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PAST EDITORIALS

• 2^th July 2004 - arcel Force. Now there's a bloody joke. Parcel FARCE is much more like it.
• 17^th May 2004 - OK, it's not Airsoft, but it's got me laughing...
• 8-13^th April 2004 - Stop blocking the bloody bus stops and lanes! (and think Road Safety!)
• 27^th January 2004 - A call to arms...
• 19^th July 2003 - Gone, but not forgotton...
• 4^th May 2003 - My God, it's finally happening! And not before time!...
• 14^th April 2003 - Viruses in the mail are a pain in the ASP...
• 4^th April 2003 - On Representation for Airsoft in the Political Arena...
• 16^th March 2003 - What the hell are a couple of dimwits in the trade playing at?
• 20^th February 2003 - On Gun Crime, Laws, and the Future of Airsofting in the UK... (part 2)
• 10^th February 2003 - The End of Gun Mart as we know it...?
• 10^th February 2003 - On Gun Crime, Laws, and the Future of Airsofting in the UK... (part 1)

2^th July 2004

Parcel Force. Now there's a bloody joke. Parcel FARCE is much more like it.

Recently, I placed two orders with WGC in Hong Kong. Both were to be shipped EMS Speedpost in HK, where Parcel Force in the UK would take over to deliver the packages to me. In both cases, Parcel Farce really screwed the pooch.

Case one: Their tracking number EC125297622GB.

Parcel number: EC125297622GB
Status: Delivered
Signed for by: R STENNING

Parcel tracks

Date Time Location Tracking Event

24-06-2004  17:22  Charlton Depot Parcel delivered
23-06-2004  16:49  Charlton Depot Returned to depot
22-06-2004  13:03  Charlton Depot Delivery rescheduled
16-06-2004  09:10  Charlton Depot Returned to depot
15-06-2004  18:51  Charlton Depot Automatic Second Delivery
15-06-2004  18:51  Charlton Depot Returned to depot
15-06-2004  12:07  Charlton Depot Attempted delivery
10-06-2004  00:18  National Hub Sorted in hub
09-06-2004  21:43  International Hub Sorted in hub
09-06-2004  19:14  International Hub Arrived at hub
08-06-2004  22:55  Delivery Agent - HONG KONG - PTT

Now, let's go over this in a little more detail.

Here's an e-mail I received from the Parcel Force centre, requesting that the above package be held at the Charlton depot, for me to collect.

Subject: Parcelforce Worldwide
To: roger@practicalairsoft.co.uk
X-Mailer: Lotus Notes Release 5.0.5  September 22, 2000
Message-ID: 
From: DELETED FOR PRIVACY@royalmail.com
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 05:13:35 +0000
X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on m22ng32/H/MTANET(Release 6.5|September 26, 2003) at
 21/06/2004 05:15:25
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-type: multipart/related; 
	Boundary="0__=8FBBE429DF8F8C278f9e8a93df938690918c8FBBE429DF8F8C27"
X-Original-To: roger@practicalairsoft.co.uk

Thank you for your correspondence. I have sent a message down to the depot to asked them
to hold your parcel for you.

If you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us again at
parcelforce@parcelforce.co.uk as a response to any other e-mail address will not
receive a reply.

Alternatively, you can contact our enquiry line on 08708 501150, or by Textphone
08000 555854 (for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing). 

Kind Regards
DELETED FOR PRIVACY

Parcelforce Worldwide is a trading name of Royal Mail Group plc. Registered in England and Wales.
Registered number 4138203. Registered office at 148 Old Street, LONDON EC1V 9HQ

To: parcelforce@parcelforce.co.uk
cc: 
bcc: 
Hard Copy To: 
Hard Copy cc: 

Date: 18/06/2004 23:26 From:  roger@practicalairsoft.co.uk 
   
Subject:  COL.com Royal Mail 

"EC125297622GB","","Roger Stenning","roger@practicalairsoft.co.uk","","","","","",
"","","","","07958906582","","Dear Sir or Madam,

I've only just found out that you unsuccessfully attempted delivery to me on the
15th, by checking on-line with the sender. 

Of interest is that no note/card was left at my home by your delivery person.

Since I'm working shifts, and will be off on Wednesday next (23/June/2004), can
you arrange to hold the package at your Charlton Depot, for me to collet it in
person please?

I look forward to an early reply.

