself of your destinations laws regarding airsoft.

Airsoft Guns:

If possible, it is preferable to stow and lock your firearm in a box so that it remains secure throughout the flight, does not jostle, and is easily identified. Whether or not your firearm has its own separate case, it must be enclosed in a hard-sided item.

No guns will be permitted that are stored in soft suitcases, duffel bags or other soft-sided baggage. A hard-sided, molded case that snugly secures the gun is best. It is also necessary for any luggage that is storing the gun to have either a key or lock on it.

Be sure to provide either the key or the combination for the lock to the security officer in the case that he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during the screening to retrieve your key after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If TSA agents cannot contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane.

Additionally, federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases or those with broken locks on aircraft, so be sure that your luggage and/or lock are in good condition prior to departing for the airport.

Ammunition:

Check with the airline to find out the amount of ammunition that is permitted to be packed for flight.

No ammo, pellets or Airsoft bbs may be loaded in the gun. All ammunition that is packed in suitcases must be securely store in a cardboard, metal or wood box. Other boxes specifically designed to carry ammunition are also accepted by the TSA. Be sure that the box is an adequate size for the amount of ammunition; that is, neither too large that the ammunition is left loose and jostling inside, nor so small that the box has difficulty remaining closed.

If the ammunition is to be stored within the same case as the gun, it must still be individually packed within a box.

If you are traveling internationally, please check with the authorities at your destination about their requirements.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore brings Airsoft to the masses by offering low prices on Airsoft gear for beginner to experienced players.

Labels: airsoft gun laws, airsoft gun travel, how to pack airsoft guns legally, travling with airsoft guns

While the vast majority of airsoft players take pride in preserving the integrity of airsoft, a handful of others act irresponsibly with airsoft guns and give the sport a bad rap. It is in the news regularly - airsoft guns being used to intimidate, to take out aggression and even to commit robberies. The realistic look of airsoft guns contributes to the fun of the game, but also causes the average person to perceive airsoft guns as real guns. For good reason, carrying an unconcealed airsoft gun is illegal in many areas.

When transporting or handling airsoft guns away from the field, you should always keep them packed away and out of public view. Aside from the legal repercussions, brandishing an airsoft gun in public can have extreme, even deadly consequences. Just imagine the horror you (or your mother, or grandmother) would feel if someone was walking through the neighborhood with a sniper rifle in hand. It is not uncommon for concerned citizens to call the police upon encountering someone carrying or shooting an airsoft gun, unaware that it is a replica. Police officers will also assume that an airsoft gun is a real gun, and will treat the situation as such. If you do not want officers pointing real guns at you, or worse, shooting you, keep your airsoft gun out of sight at all times when in public.

A related issue that tarnishes the reputation of the sport is taking part in what is widely known as 'backyard airsoft.' Most players agree that backyard airsoft, or playing in close proximity to homes or other buildings, should be avoided. The possibility of injuring someone or causing damage to a home is only the beginning. Playing with airsoft guns in view of neighbors or passersby can cause public fear, and law enforcement officers are likely to get involved. Airsoft should always be played in areas that are out of sight of others and distant from buildings and other structures. Communicating with law enforcement about what you are doing is also a good idea.

Though many airsofters do not heed this advice, keep the orange tip intact on your airsoft guns. This could possibly prevent the above situations, and may also be required by law. The orange tip is in many cases the only visible indicator that an airsoft gun is not a real weapon.

Although airsoft has been growing in popularity, a majority of people are unfamiliar with the sport and the realistic replica guns used to play. If you are carrying an airsoft gun, most people will assume it is a real gun. There are already people who are determined to make replicas of real guns illegal, and causing problems with an airsoft gun is not going to help the case for responsible players who love to play airsoft. Being responsible with airsoft guns not only protects your safety and that of people around you, it protects the integrity of the sport.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including electric airsoft guns and airsoft sniper rifles.

Labels: airsoft backyard, airsoft gun laws, airsoft gun safety, airsoft in backyard, airsoft laws, airsoft safety, backyard airsoft war