Airsoft

[bettersafethansorry]

In a WROL scenario, could I use these guns as a bluff? Dress up in my replica military gear and just 'pretend'? How likely would people be to believe that?

Always be prepared to have your bluff called. Also having these may attract more trouble than worth if someone was to think you had a real weapons cache they may attempt to take this.

[Fallschirmwomble]

Just in case, Airsoft is a sport which uses replica firearms that shoot BB pellets. They're like BB guns, but on a high calibir.<snip>

I have realistic looking airsoft guns which require a licence because they LOOK REAL.

What sort of velocity and footpounds are we talking? If you can't use them for hunting, they're surely no use.

Licence?!

Is registration a voluntary thing or is it a legal requirement? I've seen airsoft "weapons" sold online - all have inappropriate, brightly coloured parts. I don't get it. Is it an offence to paint them black/gunmetal? It's not as though you'd walk the streets with an airsoft gun. And, surely, any armed robbery wannabes would have enough of a clue to paint the things a more realistic colour. As I say, I don't understand any of this and I don't know the legislation (I do know commonsense with firearms with extensive experience [legally] over the decades.).

Aren't they 5.5mm plastic BBs? I keep encountering plastic BBs on the streets pretty much most places I go, less the town centre. Surely kids toy pistols - but I've got to wonder.

(Yesterday in Bridgwater, I saw an armed copper in the main street. Never occurred to me that he might have been an Airsofter out on a dare! ) (Perhaps it was he who was leaving BBs on the streets. )

In a WROL scenario, could I use these guns as a bluff? Dress up in my replica military gear and just 'pretend'? How likely would people be to believe that?

I used to have the misfortune of knowing a bloke who used to always dress up in army style gear. According to him, he was an ex-Para, ex-marine, ex-French Foreign Legionnaire - sometimes ex-SAS. My associates used to laughingly call him "Special Forces Dave". I'd be surprised if anyone ever believed any of his Jackanory.

You'd have to have a very accurate British military or British police uniform and kit to be convincing. But anyone from the military or police would IMMEDIATELY see through it and you'd be detained, at best. As for civilians, they'd assume you to be a deserter (soldiers operate in units) - so you'd be fair game for attack. You've got to sleep at some time...

If challenged, the first thing people would notice is the lack of a loud bang. Illusion shattered. Embarrassment ensures. You'd then probably get robbed - hopefully not raped, too.

Soldiers/police would engage you on sight, regardless. 5.56mm/9mm FMJ versus 5.5mm BB = no contest. ("Targets fall when hit")...

Not recommended, IMO. You intend to survive a disaster situation, after all...

[poppypiesdad]

Usually less than 1j or 325 fps or there about , but some single action bolts up to 500 fps to keep inside the law

For rif's its necessary to have a UKARA membership , but for two tone ( bright primary coloured guns) you can buy over the counter 18+

Not enough to kill you but can break the skin , take eyes out , and the odd tooth .

I know of several police forces that use them for training , the nuclear police and lots of squddies.

For the fear factor they are up there with the rif's but to injure be better hitting them over the head with it .

J

[Briggs]

Oh. Mine does BB at 1500fps

[Yorkshire Andy]

Ive had one for years pre VCRA only thing it gets used for is a fun alternative to a fly swat ( i can hit the big juicy blue bottles fairly well)

[Scablifter]

A catapult with a good theraband gold elastic will pack more punch, this can be several times more powerful than the legal 12Ft Lbs legal limit for Air Rifles, and considerably more than an airsoft popgun. If the right size steel ball is used I would rather have one of these for hunting small game. And I certainly would not like to be on the receiving end of it.
The other advantages are that they fit in your pocket, and are quick to re-load, although you will be shaking in a situation where you are under pressure and adrenaline is surging through your veins. They are also a lot cheaper to buy, or make. Ammunition is infinite, and they are silent.
As with anything, it is a personal preference. But from experience both military and civvy, It would be my choice if these were my only options.

[Jack the Lad]

A catapult with a good theraband gold elastic will pack more punch, this can be several times more powerful than the legal 12Ft Lbs legal limit for Air Rifles, and considerably more than an airsoft popgun. If the right size steel ball is used I would rather have one of these for hunting small game. And I certainly would not like to be on the receiving end of it.
The other advantages are that they fit in your pocket, and are quick to re-load, although you will be shaking in a situation where you are under pressure and adrenaline is surging through your veins. They are also a lot cheaper to buy, or make. Ammunition is infinite, and they are silent.
As with anything, it is a personal preference. But from experience both military and civvy, It would be my choice if these were my only options.

I've chronographed a Diablo all singing and dancing catapult using a trumark rr2 power band. We could never achieve more then 200fps or 8Ft Lbs using different size ball bearings. If you check the various magazine articles about catapult Ft Lbs they will back up my findings.

[Scablifter]

A catapult with a good theraband gold elastic will pack more punch, this can be several times more powerful than the legal 12Ft Lbs legal limit for Air Rifles, and considerably more than an airsoft popgun. If the right size steel ball is used I would rather have one of these for hunting small game. And I certainly would not like to be on the receiving end of it.
The other advantages are that they fit in your pocket, and are quick to re-load, although you will be shaking in a situation where you are under pressure and adrenaline is surging through your veins. They are also a lot cheaper to buy, or make. Ammunition is infinite, and they are silent.
As with anything, it is a personal preference. But from experience both military and civvy, It would be my choice if these were my only options.

I've chronographed a Diablo all singing and dancing catapult using a trumark rr2 power band. We could never achieve more then 200fps or 8Ft Lbs using different size ball bearings. If you check the various magazine articles about catapult Ft Lbs they will back up my findings.

I can't dispute your statement using the equipment you have tested, I have never used a diablo, or the elastic that you have mentioned.
My findings are based on the band I mentioned. But of course personal strength has a lot do with it.
Interesting article that concurs with my findings.

http://www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk/bushcra ... nting-tool

[Jack the Lad]

You are right I apologise , in a self defence situation a large heavy ball bearing coupled with that band will produce huge short range powers of 30ft Lbs plus. During my testing we never used any ammo above 183 grains and the pull on the band was sub 50Lb as our situation was hunting small game with a happy medium between accuracy and power not short range self defence.
With regards to how efect this would be is another matter. I would loVe to find out

[Tiercel]

As an airsofter, perhaps a little input - it depends on the weapon really... I mean if youre toting a SCAR-H or M16 or some other high tech military looking kit, then probably nobody going to fall for it. However, something like a shotgun or battered old looking handgun like a colt 1911 would be more believable, maybe even as far as dodgey looking AK47s I might believe some people could get their hands on in a SHTF moment.

Frankly though the best use I could think of for my airsoft guns in a SHTF are using them as a club, especially my solid wood and steel AK

If I were TRULY desperate and my life depended on it, Id perhaps consider peppering someone's face with BBs as theyll happily crack a tooth and take an eye out, but Id rather just avoid the scenario altogether. I certainly wouldnt kit up like Rambo and take to the streets with my toy machine gun when the SHTF