So, armed with this, I duly turned up at the Charlton Depot, to collect my package. Imagine my anger when I discovered that it had been put on the delivery van. AGAIN. To cut a long and expletive filled story short, Terry Gale, one of the staff there, pulled their fat out of the fire, and in his own time, after his shift, and well out of his way home, delivered the package to me. Now, while extraordinarily pissed off at Parcel Force, I think you'll agree that this was Service Above And Beyond The Call Of Duty. A hearty well done goes to the man. Unfortunately, this story does not end there.

Case two: Their tracking number EC127926382GB.

Parcel number: EC127926382GB 
Status: In progress 
    
Parcel tracks 
    
Date Time Location Tracking Event 
 
01-07-2004  13:45  International Hub Sorted in hub 
29-06-2004  14:52  International Hub Arrived at hub 
28-06-2004  22:20  Delivery Agent - HONG KONG - PTT 

And why was it at their international hub for close to 48 hours? They said customs & excise were to blame. Of course. And Parcel Farce are never to blame, either. Still believe in the Tooth Fairy, do we?

OK, so having called the PF help line, and e-mailed them, I received a conformation that the second package would be held at Charlton for me to collect. Yep. They damn well did it again. As I type this, it's on their sodding van. And I'm telling you now, I'm so bloody pissed off with them that STEAM is coming out of my ears. So. I decided to make enquiries.

Well, to find out if Parcel Force were telling me porkies, I called HM C&E, on 0845-010-9000. I spoke to a very helpful lady there (Charlotte), who gave me a call reference number (BBW3145), and passed me on to their Excise Team call centre.

On speaking to their Excise Team call centre (with a new call reference number of AQB14596), the extremely helpful lady there (Melanie) told me that the C&E team there had assessed the package for all of two minutes, and that the call centre team were normally informed of any delays at the Parcel Force Coventry International Hub. Apparently, no such notification had been given to them, leading her to believe that no such hold or delay was due to HM C&E. She's got no reason to lie, by the way. So, Parcel Force are apparently lying through their teeth. Caught you, folks. Try wriggling out of that.

Anyhow, having rushed back home from Charlton through Rush Hour traffic (Thanks God I spent five years mini-cabbing - I know all the short-cuts and rat runs!), I got home an hour before their man called with my package. Not his fault, so I treated him politely, but Good Lord, I'm fuming. In all, I've driven FORTY miles (ten miles each way, twice), spent over an hour on the phone with ParcelFarce, spent roughly 45 minutes using their tracking system, and feel I ought to charge them for my time. Now, if I were to do this, I probably wouldn't succeed, especially as I rate my time in this as 'consulting', which I charge at £20 per hour or part thereof, and a further £1 per mile or part thereof. So that's £80 I'm out of pocket on. So screw 'em. I'd rather hit them in the pocket. So.

DO NOT USE PARCEL FARCE. Relay this editorial to all of your freinds who use Parcel Farce.

If you're ordering from Hong Kong, do NOT use EMS Speedpost as the method of shipping, as that will lead to Parcel Farce. Use DHL or similar (I've NEVER had problems with DHL, UPS, or TNT, either. And that's saying something, when compared to ParcelFarce).

If in doubt, see the above.

Here endeth the rant.

17^th May 2004

OK, it's not Airsoft, but it's got me laughing...

I just got sent this by my parents, who in tiurn were sent it by a family freind in Canada, who in turn (etc., etc., etc). Suffice to say, it's all over the bloody place! Enjoy!

By the way, if you're the original author of this, please drop me a line, so that I can correctly credit this!

Like I said, not at all Airsoft related, but so damn funny I had to share it with you - hope you liked it!

8-13^th April 2004

Stop blocking the bloody bus stops and lanes! (and think Road Safety!)

Now, some of you who know me, know that I'm a Bus Driver. yep, I'm a professional driver. Now, before you go off and say "Oh, Lord, not another bloody bad driver!", let me tell you a couple of things.

• First, our licences are what are called "Vocational Licences". There is no absolute right to have them. There is only a privilage to possess such a licence. In order to obtain one, we have to take a very stringent test, overseen by the Driver Standards Agency (DSA). They judge us far more harshly than the more 'ordinary' car and bike licence takers.
• Secondly, we have regular driving assessments, both overtly, by our own companies, and covertly, by DSA examiners who travel as regular passengers on our buses. These covert examiners have the power to revoke, on the spot, our licences, if they feel that we're driving dangerously.

So, with that out of the way, why am I blathering away about my job?

