This article just underscores the fight we are in for as our politicians are classifying Airsoft guns as deadly weapons. However, the true enemy is those who handle Airsoft guns in an immature manner and the parents who allow it. Education was the key to reducing smoking, education was the key to reducing drunk driving, and education is the key to responsible and safe handling of Airsoft guns. However, we should weight the pros and cons of how Airsoft guns are classified because as a firearm they would be protected under the 2nd Amendment. So get ready to join the NRA!
- Stone Wolf
Posted on http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=344207
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. –Colorado Springs Police Department and the City of Colorado Springs Attorney’s Office staffs have met during the past few weeks to address issues with so-called “airsoft guns.”
The concern is the legality of possessing and discharging these weapons.
Back in 2004, after discussions with officials from the City Attorney’s office, it was determined that the guns do meet the definition of a “dangerous or deadly weapon” per City of Colorado Springs Code, 9.7.101.
This information was reaffirmed to be accurate again last week.
Although the law does prohibit the discharge of these weapons, the mere possession of them is not prohibited.
One of the main issues surrounding the airsoft guns is their level of realism. These weapons, although thought of as toys, appear to be exactly like the real life guns they portray.
This leaves the public and law enforcement in a difficult spot when determining whether to notify authorities of a potentially dangerous situation, and also affects law enforcement’s response to that call.
Although the weapons are manufactured with a bright yellow or orange tip (mandated by federal law), they are commonly altered to remove these warning devices, thus the weapon appears real.
Discharging airsoft guns outside of the city limits remains legal.
Although city ordinances do not apply outside that area, some good practices to follow when using airsoft guns are as follows:
* Never remove the brightly colored warning tip from the weapon.
* Never point the weapon at another person who is not wearing the appropriate protective equipment. Although some of the weapons are quite low-powered, there are some that are manufactured that can cause injury.
* Never point the weapon at another person who does not know what it is. This could lead to a menacing charge, which is a felony in the State of Colorado. It doesn’t matter what the weapon is, only what the victim perceives it to be.
* Never carry an airsoft gun into a business unless that business is aware of the weapon’s status and authorizes it. This could cause undue panic and alarm, and could result in criminal charges.
* If contacted by a law enforcement officer, immediately drop the weapon. Do not move or change your position as this could be viewed as an aggressive movement and the officer may not have time to properly evaluate the situation.
* Never point an airsoft gun at an officer of the law. This could lead to a potentially lethal situation.
