BB Guns Laws

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BLACK AIRSOFT GUN VS TWO-TONE COLOUR BB GUN

A black airsoft gun is classed as a realistic imitation firearm (R.I.F).

and a two-tone bb gun (i.e. 50% red & 50 percent black Etc) is classed as an unrealistic imitation firearm.

Below is an example of a two-tone gun and a RIF; both guns are exactly the same in how they work power and quality, the only difference is the colour.

ACCEPTABLE TWO-TONE BB GUN COLOURS.

For an airsoft/bb gun to be classed as two-tone, around 50% of the gun must be finished in one of the following colours: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Pink or Transparent.


BUYING A TWO-TONE BB GUN

You do not need a license to use a BB gun if you are over 18 years old. While there is no legal minimum age to own one, adult supervision is always recommended.

At BBgunsshop, you can purchase any BB or airsoft gun as long as it is at least 50% a non-black color. However, if the product has a two-tone option, you can order a fully black BB gun by selecting this option, and we will paint it to ensure compliance with UK law.

The purpose of two-tone BB guns is to make them easily recognizable as imitation firearms, helping to prevent unnecessary alarm among the public and police. Despite this, we strongly recommend transporting any BB gun—whether two-tone or a realistic imitation firearm (RIF)—in a gun bag to avoid misunderstandings.

If you’re considering buying a two-tone BB gun and then painting it black, be aware that this is illegal and could result in serious legal consequences. Additionally, altering your BB gun by painting it black will void your warranty with us.

AIRSOFT BB GUN JOULES/FPS LIMIT'S FOR USE IN THE UK

if you don't already know FPS = feet per second, The rate of speed that a bb pellet, when fired, will come out of your weapon. please note that lighter bb pellets will travel faster than the more heavy pellets.  

In England, Wales, Scotland

Max FPS for automatic(multiple shots with one trigger pull) 1.3J / 374fps @ 0.20g

Max FPS for semi-automatic (Single shot) 2.5J / 518fps @ 0.20g

 

in Northern Ireland

Max FPS for automatic. (multiple shots with one trigger pull) 1.0J / 328fps @ 0.20g 

Max FPS for semi-automatic (Single shot)1.0J / 328fps @ 0.20g

Can I Paint a BB Gun or Airsoft Gun Black? 

A common question we get is, “Is it illegal to spray paint a BB gun?” The answer is yes—it is illegal to paint a two-tone BB gun black or alter its appearance to resemble a realistic firearm. At BBgunsshop, we only sell black airsoft guns to customers over 18 who have a valid UKARA membership or a legitimate reason to purchase. However, it is legal to paint a black gun into a two-tone color.

While you must be over 18 to purchase an airsoft gun, there is no minimum age to use one. That said, we recommend users be at least 12 years old and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. By placing an order, customers agree to our Terms and Conditions.

BB Gun Laws in the UK

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a BB gun.

Anyone aged 12 to 18 must use a BB gun under adult supervision.

Guns should not be carried in public unless unloaded and stored in a bag during transit.

It is illegal to conceal a gun, point it at anyone, or fire at people or animals.

Always wear safety glasses and appropriate protective clothing when operating or being near a BB gun in use.

This is not a definitive guide to UK laws regarding BB guns, as the subject can be quite complex, and even experts may not have complete confidence in interpreting the laws.

This page has been written in good faith and to the best of our knowledge, but we strongly recommend conducting your own research on this topic.

Please note that UK laws are specific to the United Kingdom and do not apply to other countries, including Europe and Ireland.