Simple. I'm in a strop about a number of you car, cab, and LGV drivers. Allow me to remind you of certain sections of the Highway Code:

Bus Lanes: Rule 120
Bus and tram lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or stop in a tram lane or in a bus lane during its period of operation unless the signs indicate you may do so.

Law: Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 sects 5 & 8

Mobile phones: Rule 127 You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Never use a hand held mobile phone or microphone when driving. Using hands free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use any telephone while you are driving - find a safe place to stop first.

Laws RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3 & CUR reg 104

Be honest. How many of you use a mobile phone when driving. OK, fine. Now, how many of you do NOT use dedicated hands-free kits (NOT Bluetooth or wired ear pieces)? Ah. You're breaking the law. And you COULD hit my bloody bus, like the idiot White Van Man yesterday, who went through a red light, missing me by literally two inches (I had to stand on the anchors, displeasing a few of my customers), while blindly yakking on his mobile, pressed home to his left ear. The Police have, I am told, been passed the on-bus forward and side facing CCTV camera video images (didn't know we had those, did you? Tough. We do) of his registration number. If you're that white van man, enjoy the fine and points, mate.

In-car technology: Rule 127 There is a danger of driver distraction being caused by in-vehicle systems such as route guidance and navigation systems, congestion warning systems, PCs, multi-media, etc. Do not operate, adjust or view any such system if it will distract your attention while you are driving; you MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. If necessary find a safe place to stop first.

Think road safety, and the comments above on phones. I can see the day when some poor sod is going to say that he was lost, and trying to program his damned in-car GPS as a defence in court. Don't let it get that far. Find a safe place to park, use that safe place and stop there, THEN use the bloody GPS wotsit thingymabob.

Laws RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3 & CUR reg 104

Single-track roads: Rule 133 These are only wide enough for one vehicle. They may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.

Now, I've added the italics to this one. remember that like any large vehicle, buses take a while, especially going uphill, to get moving. Once they're moving, it's easy enough to keep going. However, there are many of you out there that, when you see a bloody great vehicle coming, seem to think that you're a bull, and the vehicle is a red flag. WRONG. Be nice. It doesn't take much to slow down, and let us up that narrow road. You'll be helping others (the passenger of the bus, many of whom may be elderly and trying to get to the post office before it closes for the day) as well. Do a good deed for the day - let the bus up that damned hill!

Box Junctions: Rule 150
Box junctions. These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road (see Other road markings section). You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Law: Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 1994 reg 10(1)

Bus Stops: Rule 198
Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.

HINT: The thick yellow line against the kerb is a reminder as well - don't even THINK about parking on a bus stop.
Here's the carrot: You won't get fined if you do not park on a bus stop.
Here's the stick: Buses carry enforcement cameras in London. You even STOP on a bus stop, and a bus comes along, there's a better than even chance that you'll get a fixed penalty notice in the post for stopping there. That's £100 and several points, ladies!

Bus Lanes: Rule 217
DO NOT park your vehicle or trailer on the road where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users. For example, do not stop

• at or near a bus stop or taxi rank

HINT: The thick yellow line against the kerb is a reminder as well - don't even THINK about parking on a bus stop.
Here's the carrot: You won't get fined if you do not park on a bus stop.
Here's the stick: Buses carry enforcement cameras in London. You even STOP on a bus stop, and a bus comes along, there's a better than even chance that you'll get a fixed penalty notice in the post for stopping there. That's £100 and several points, ladies!

Now, why am I telling you all of the above? Easy. Bus operating Companies get fined for being late. Most often, this is due to traffic, like someone parking in a bus stop, right on the edge of a bus stop, or in bus lanes. Think about the size and the position of the wheels of a bus. Yeah, it's a bloody great big thing, and carries a lot of people. However, in order to get close to the kerb at a stop, and parrallell to it to allow wheel-chair users off (we have ramps for this, by the way), we NEED to get within six INCHES (15cm) of the kerb. If you're parked right up against the bus stop, the chances are better than even that we won't be ABLE to get near enough to the kerb. Result: More delays. Other results: We block the road at bus stops, because you were inconsiderate enough to block the bloody bus stop.

Hope you've understood where I'm coming from in this. Drive safe!

27^th January 2004

A call to arms...

Y'know, I've been involved in this excellent hobby of ours for well over thirteen years, playing and commenting at large, and in all that time, organisation-wise, the UKASGB is the only one that's really got of the ground in any meaningful form.

