UKARA, RIFs and Two-Tones: UK Airsoft Law Explained
UK airsoft law confuses almost every new player. Can you buy a black gun? What is UKARA? Why are some guns bright orange? This plain English guide explains how the rules work, so you can buy and use airsoft guns legally and with confidence.
Please note: this guide is general information, not legal advice. It reflects our understanding of the law in England, Wales and Scotland at the time of writing. Northern Ireland has different firearms legislation. If you are unsure about your situation, take independent legal advice.
The key law: the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006
The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA) made it an offence to manufacture, import, sell or modify a realistic imitation firearm (RIF) in Great Britain. It does not make it illegal to own one, and it includes specific defences, one of which covers airsoft skirmishing.
What is a RIF?
A realistic imitation firearm is something that looks so much like a real firearm that it is almost impossible to tell the difference without close examination. Most airsoft guns in standard black, tan or olive colours are RIFs.
What is a two-tone (IF)?
An imitation firearm (IF) that is not realistic is not caught by the VCRA restrictions on RIFs. The regulations say an imitation is not realistic if it is predominantly coloured bright red, orange, yellow, green, pink, purple or blue, or is transparent. In practice, retailers use a widely accepted standard of at least 51% of the exterior being one of these bright colours. These are commonly called two-tones.
| RIF (realistic) | Two-tone IF | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Realistic black, tan, olive etc. | At least 51% bright colour |
| Who can buy | Only someone with a valid defence | Anyone aged 18 or over |
| Legal to own? | Yes | Yes |
| Legal to use at a site? | Yes | Yes |
The airsoft skirmisher defence
Regulations under the VCRA created a defence for people buying a RIF to take part in airsoft skirmishing at a site with appropriate public liability insurance. Retailers need reasonable evidence that you have that defence before they can sell you a RIF.
How do you prove it? UKARA
The most widely recognised way is the UK Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) database. It is a shared register that participating retailers check before selling a RIF. You get on it like this:
- Play at a UKARA-registered site. Not every site is registered, so check first.
- Play at least three game days at that same site, spread over a period of at least two months (56 days).
- Ask the site to register you. They submit your details to the database. You are usually asked for photo ID.
- Get your UKARA number. You give this to retailers when you buy a RIF. It is renewed by continuing to play regularly.
Some sites also issue their own skirmisher cards, and there are other recognised schemes. If you are new to the game and looking for a place to start building your game days, our sister site OP-TAC runs regular airsoft events.
Other defences
The law includes other defences, for example for theatrical, film and television productions, historical re-enactment groups with appropriate insurance, and museums. These have their own evidence requirements and are less relevant to most players.
Age limits
- You must be 18 or over to buy any imitation firearm, RIF or two-tone.
- It is an offence to sell an imitation firearm to anyone under 18.
- Under 18s can usually play airsoft at many sites (often from 12 or 14 with parental consent), but cannot purchase.
- Green gas, CO2 and pyrotechnics are also 18+ items.
Power limits
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 defined airsoft guns in law and set maximum power limits. An airsoft gun firing 6mm BBs must not exceed:
- 1.3 joules for single-shot guns (around 370 fps with a 0.20g BB).
- 2.5 joules for guns capable of automatic fire (around 520 fps with a 0.20g BB).
Above these limits, a gun may be treated as an air weapon, which has its own rules. In practice, sites set their own lower limits, commonly around 350 fps for automatic rifles indoors and outdoors, with higher limits for DMRs and bolt-action snipers that must respect minimum engagement distances. You will be chronographed before you play.
Modifying and painting
Because modifying a two-tone into something realistic can count as manufacturing a RIF, do not paint or change the colour of a two-tone unless you hold a valid defence. If you want to customise your gun, read our guide on how to spray paint an airsoft gun first.
Carrying and transporting airsoft guns
Owning a RIF is legal, but carrying an imitation firearm in a public place without a reasonable excuse is an offence. Even with a good reason, such as travelling to a game, a replica on show can lead to an armed police response. Follow these rules every time:
- Always transport guns in a closed gun bag or hard case, ideally one that does not look obviously like a gun case.
- Go directly to and from the site. Do not stop at a shop or petrol station with your gun visible.
- Never take a replica out in public, in your garden where it can be seen from the street, or in a car with it on the seat.
- Never wear full kit or carry a replica outside the site boundary.
Buying online
When you buy a RIF online, the retailer will ask for your UKARA number or other evidence of a defence, and verify your age. When you buy a two-tone, you will still need to prove you are 18 or over. Expect age checks on gas and pyro too. These checks are a legal requirement, not just policy.
Quick summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I own a RIF? | Yes. Ownership is legal. |
| Can I buy a RIF? | Only with a valid defence, usually UKARA. |
| Can I buy a two-tone? | Yes, if you are 18 or over. |
| How do I get UKARA? | 3 game days at one registered site over at least 2 months. |
| Can I paint a two-tone black? | Not without a valid defence. |
| Can I carry it in public? | No. Transport it covered and go directly to the site. |
Shop with confidence
We follow UK law on every sale, with age checks and defence checks where required.
Shop gun bagsRead our FAQsFrequently asked questions
Is airsoft legal in the UK?
Yes. Airsoft is a legal sport in the UK. The law controls the sale of realistic imitation firearms, not playing the game or owning a replica.
How do I get a UKARA number?
Play at least three game days at the same UKARA-registered site over at least two months, then ask the site to register you on the database.
Can I buy an airsoft gun without UKARA?
You can buy a two-tone imitation if you are 18 or over. To buy a realistic imitation firearm, you need a valid defence such as UKARA.
What age do you have to be to buy an airsoft gun?
18 or over for any airsoft gun, whether it is a RIF or a two-tone.
Can I paint my two-tone airsoft gun?
Not into realistic colours unless you hold a valid defence. Doing so can count as manufacturing a RIF, which is an offence.
Is it legal to carry an airsoft gun in public?
Carrying an imitation firearm in public without a reasonable excuse is an offence. Always transport replicas covered in a bag or case and go directly to and from your site.
