[StealthFundip]

It is well known that California has some of the best airsoft scenes in the United States. The numerous fields; concentration of players; warm, green gas friendly weather; and a large selection of retailers, including the Headquarters of Evike; makes California an airsofter's dream. However, this may soon change.

SB-199 is a revised version of the current laws in California covering the sales and marking requirements of any "BB device." Currently a "BB device" is defined as
"any instrument that expels a projectile, such as a BB or a pellet, not exceeding 6mm caliber, through the force of air pressure, gas pressure, or spring action, or any spot marker gun."

This is great when combined with this section of the law

16700. (a) As used in this part, "imitation firearm" means any BB device, toy gun, replica of a firearm, or other device that is so substantially similar in coloration and overall appearance to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to perceive that the device is a firearm.
(b) As used in Section 20165, "imitation firearm" does not include any of the following:
*blahblahblah not related to airsoft blah*
(2) A BB device.
*BLAH! blah.*

Cool! Airsoft guns aren't imitation firearms! But wait! SB-199 is created and sent to the Governor's desk, awaiting (dis)approval...

I already threw a lot of legal stuff at you, so basically starting January 1st, 2016, it would change the definition of a "BB device," saying that 6mm projectile launchers would no longer be considered a "BB device." They would then become imitation firearms, and subject to their restrictions and marking requirements. Okay, but to consider an airsoft gun NOT an imitation firearm, we would most notably have to do one thing...

"A device where the entire exterior surface of the device is white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern, or where the entire device is constructed of transparent or translucent materials which permits unmistakable observation of the device's complete contents."

Basically, clearsoft or nerf colors on your gun, or you can get a fine, not in excess of $10,000.

This might seem fine, but I can already see the news stories, "Criminal Paints Pistol Pink, Shoots 10 People with 2 1/2 Rounds" " 'Armed' Assault on Governor Brown, Now looks like a Golf Ball"

I can deal with an orange tip for FEDERAL law, but painting my beast "bright purple" doesn't help much with concealment. If Evike could only sell neon guns, it might lose a lot of business, along with the many fields who let airsoft players have their fun.

You can read the nitty-gritty here:Bill Text - SB-199 BB devices.
And find Governor Brown's contact info here:https://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php

I can't help but feel that the recent gun violence and accompanying legislation is likely going to spur this through at breakneck pace, and I don't know if they will take input from citizens of other states, so I'm putting this up so those who do live in California can have their voice heard by their governor. PLEASE send him a well thought out e-mail or voice message, and maybe we can keep our realistic camouflage patterns on our rifles, and prevent this bill from picking up steam and sweeping across the country, continent, and possibly WORLD. (maybe a little dramatic, but a possibility)

 

[catalyst]

I wonder if we could get around the law as part of re-enactment in airsoft games. It just seems for what we do that this law should not pertain to organized airsoft games on private land. So if retailers have to sell neon guns so be it... painting them ourselves for use on private land at an organized event shouldn't apply.

 

[L96A1 Scout]

In england that's exactly what we have, but there is a special license called UKARA linked to our VCRA (violent crimes reduction act) oh btw ukara is uk airsoft retailers association where you may not keep a realistic imitation all firearm unless you have been airsofting 3 times withing 2-12 months to shot interest. You then are given your license and use your id number at the checkout...

 

[p2skater1]

Wow, Wut about asgi? Would they probably move? Also all those good fields... Wasted. It's a REALISTIC GAME not nerf pls.

 

[BuMS]

In england that's exactly what we have, but there is a special license called UKARA linked to our VCRA (violent crimes reduction act) oh btw ukara is uk airsoft retailers association where you may not keep a realistic imitation all firearm unless you have been airsofting 3 times withing 2-12 months to shot interest. You then are given your license and use your id number at the checkout...

With that in mind, you should contact Governor Brown, and make your case for a exception to the law.
So adults that know, not to have the "imitation firearm" in site of the public, can keep there guns in the original colors.

And leave the bright colors to 10 year old Billy, that wants a gun.
Or players that have never played at a licensed airsoft site.

You all need to do this... Or enjoy your nerfsoft.

 

[matthewzguitarz]

Interesting, the owner of my local field actually admitted the law wouldn't effect us playing at his field, since it is on an Indian reservation, but he missed one important fact, transportation.