Others have tried to get players associations going (in one form or another), and every time, these have fallen by the wayside, through other alleged mismanagement, internal wranglings (politics again, dammit), or a complete lack of interest.

I'm not the one to do it (for reasons that those who know me will understand), but someone MUST get a properly organised players association going. UKAPA seems to me the way to go, and if it works with the UKASGB, so much the better for all concerned.

We NEED the clout a player association will give is, not only in the political and judicial areas, but with the press, personal liability insurers et al.

So. The doomsayers and sideline snipers should stop doomsaying and sniping, and step up to the plate in a supportive manner, before it's too late.

Here endeth the rant.

19^th July 2003

Gone, but not forgotten...

Well, due to personal reasons, John has taken his entire site off-line, and will not, for the forseeable future, be operating his respected site, FrontRank.org.

However as, I suspect, a passing shot at the anti's, he's posted a poem and a quote in the place of the site. Here's the link, and here's the quote:

"By a free country, I mean a country where people are allowed, so long as they do not hurt their neighbours, to do as they like. I do not mean a country where six men may make five men do exactly as they like." - Lord Salisbury (1830-1903)

Read the poem. Completely. I don't know who wrote it, but sadly, it appears to be coming true.

And we're next on the list.

WAKE UP.

DEFEND YOUR HOBBY.

Or we'll lose it.

Simple as that.

You should know what to do by now. Write to your MP, if a politician says something bone. Get them to see the correct and truthful side - OUR side. Not the Politically Correct Brigade's Revised History version.

After all, hasn't history - and our hobby - been messed about with enough, for one decade?

4^th May 2003

My Monthly Rant About Something Serious...

My God, it's finally happening! And not before time!

What am I on about? A UK Airsoft Association, run by players, FOR players. To be called UKAPA (United Kingdom Airsoft Association), it's very much a fledgeling, not yet out of the nest, but the intent is there, a forum dedicated to it has been set up on the UK Airsoft Network forums, thre's a draft constitution, a short competition for choosing a logo is in the offing, and several people have already siad that they'll help in whatever way they can.

(Pause for taking a breath, pant, pant, pant!)

So why is this important, you ask?

Easy. If, as Airsofters, we want to be taken more seriously as a hobby, and an allied collection of players, we need a banner under which to be known, to Politicians, media, Police, and so on. It adds a very important word to the hobby: Credibility, without which, prior to now, we have, believe me, struggled to get our voices heard.

So what should you, as a dedicated, trustworthy, reliable, and above all, mature in mental outlook, player do now?

Again, it's easy. Join the debate. UKAPA will be a democratic Representative organisation. Here's a quote right off the pages of the draft constitution, if you're in any doubt:

2.   Mission Statement And Aims Of The Association
 
3.   Mission Statement

• "To act as an enabling and advisory forum for all parties interested in Airsoft skirmishing in the United Kingdom. To promote the interests of Airsoft players within the UK and to represent the views of UKAPA members where and when required."

• To represent the interests of all members of the Association within Airsoft.
• To act as the 'primary liaison' for the members of the Association with Government, press and associated media.
• To promote safe and responsible Airsoft skirmishing within the UK through the publication of a voluntary code of "best practice" within Airsoft.
• To produce an Association newsletter at regular intervals as determined by Council Members, the content to be decided by the Council while encouraging members to contribute articles for inclusion.

Now, does this sound like a worthy cause? Of course it does! So what are you waiting for? Get on board now! Make this thing fly, where so many before have augered in, crashing and burning!

Have a good month, and play safe!

14^th April 2003

My Monthly Rant About Something Serious...

Viruses in the mail are a pain in the ASP...

Like most people, I tend to get viruses sent to me in the e-mail. In this modern day and age, it's just one of those things.

Getting 200 from one person in a month, though, is testing my patience a fair bit.

This did, however, spur a thought. Just how many others out there don't even know if their computer is infected? Probably quite a lot, and frankly, it's inexcusable, when there are free - yes, FREE - anti-virus packages available for personal (i.e. home) use.

What's this got to do with Airsoft? Well, next time you send me an e-mail, maybe you better check to see if your computer is clean from infection, before hitting that 'send' button. If my computer gets infected, updates to this site may take a hell of a lot longer, and, if it's a severe attack, that may do it for this site, as it's written using ASP. Most viruses out there target Microsoft products, by the way, and ASP is one such product.

