Hazards of being mistaken for a real firearm

There have been a few highly isolated cases of airsoft guns being mistaken for real firearms, and some cases where armed law enforcement units have responded to tips of unlawful firearm use. This is the main reason that laws require orange tips to be present on all "toy guns" (including airsoft replicas) imported into the United States

However, the effectiveness of such measures remains open to debate, because these tips can be easily removed or painted away. Furthermore, their use means that criminals can attempt to disguise real firearms as toys by painting the tip of the barrel orange, or vice versa.

A measure that is often employed by airsoft players is informing local law enforcement officials where and when airsoft games will take place, so that such misunderstandings can be avoided. The worst known case occurred in Longwood, Florida when 15-year-old Chris Penley threatened students with an airsoft pistol at his middle school and was subsequently shot to death when he aimed it towards an officer. The orange tip mandated by US Federal law had been painted black.

In many jurisdictions, using an imitation firearm to commit a crime (which often includes the generic term of "brandishing") carries the same penalty as if a real firearm were used because of the intent to kill.

In the United Kingdom, the use or possession of any kind of replica weapon, loaded or otherwise in a public place is an offence which can carry heavy penalties except under specific conditions.

 

Find Hotels Around the World

hotel11.net offers you direct and easy access to a range of hotels, complete with up-to-date availability information. On the next pages you will find brochures of the hotels, room rates, hotel packages, special offers and last minutes, including real-time booking facilities for all hotels.