Airsoft Guns

As many of you may know, California recently went through an in-depth debate regarding the public safety of airsoft guns. This was brought about because a boy exposed his airsoft gun in public while playing on a street with his friends, and when the police arrived to assess the situation they saw the boy with, what looked like to them, a real firearm. The police shot the boy out of fear for their safety and that of the community, when the boy failed to cooperate with their instructions.

This is a completely avoidable situation that can be solved with a few simple safety instructions.

1. When transporting an airsoft gun, shotgun or rifle, always make sure to keep the airsoft gun in a sealed gun bag. This keeps the airsoft gun out of sight from the general public, and prevents it from being mistaken for a real firearm. Hard Plastic Gun cases work well to keep the airsoft gun protected from anything that may bend or break it. Tactical Nylon bags are great for storing multiple airsoft rifles and extra gear, because they are adjustable and expandable in most cases. Never put your airsoft guns or gear in a backpack that you use for school. Bringing an airsoft gun to school is a serious offense in most states, and if you forget your gun or gear in your school backpack you may get in trouble with not only your school but also the law. Always make sure that whichever proper gun case you are using, it contains the entire airsoft gun. It may also be a good idea to put your tactical gear such as holsters, vests, plate carriers, and magazine pouches in a separate sealed bag. This is a good idea because even though you may not have an airsoft gun in open view, tactical gear worn or displayed in public is sure to cause alarm. Check out our full selection of airsoft gun bags/ cases, and tactical bags for stowing gear.

2. Always make sure that airsoft guns are stowed in a proper gun bag in the trunk of the vehicle when driving with your airsoft equipment. Make sure that there are no magazines or holsters lying around in the back seat, because that is a sure way to arouse suspicion and you may soon find yourself answering questions to the police.

Remember, unless you are in your own home or at a sanctioned airsoft area, always keep your airsoft gun and gear packed up in a proper bag/ case. And as always, be responsible with your airsoft equipment.

View our video of proper ways to transport your airsoft guns and equipment and check out our full selection of proper bags and cases for all of your airsoft gear.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns, as well as airsoft parts, upgrades and accessories. Visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft gun travel, airsoft safetyairsoft gun storage, airsoft shotgun storage

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