Yes, I have anti-virus protection. I've also got a firewall, thanks, and both of them work very well. However, nothing is infallible; we can only do our best to protect our computers, and, most times, computers are how we find out about things - especially Airsoft, these days, so we ALL need to be diligent in the protection of our computers.

This means that I want you, if you do not have anti-virus protection, to go immediately from this editorial, to Grisoft, and download their free version of their AVG Anti-Virus software. Next, to stop hackers, get a good Firewall. There are a few free ones out there for personal use, but the easiest to use is probably ZoneAlarm, from ZoneLabs. You should get that too.

Why should you get these? One: They're free. Two: Your computer will be safer for you to use. Three: You won't inadvertently spread viruses (or at least, you shouldn't, all things being equal), and Fourth, I'll be saved from having to download up to two-bloody-hundred virus-weighed e-mails a month. That last should count for a hell of a lot, by the way, if you want to keep me sweet!

Anyhow, have a good month, and play safe!

4^th April 2003

My Monthly Rant About Something Serious...

On Representation for Airsoft in the Political Arena...

Those of you who want to see a national Airsoft organisation, club, or support organisation of whatever form, with the ability to represent us to the Press and Parliament (a.k.a. lobbying abilities) may well have to wait until there's a blue moon in the sky at night. However, an interesting sideline has started to germinate with some of us in the hobby, and high time, too.

You may want to read this thread first, then this thread, both on the UKAN forums, to give you some background into this subject before reading on below, as there are views both for and against, as you'd imagine. I'll warn you now, the first is quite a lenghty one, and has one or two idiot postings (you'd think that some would engage their brains, before typing, wouldn't you? No? Oh, well ). None the less, they both make good points.

Well, as it happens, the day the second thread started, I was talking via e-mail to Stephen, one of the many readers of this section of Practical Airsoft (oh, and thanks again to all of you for visiting this site!), on virtually the same topic. Talk about coincidence!

So, what's good about the idea of joining an existing shooting organisation like the Sportsmans' Association?

Simple, really. The Sportsmans Association seems to have it's collective head in order, and is willing to represent all forms of shooting - including Airsofting.

Here's the proof of the pudding - an email from them, to one of the readership of this web site (and yes, I have got the recipients' permission to reproduce it, for which, many thanks!). Note that e-mail addresses have been stripped (as has the name of the recipient) for privacy reasons. Here's the e-mail:

From: [DELETED FOR PRIVACY (home account)]
Sent: 03 April 2003 21:17
To:  [DELETED FOR PRIVACY (home account)]
Subject: SAGBNI

Dear [DELETED FOR PRIVACY],

You would be more than welcome to join us as we are already
- we do cater for all legal forms of sport shooting.

We usually make reductions in membership costs for groups
who join us. How many people do you think might be interested?
(We need members to give us political 'clout' and, of course, the
financial wherewithal to conduct the campaign. SAGBNI does
not employ any 'fat cats' and so most of our money goes into
the insurance premiums and the campaign!)

If you need further information about us, please have a look at
our website 'http://www.sportsmansassociation.com'
and, if you don't find what you need to know, please get back
to me and I will do my best to help.

Best wishes,

Richard Malbon, SAGBNI Director

Let's have a quick look at what the basic facilities that we would need from a National Airsoft organisation for a moment:

• Cheap membership.
• Personal third party liability insurance.
• A legal assistance facility.
• The ability to vote for committee members and/or issues.

OK, now onto the Sportsmans Association, and what they offer at this time to Full Members:

• They have the legal support in place, should you need it.
• They have the connections in the Lobby industry to contact and attempt to persuade politicians to the pro-shooting viewpoint.
• Full personal membership grants the following for £32 per annum, as standard:
  • Membership Card,
  • £5 Million Shooting Insurance,
  • Full Voting Rights,
  • Helpline Service,
  • Special Subscription Rates to GunMart & Shooting Sports Magazines

In short, they already have the infrastructure in place and, in my view at least, there's no need for a new organisation, just for Airsofters in the UK, with all the funding, contacts, and administrative problems that would have to be overcome, at least for the forseeable future.

Also, since the introduction of Airsoft models into the Practical Pistol shooting sport (formerly it used real firearms, until the 1998 ban stopped them), Airsoft - or at least, the models - has been getting better-known in the mainstream shooting hobby (have a look over this material on Arnie's Airsoft, on BBIPSC; "Practical Pistol Discussion: This forum is dedicated to the Airsoft / IPSC related sport known as Practical Pistol (aka BBIPSC)." ); Thus the Sportsmans Association may well better placed to be able to help us to keep our hobby safe, rather than extinct, which is what the rather (and I'm being polite here) mis-directed people over at the Gun Control Network would like.

