Part of what makes airsoft so good is its realism – the adrenaline-pumping feeling of being in combat with your airsoft rifle, feeling the weight as you fire on your opponents. That’s why many players use real imitation firearms (RIF).
However, the realism we enjoy on the field comes with additional responsibility before and after games. To get the most from airsoft experience, you need to learn how to be a responsible player, for your own sake, but also for the general public and other airsofters. Making sure you transport your airsoft guns safely is a key part of this.
What are the Laws Regarding Transport of Airsoft Guns?
As with many parts of airsoft, the laws around what is and isn’t acceptable regarding carrying your weapon come from two main places:
While, in terms of power, most airsoft weapons are not considered lethal in UK law, they are still seen as imitation firearms – this is because, to the average person, your airsoft gun will look like a real weapon. This means three things in practice:
- You must have a legal reason for owning one – for airsofters, this is usually a UKARA license.
- You must have a reason for carrying it – for example, going to a booked game.
- Even with the above, it can still be a punishable offence to carry the weapon in public, including in personal vehicles, if it causes harm, disorder or distress.
Our Top Tips for Transporting Airsoft Guns Safely
Even if you have a license and are going to a registered airsoft location for a pre-booked game, you need to be extra careful about how you get there to not cause distress. Here are some key pieces of advice from us:
- Store Securely – Never transport a loaded weapon. Make sure it’s completely safe, separated from its ammo, and securely locked away.
- Keep Out of Sight – Make sure the gun isn’t obvious to the public. A gun case is fine in your car boot, but it may cause alarm on public transport, so consider a softer, more inconspicuous case.
- Carry Reasons of Ownership – If the worst were to happen and police asked questions, make sure you have your UKARA license on hand, as well as booking confirmation for the event you’re heading to.
Ultimately, you want to appear as inconspicuous as possible while also being a responsible carrier. If something were to happen and you can present a properly stored and discharged airsoft weapon, you should be able to get out of any misunderstandings with as little fuss as possible.
Can You Carry An Airsoft Gun On Public Transport?
If you need to carry your airsoft gun in public, such as using public transport to get to a game, then you need to take the utmost care. Again, three things should be at the top of your mind:
- Always keep the gun concealed.
- Always store the gun safely & securely.
- Never do anything that could cause a member of the public to worry.
Concealing the gun is the most important thing, as failing to do so could be a punishable offence under UK law, regardless of your rights to ownership. However, when you conceal it, you must also consider what a member of the public will think when they see you.
If travelling on public transport, a hard gun case may not be the best option, especially if it is clearly gun-shaped, as this could easily cause people to panic. Instead, consider a softer travel case with a less obvious shape.
Also, be mindful of the clothes you wear – travelling in your airsoft combat gear while carrying a gun case can easily cause public distress. Wear your normal clothes on public transport and change at the venue.
If the worst were to happen and somebody questioned what you’re carrying, it’s then crucial that you have it stored securely and safely. People, including police, would be within their rights to raise alarm if they saw a RIF airsoft pistol loose in your backpack. On the other hand, if your gun case is padlocked, the gun is secured without ammo, and you can show your UKARA license and booking form for where you’re travelling, you should be able to smooth out any misunderstandings and continue on your way.
Can You Fly With Airsoft Guns? Aeroplane Travel Rules
Needing to take your airsoft kit on a plane is more unlikely than bringing it with you via bus or train, but you may end up travelling further afield for a game!
Your ability to fly with airsoft guns comes down to the airline you’re travelling with, as many of them have very different rules. Some allow various types of sporting guns to fly, some treat airsoft guns as sporting equipment, and others reject them outright.
Most airlines that allow you to travel with airsoft weapons require you to complete some kind of pre-booking or forms beforehand. Therefore, if you are planning a trip, check and double-check with your airline to ensure you are adhering to all their rules and don’t end up having to relinquish any of your gear.
Recommended Airsoft Gun Cases
There are several kinds of suitable airsoft gun cases and bags that’ll ensure you’re never travelling with airsoft gear out in the open. However, the best case often depends on how you get to and from games.
Hard Airsoft Gun Cases
Hard rifle cases will probably be your first port of call. They offer optimal protection for your gun and also tend to look more professional, which can help show you as a legitimate airsofter if you’re ever stopped by the police.
Plastic or aluminium cases are wonderfully hard-wearing, shielding your equipment from any potential damage during transportation. The only drawback is that some cases can be quite heavy and difficult to lug over the final mile some sites have between the car park and the safe zone!
Soft Airsoft Gun Cases
Softer rifle bags may not offer the same levels of extreme protection as a hard case, but they still come with plenty of advantages.
Firstly, soft bags are great if you have limited space. They also tend to be more versatile, accommodating a wider range of guns, from airsoft snipers to revolvers, and accessories in one case.
Perhaps most importantly, they can look more inconspicuous when travelling in public. Many soft bags have straps so you can carry them like a backpack, which tends to draw less attention than a heavy metal or plastic case.
Pistol Cases
It’s also worth investing in a smaller pistol case, which can make it easier to carry your sidearm safely and securely, even allowing you to put it inside a larger rucksack.
Pistol cases tend to come in both hard and soft styles, so pick whichever works with your larger bags.
How to Store Airsoft Guns
When they’re not being transported or in use, you should also ensure your guns are stored sensibly, ready for the next game. You should keep them in your home in a secure location – don’t leave them in your car after a skirmish.
Whether you have a case, box or cupboard set aside for airsoft gun storage, you should always make your guns safe before tucking them away. This means removing magazines and ammo to store in separate locations and removing batteries.
The airsoft community is a relatively small one, so being an ambassador of the sport and doing your best to uphold its reputation is in everyone’s best interests. Hopefully, you now have all the information about transporting airsoft guns and can make your way to the next skirmish stress-free!