A California State Senator has recently introduced a bill to basically make all airsoft guns in the state of California be clear or brightly neon colored. This bill not only reduces the look and appeal of your airsoft gun, but it can also cause some serious problems.
Here are some of my immediate thoughts against the passage of this bill:
- Look and Appeal: Part of the reason why airsofters play this sport and purchase the guns they do purchase is because we like how it looks and feels. There is a major difference in value between buying an airsoft gun that looks like something we want and one that is orange or pink.
- False Impression of Airsoft Safety: This bill is intended to create more safety–for the idiots that pull out airsoft guns out in the public with bystanders walking around. Airsoft already has a decently clean record in terms of accidents and people getting injured. But a possible consequence of clear or brightly colored airsoft guns is that people, particularly children, will think of an airsoft gun as a basic toy. The real markings and colorations of an airsoft gun serve as indicator that it is real-looking and dangerous, and should be handled with care.
- Hurting the Game: Some people like to conduct tactical simulations at low-light or dark settings. A neon airsoft gun can hurt or even destroy this aspect of the game.
- Faulty Reasoning: Can we really say that it’s because airsoft guns are black and look real that they’re the cause of people getting injured or shot by police? No, we can’t. If we had to pin the blame on anyone, it’s on a parent’s or person’s own irresponsibility and recklessness.Self-
- Self-Modification: Also, what’s to stop people from painting any toy gun black and making it look real? You might as well ban all forms of toy guns.
- Industry Effects: The large airsoft retailers in California will be greatly affected. I have no numbers on the airsoft industry but is definitely in the millions and growing. This will hurt the many retailers in California, especially those that sell out of state through e-commerce.
- Domino Effect: It’s been said that once California goes, the other states follow. If you’re thinking this won’t affect you because you live outside of California, you’re partially right. But it’s not uncommon to see other states follow after one another in laws.
If this issue interests you, you can read up on the the most current legislative language at the moment of this blog post at here.
If you live in CA, CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR AND ASSEMBLY MEMBER! Find out who is your senator and assembly member at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. Tell them either by fax, email, or phone that you want them to vote against this bill. Remember: you can only vote or hold your representative responsible for your OWN district.
You can get more up-to-date information about CA Senate Bill 798 (SB 798) at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.