So what's stopping you?

You've already got web access, as you're reading this, haven't you? No credit card? Send them a cheque or postal order!

Remember: I can only suggest a course of action. The rest is up to you.

16^th March 2003

What the hell are a couple of dimwits in the trade playing at?

The firearms shooting disciplines have at least a dozen, all working together on relevant issues.

Paintball has at least one, and it's getting bigger.

Airsoft? Nothing at all. And that's Not Good.

What am I talking about? Organisations to support both trade and player alike, in these troubling politically correct times. Let's realise something here. In order to continue our hobby, we MUST have a central body to represent us. Such an organisation should have contacts in the political world (lobbyists, for want of a better term), legal representation if we have problems, and a hefty system of Personal and Third Party Public Liability Insurance, to protect us in these times where even someone stubbing their toe on your car can lead to a lawsuit.

Several years ago, Alex Goodey, of www.airsoft.org infamy (I'll come to this a little later), had the excellent idea of starting an organisation for Airsofters, By Airsofters. So he did what it said on the tin, and got one going.

Bad luck, then, that he apparently suffered at the hands of a couple of people (to hear him tell it), whose organisational skills were less than, er, useful. As you can imagine, he also set a few noses out of joint; for many reasons (that I won't go into here), by annoying a great many of the UKs Airsofters through his practices on his web site, www.airsoft.org, to the point where his support was lacking. As a result of the combination of problems he faced, the National Air Soft Association folded, owing several people money - including quite a few members of that pupative organisation.

Sadly, Alex, sick and tired of the barracking he was receiving, left the hobby for good. Personally, I think the verbal abuse he received was unwarranted and utterly disgusting. It was not, nor will it ever be in my mind, justified. He was, I think, a victim of circumstance, and, just because he was the 'front man' for NASA, it was taken down in flames.

Well, it looks like something similar has happened twice this year, again. Though, it has to be said, not by fellow Airsofters, but be certain elements of the Airsoft retail trade, who have their own, probably profiteering, adgenda.

Paul Knaggs over at SWAT Airsoft had a good idea with the UKAF (UK Airsoft Federation), which was intended to first and foremost be a trade organisation; following on from that, he had the idea of extending it to you, the players, to share in the benefits of said organisation.

Unfortunately, it appears to have been lacking in support from the very people that make Airsoft in this country possible - fellow traders. I have also suffered at the hands of a couple of these: You will remember that my column in Gun Mart was cancelled through a couple of UK based traders/retailers playing less than nice at Pat Farey, the Editor of Gun Mart magazine.

Note that I've not named the traders in question. Frankly, and I think it was a wise move of Pat's, I wasn't told which traders were responsible. I might have done something silly, like commenting rather directly and poorly on them. Time calms, and now I'm merely annoyed, rather than steaming-out-the-ears angry, so if they like, they can comment, without fear of me letting go a verbal torrent at them.

So, if those certain traders would like to step up to the podium, and state why they thought it neccessary to shoot the UKAF down (and, if they like, the Airsoft in Action column, while they're at it), I think we'd all learn a few home truths. They can contact me at redcap@practicalairsoft.co.uk. I'll even undertake to publish their messages on a special page devoted to the subject, providing that they are printable, calm, and above all, polite.

Bitter? Me? Partly. More to the point, I'm saddened that a couple of retailers appear to be in it purely for the profit (and stuff everything else), rather than the love of the game. Surely they'd earn more profits from a well-regulated industry (through self regulation of course) and a well-oiled trade organisation devoted to supporting and assisting its' members, than by standing alone, and crossing their bloody fingers?

Can someone please explain their apparently appalling rationale to me? Please?

20^th February 2003

On Gun Crime, Laws, and the Future of Airsofting in the UK... (part two)

Politics. A word that is defined by the Little Oxford English Dictionary as:

Yeah, right. Like fun.

Ever more increasingly, we're seeing government by knee-jerk and opportunism. So where does this leave us, the Airsofting community? Simply put, between a rock and a hard place. Simple, it is most definately not.

