Types of Imitation Firearms in the UK

Imitation firearms get used in loads of different ways - whether you're a keen sportsperson, a serious collector, a film maker or just a hobbyist, there's an imitation firearm for you. But while they might look the real deal, they're designed for entirely different purposes - and that means there are UK laws to follow when it comes to owning and using them.

Here's a lowdown on the main types of imitation firearms and what they're used for.

Airsoft Guns (AKA BB Guns)

Airsoft guns or BB guns are probably the most common type of imitation firearm out there - and they're used for all sorts of things like skirmishing, target shooting and military simulation (or MilSim) events. Many of them are extremely realistic copies of real firearms, which is part of the reason why they're so popular with collectors as well as players.

Most airsoft guns are categorised into three types:

• Spring-Powered - You have to cock them manually before each shot, making them a good choice for beginners.
• Gas-Powered - They use green gas or CO₂ to give you a realistic recoil and feel.
• Electric (AEG) - These battery-powered automatic electric guns are the most popular choice for skirmishing.

Blank Firing Guns

Blank-firing guns are designed to fire blank cartridges that produce the sound and flash of a real firearm, but without firing a bullet.

They get used in all sorts of things like:

• Film and TV productions
• Historical re-enactments
• Theatre performances
• Dog training and sporting events

Even though they don't fire actual bullets, blank guns still require a bit of respect - they can be pretty hazardous at close range. It's worth noting that most blank guns are now banned in the UK, with only a few revolvers made by the Bruni company still available.

Deactivated Firearms

A deactivated firearm is a genuine firearm that has been permanently modified so it can't fire live rounds anymore.

These are pretty popular with:

• Military collectors
• Museums
• Historical displays
• Re-enactors

Under the current UK deactivation standards, these firearms have to meet strict certification to ensure they can't be restored to working order.

Replica Firearms

Replica firearms are non-functioning models that just look like the real thing - some of them are even made from metal or high-quality polymers and are designed purely for display or collecting.

These are often used as:

• Display pieces
• Film and TV props
• Cosplay accessories
• Historical collections

The good news is that many replica firearms don't even have any sort of firing mechanism.

Training Firearms

Training replicas are designed for military, police and security training - they replicate the size, weight and controls of real firearms without being capable of firing live ammunition.

These let users safely practise weapon handling drills and tactical movement.

Paintball Markers

Even though they're not generally thought of as imitation firearms, some paintball markers do look a bit like real rifles or carbines.

Paintball markers fire gelatin paint-filled balls and are designed specifically for the sport of paintball.

What Is a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF)?

In UK law, a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) is any imitation firearm that looks pretty close to a real firearm in terms of size, shape and colour.

RIFs include loads of modern airsoft guns and high-quality replicas. Because of their realistic appearance, their sale is heavily regulated under the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA) 2006. Retailers can only sell RIFs to customers who have a valid defence, such as participating in insured airsoft skirmishing or other recognised exemptions.

Two-Tone Airsoft gun

A two-tone bb gun is basically a brightly coloured gun that can't easily be mistaken for a real firearm.

This type of "unrealistic" imitation firearm is classed as a bit of a special case. They function just the same as their realistic counterparts, but they're a whole lot more visible.

These are pretty popular with beginners who don't yet have a valid defence for buying a Realistic Imitation Firearm.

Final Thoughts

Imitation firearms come in all shapes and sizes - from airsoft rifles and BB guns to display replicas and deactivated firearms. Each one has its own unique purpose, whether that's competitive sport, collecting, training or just pure entertainment.

Whatever type of replica gun you choose, just make sure you understand the relevant UK airsoft laws and always transport, store and use imitation firearms responsibly.