United Kingdom Gun Laws Defined ~ Discussion.

[Wade Egan]

Thanks to my friend djd, I have now finally read up on the new UK gun laws in order to define them better as pertaining to the sale of the S&W and WG resin prop kits to customers in the UK.

The following link will give you the law as written: http://www.iansa.org/action/woa2005/doc ... nAct06.pdf

Below is the definition of the law as stated in the link above:

36 Manufacture, import and sale of realistic imitation firearms
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if—
(a) he manufactures a realistic imitation firearm;
(b) he modifies an imitation firearm so that it becomes a realistic imitation
firearm;
(c) he sells a realistic imitation firearm; or
(d) he brings a realistic imitation firearm into Great Britain or causes one to
be brought into Great Britain.


The reason I am worried about this new law is not only because I do not wish to have my customers imprisoned or fined for purchasing my products (nor do I want to lose the product or money because the UK customs destroyed the package), AND I was born in London and have retained dual citizenship. Therefore, under this law, I would technically be guilty of an infraction and able to be held accountable under British law should I import realistic imitation firearms into the UK. So you can see why I am trying to get this as above board as possible. I want to look after all our butts. The last thing I want is for the constable to knock on your door instead of the postman.

With the law cleared up for me, it appears that the WG and S&W kits in their present condition will not be allowed into the country as they are gray in color and definitely look like realistic firearms. Therefore, I believe that in order for me to send these kits to the UK I will have to paint them orange or cast them with an orange(or blue, pink, green, or yellow) color in the resin.

The law specifically states that modifying an imitation firearm is illegal. So I cannot hint or imply that you can paint the kits to look realistic or that that is their ultimate purpose. Meaning no pictures of the real pistol or finishing guide in the package. As long as I conform to the law on importing it is not my responsibility if the UK kit buyers decide to break the law and paint the kits to look realistic. While we all know that's what will be taking place, it is best to have it be an 'unsaid' if you know what I mean.

Any more input from our friends in the UK and other countries which have similar laws please feel free to share your information.

PLEASE, if you're a UK buyer and have already ordered a kit from me, contact me ASAP to discuss the color options for your kits. I have sent a couple of kits out to the UK already so we'll have to see what happens with those. They were the standard gray color and will most likely be held in customs.

Please let me know what color would be preferred and whether you would rather have the UK kits painted or made with color resin.


Thanks,

W.E.

[binkmeisterRick]

Since this directly affects how you can sell your replicas, Wade, I'll leave this up for folks to see. However, the notice stickied at the top of this section specifically states:

Let's also try to keep this area clear of political discussion. Indy carried and used firearms. We're here to discuss those arms, and not the often complicated and diverse opinions regarding gun ownership. Let's keep it interesting, but within those confines if you would. Keep in mind that firearm laws vary from area to area, whether real or reproduction, so please take that into account as to how these discussions may impact what YOU can do in your specific location. Thanks!

While your post brings into light the complex issue regarding the sales and importation of such replicas, it is ultimately up to the buyer to do his homework and look into such laws.

Regards,

bink