OK, here's why: "Guns are bad". The nanny state doesn't want you, it's children, to play with things that can get you hurt. Actually, that's not quite true, is it. A small minority, intent on nannying the country, seems to have a peverse pleasure in seeing all forms of hobby or sport - or even pastime - that is objectionable to them, banned outright. Fox Hunting comes most immediately to mind. Handgun firearms comes a recent second. Riding your motorbike without a crash helmet - hmm... Well... ok, maybe that's a valid concern, after all. Never the less, these were all things that the government of the day decided would make a damn good vote-winner, so adopted without a second thought, intent on fooling you, the voter, into believing that it actually cared about you, and not the (vastly inflated) salary they got for sitting in a place that we elected them to (are we damn stupid, or what?!).

Even so, the so-called 'popular press', following Hungerford and Dunblane launched itself, fangs bared, and decried most of us as practically homicidal maniacs. Well, children, it seems to be happening again.

Without removing any of the tragedy and pain of the recent massacres in Birmingham, where a couple of young ladies were killed in a 'drive-by' shooting, the press has, once again, decided that it's Judge, Jury, and Executioner, and set upon us all again.

Luckily, for once, the government has seen a little sense, and not governed by knee-jerk this time. I was so pleasantly amazed, that I had to pick my jaw off the damn floor!

Instead, they appear to be acting reasonably intelligently this time. They are banning certain blank-firing guns, and certain Brocock Air Guns.

Of course, this doesn't even touch the illegally held real handguns, real sub machine guns, and real whatnot, that the real criminals like using. It does, however, affect the law abiding. Who? well, that's us, actually. I kid you not.

What were once perfectly legal (if controvertial) items are now being made illegal. Hungerford again? Well, no, not really. While at the time of writing this, things are somewhat sketchy (well, clouded in mud, actually), you've got the gist of it, above. However, we in the Airsofting community should pay close attention: We may not be far behind. "Springer gits" are my worry. For maybe fifteen quid, a young teenager - or younger - can legally purchase a spring-powered Airsoft handgun model. Most responsible retailers won't sell them to kids, but there are enough traders out there who don't really give a stuff, and want to make a profit, and will continue to do so, until checked by specific laws, that is.

So, while trying to keep Airsoft exempt from firearms laws, we need to get your members of Parliament to do something. So, here's my request to you: Ask them.

Ask them to act responsibly. Ask them to prevent anyone under the age of seventeen from being able to buy anything that even looks like a gun. Allow them to receive them as gifts, sure: But stop those damn young idiots from being able to BUY the damn things.

It won't stop the hardcore of complete gits out there from getting an Airsoft model, but it'll make it a damn sight harder. And making it harder may just stop the Armed Police units from having to attending a springer git, who's being a complete idiot - harmless, but an idiot - and allow them to get on with the serious business of stopping armed robbers, instead.

Now, does that sound like a worthy mission to you?

Of course it does. Sorted, then. Here endeth the monthly rant!

10^th February 2003

The End of Gun Mart as we know it...?

Well, it's been a nice twelve months. My Column devoted to Airsoft in Gun Mart magazine has been cancelled, due in the main to some rather unbecoming comments and implied implications from certain parties, who will remain un-named. They know who they are, and should be ashamed of themselves: Such outright bitchiness (there's no other word suitable to describe their behaviour) is totally unhelpful to Airsoft in the UK. Pat Farey, the Editor, did his best to stand by me, but when advertising revenue is at risk, being an advert-financed magazine, you have to know where to draw the line, and I fully understand his position, to poor sod. My last column in the magazine will be published in the March 2003 edition.

So, that's that. Gun Mart will have the usual adverts from most Airsoft retailers in the UK, and maybe the occasional article on Airsoft, written by advertisers, I would imagine, to boost sales. I doubt that they'll be that objective, so caveat emptor when reading them. And no, I doubt that further articles from me will appear in Gun Mart after March 2003. Oh, well. It was nice while it lasted.

All, however, is not lost...

Soon, coming to an Airsoft gaming site, and an Airsoft retailer near you, will be a new magazine, devoted to Airsoft in the UK - and I've just been invited to join the team!

It's not yet got a name (We're working on that - give us a chance!), and the final format is still being decided. That it will be published is beyond doubt. Whether it lasts, though, is up to you. The crew behind it have well over thirty five years of combined Airsoft experience behind them (I'm in the crew, in case you hadn't guessed already!), and include some very well known and respected members of the UK Airsoft community.

There will be the usual number of sections that you could wish - news, reviews, classifieds, and so on, with regular features and columns from certain members in respected standing in the UK Airsoft community (including yours truley!).

