Your Privacy Choices
The National Crime Agency in United Kingdom just made huge news as they arrested eight people and seized 79 illegal firearms hidden in engine blocks.
A vehicle with a trailer was trying to pass the border between France and the UK, but could be stopped before it entered the tunnel under the Channel.
A search of the vehicle’s trailer revealed 79 handguns and ammunition concealed in the engine blocks.
It’s just that the illegal firearms are all 4 mm and 6 mm, so they must be BB guns.
BB guns are air guns. While they can be dangerous, they are by no means as dangerous as real firearms.
I don’t know the UK legislation well enough, but I have checked several sources and it seems BB guns are not “illegal” per se.
For instance I used this source: BB Guns and the Law (UK). It seems that AGE of the owner and the COLOR Orange are important if you want to follow the law. I quote:
Minimum age to purchase a BB gun is 18 years. An adult must supervise persons 14 to 18 years of age. No gun should be carried in a public place unless in transit when it should be unloaded and placed in a bag. Guns must not be concealed on one’s person, or pointed or fired at another human or animal. Safety glasses and other protective clothing should also be worn when operating the gun or viewing.
With the VCR bill introduced October 2007, the law as it stands in the UK: (7) A realistic imitation firearm brought into Great Britain shall be liable to forfeiture under the customs and excise Acts. (1) A person is guilty of an offence if (d) he brings a realistic imitation firearm into Great Britain. (9) An offence under this section shall be punishable, on summary conviction (a) in England and Wales, with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or with a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or both. We ONLY sell UK legal products and all our guns are 2 tones with one colour being bright orange which excludes them from the new laws.
From 01/10/2007 the laws regarding airsoft guns have changed for the UK. Under the VCRA Bill 2006 it is illegal to buy or sell an airsoft gun to anyone under the age of 18 years. Under Section 36 of the V.C.R Act it is a criminal offence to alter the appearance or paint in a colour of an imitation firearm to make it into a realistic firearm…
Detailed photos of the engine block.
Two persons have been charged. The other 6 persons will not have any actions against them.
Both have been charged with knowingly being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition or restriction on a prohibited weapon or ammunition, and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life or enable another to do so and remanded in custody.
Below: Caliber: 6 mm clearly stated on the BB revolver.
You can check NCA’s Flickr page and judge for yourself.
