As some of you might be aware, California recently passed an anti-toy gun law that may or may not prohibit airsoft guns in California. This new law seems to be written to purposely protect bb guns, paintball guns and nonfiring replicas, without any regard for airsoft guns.

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2051-2100/ab_2053_bill_20000901_chaptered.html

The law, when it takes affect, will basically prohibit the sales, distribution and importation of any toy gun, or realistic looking gun, unless it is painted bright neon green or made of transparent plastic. This does not include guns used in the entertainment industry, for export to other states, public displays, military activities or use in a certified or regulated athletic event or competition

Two types of imitation firearms do not apply: nonfiring replicas and "An instrument that expels a metallic projectile, such as a BB or pellet, through the force of air pressure, CO2 pressure, or spring action, or a spot marker gun". Airsoft has the capability to fire metal-covered BBs, but since the majority of airsoft players use plastic BBs, we do not feel this loophole will protect airsoft 100%

On Saturday Sept. 9th, there was an official meeting to discuss the future of airsoft in California, and possibly the rest of the US. We feel that this new law will destroy airsoft in California, and unless we do something to prevent it, it may eventually lead to a statewide ban of airsoft. Imagine not being able to play airsoft or even shoot it in your own bedroom!

Accordingly so, we have developed a two prong strategy to make sure airsoft still exists as a sport and a hobby in California.

1. Airsoft Tournaments

 We will form an official California Airsoft League, with different units, or chapters in each area/county of California. We have discussed this matter with some Northern Californian teams, and I'm not sure of what their stance is. But here in Southern California, we have a rough draft of what this new League will involve.

In order to prove to state officials that we are indeed a competitive sport, we will have to register airsoft players (complete with ID cards), develop a player database with relevant information, start an official website, and hold airsoft tournaments with other chapters (like Central California, Bay Area, San Diego, etc.). Several players volunteered to be on the official team for the Southern Californian chapter of the California Airsoft League. This team will represent us in state and nation-wide games playing against other team states and chapters. This team is still in the planning stages, so if you wish to join, please attend the next meeting. 

Also there is an airsoft magazine currently being developed, that will be published and sold in the very near future. This magazine will focus on airsoft as a competitive event, much like in Japan and Hong Kong, and feature reviews, advertisements, etc., just like any other magazine. Also, just like any other magazine, the publication will be printed in full color on glossy paper. Hopefully, this airsoft magazine will help move the public's opinion of airsoft from a bunch of rag-tag wanna be soldiers to a militaristic type simulation and competitive sport.

2. Spot Marker 

The law explicitly states that spot markers are excluded from this law. A spotmarker is basically a gun that leaves a visible trace behind, i.e. paintball guns. Airsoft guns have the capability to use 6mm paintballs, although these are cheaply made and will most likely destroy the internals of gas guns and AEGs.

Redstar Airsoft has developed a new form of optic tagging that will be used at competitions to judge hits. Basically it is a fine powder, invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen through the use of a blacklight. This powder does not damage the internal mechanisms of airsoft guns since it is extremely fine - 1 micron in size. Regular cleaning of your AEGs and gas guns will remove this powder. By using a black light in a darken room, a judge can visibly see the marks left by specially coated BBs. The powder comes in a variety of colors, so we can use them in competitions to differentiate between the teams.

What Can You Do? 

This is it. Within a month or two, when the law passes, we will (most likely) be unable to purchase any new airsoft guns at all. Unless we do something about it, airsoft stores will close down, airsoft players might get arrested for simply plinking in their houses, and I will be one step closer to moving to Texas.

How can you help? Simple - attend the next meeting. Help us plan the future of airsoft in Southern California. We need every single voice we can get. Sitting at home and bitching about how the government is taking away our guns WILL NOT help. Right now, we're not sure when the next meeting will take place. Please visit the SOCAL website or the mailing list for any updates.  

Also save your opinions, constructive arguments and viewpoints until the next meeting. Do not flood this mailing list or email me on this issue.

Thank you
Huy Doan

P.S. The League and the chapter are still unofficial. Thanks to the simplistic laws and bureaucracy of this wonderful state, we are still unsure on how to make our group an official one. We'll let you know ASAP.