Watch this site for more news, when it becomes available!

On Gun Crime, Laws, and the Future of Airsofting in the UK...

Or: My Monthly Rant About Something Serious...(part one)

Recent tragic events have put gun crime firmly back into the media spotlight. While acknowledging the tragedy in Birmingham where two young women lost their lives and two more were severly injured by the use of illegally held firearms, let us not lose sight of the fact that most firearms are now illegal; they have been since the Semi-Automatic Rifle and Handgun ban portions of the Firearms Acts were implemented. However, gun crime has steadily increased following these bans, and show no signs of slowing down or stopping.

Plainly, something has gone terribly wrong. Handguns are, it would appear, being regularly smuggled into this country with virtual impunity, the smugglers going largely undetected. When criminals are caught with firearms, the CPS and the courts drop the ball, and the Judges fail to sentence the wrong-doers properly, as provided for by law; the message to not possess or use illegal firearms is therefore being watered down, and the youth and criminals being led to believe that no-one really cares is they have guns, illegal though they are, at all.

To add insult to injury, the press, in the main comprised of issue-ignorant hacks, jump on the band wagon of public opinion, and scream for blue murder against anyone carrying something that even resembles a gun, whether it be a toy, or the real thing.

Then, when the Police actually manage to find a criminal with a gun, the poor sods are unfairly blamed for not getting involved more quickly.

Then, we have the so-called 'Gun Control Network', a body of maybe seven people, who quite understandably want guns off the street; they, however, view anything gun-shaped as evil incarnate, and want everything even remotely related to firearms, even toy guns and water pistols, banned outright.

Finally, we have the so-called 'springer kiddies', mainly children under seventeen years of age, who go out, purchase a perfectly legal, but very cheap, spring-operated Airsoft pistol from a less than sensible retailer, then illegally play in full view of the public, on a street near you, and then wonder why people get upset, frightened, and downright snotty about these things, and call the already overworked Police about a bunch of kids on THEIR street, playing with guns.

It's small wonder, then, that we still have our hobby at all.

We are therefore in the position, where we, the Airsoft Hobbyists, must be so damned careful to pursue our legal and lawful activities of Airsoft gaming, using licence-exempt models, on private land, where the public cannot be at any form of perceived risk, and keeping our models well out of the sight of the general public, lest we become part of the problem. Obviously, something must be done to prevent crime, protect the public, and still allow us to enjoy our hobby in peace.

Primarly legislation is there to be upheld, and you only need to look at my essay on the subject (rather than have me say it all again) to see that it truley can be effective, if applied properly. However, this is not the whole story. We need to educate kids, their parents, and the authorities, properly, on what is, effectively, a disaster waiting to happen, so that we are not unfairly penalised for the actions of a few idiots and criminals who, frankly, don't give a toss about our society.

This would, though, require that the Government stand behind us, to help us protect our legal hobby, lest the Airsoft hobby goes the way of real shooting activites, and is banned for no reson what so ever.

I cannot see this happening. Can you?

Recently, a trade association, the UK Airsoft Federation, was set up. Its intent is to assist retailers and Airsoft gaming site operators in their legally run activities. Given time, they may extend this to help the Airsoft gamer, but only if this aspect is viable for them - while they're a non-profit organisation, remember that their primary goal is to assist the trade, and I cannot fault them for this at all - from small Acorns, do large Oak Trees grow, and all that.

In the mean time, it is up to us, the Airsoft enthusiasts, to keep a low profile. We must do this in order to avoid unwanted and unwelcome notice in the media - remember, they're out to savage us, and there's no reason to expect that this will change anytime soon. Keep your models out of public sight. Play only at properly organised and insured gaming sites. And for pities sake, keep your heads down!

Here endeth my monthy rant.

Subscribing to, and getting back issues of, Gun Mart magazine...

While I won't be contributing further articles to Gun Mart after the end of this month (last items to be published in the March 2003 edition), you can still get back issues, and, if you want, a subscription to the magazine.

Simply phone 014-5464-2456. While I don't know the name of the company that this reaches, they deal with direct subscriptions for Gun Mart magazine. UK subscriptions cost £33 (Thirty Three Pounds Stirling) at the time of writing this editorial.

The same outfit is also now providing a back issue service, so if you want an issue from way back when, and you've never been able to find it anywhere else, give them a bell!

Have a good month, and play safe!

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