Is Canada Banning Airsoft? | New Gun Control in Canada | Bill C-21 Part 3

Published on February 17, 2021
Duration: 15:57

This video discusses potential implications of Canada's Bill C-21 on the airsoft community. The speaker, an experienced firearms instructor, expresses concern that changes to firearm and prohibited device definitions could inadvertently ban many airsoft guns. The current legal framework in Canada treats airsoft guns as prohibited if they closely resemble firearms and fall below certain velocity and energy thresholds, or as firearms if they exceed those thresholds. The proposed legislation may expand these definitions, potentially criminalizing a significant portion of the airsoft market.

Quick Summary

Canada's Bill C-21 may inadvertently ban airsoft guns by altering definitions of firearms and prohibited devices. Currently, airsoft guns are legal if below 366 FPS and 5.7 joules, but can be prohibited if they resemble firearms. The new legislation could expand these definitions, impacting the entire airsoft market. Advocacy by contacting MLAs is recommended.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to Bill C-21 Series
  2. 00:12Focus on Airsoft Community Impact
  3. 00:25Disclaimer: Legislation Status
  4. 00:41Possibility of Bill C-21 Passing
  5. 01:01Merit of Concern for Airsoft
  6. 01:15Reviewing Criminal Code and New Legislation
  7. 01:54Potential Wipeout of Airsoft/Paintball
  8. 02:00International Airsoft Examples (Japan)
  9. 02:13DSR-1 Shoutout for Airsofters
  10. 02:22Speaker's Typical Content vs. This Topic
  11. 02:43Focus on US Legislation (HR 127)
  12. 03:04Expected Airsoft Video Views
  13. 03:12Thought of Outright Ban is Wild
  14. 03:27Targeting Growing/Booming Airsoft Side
  15. 03:32Airsoft Designed Like Modern Rifles
  16. 03:53Speaker's Personal Airsoft Involvement
  17. 04:11Airsoft as Substitute for Real Firearms
  18. 04:31Airsoft for Battle Simulations
  19. 04:40Overcoming Stigma Against Airsoft
  20. 05:00Airsoft Matches with Nods
  21. 05:10Airsoft MP7 as Grail Gun
  22. 05:33Considering Airsoft Dragonov/PSG-1 Clones
  23. 06:03Merits of Airsoft: Training & Fun
  24. 06:10Airsoft as Gateway to Firearms Community
  25. 06:27Protecting Airsoft Community
  26. 06:34Death by a Thousand Cuts Analogy
  27. 06:58Surprise of Airsoft Being Targeted
  28. 07:08Making Noise About Potential Ban
  29. 07:11Video as Awareness Piece
  30. 07:19Monetization and YouTube Policy
  31. 07:34Avoiding Political Stuff vs. Necessity
  32. 07:41Supporting the Airsoft Community
  33. 07:49Gun Stores Diversifying into Airsoft
  34. 08:05Airsoft's Awesome Potential
  35. 08:11Legitimacy and Applicability of Airsoft
  36. 08:23The Fine Print: Legal Details
  37. 08:35Why This Issue is Not Widely Discussed
  38. 08:48Changing Definitions of Firearm/Prohibited Device
  39. 09:02Airsoft's Gray Middle Ground in Law
  40. 09:08Current Airsoft Legal Thresholds (FPS/Joules)
  41. 09:23Metric and Imperial Measurements
  42. 09:34Exceeding Thresholds = Firearm
  43. 09:41Below Thresholds: Okay Up to a Point
  44. 09:51Subjective Exemption for Toys (Nerf)
  45. 10:05Under 366 FPS = Replica Firearm
  46. 10:09Replica Firearms are Banned
  47. 10:19Example: Robert's Armor Exterior
  48. 10:26Airsoft Resembling Prohibited Firearm
  49. 10:37Movie Industry Use of Replica Firearms
  50. 11:30Airsoft's Purgatory in Canadian Law
  51. 11:42Airsoft Treated as Firearm in Crime Commission
  52. 11:57Looking to Change Definitions
  53. 12:06Not a Firearm, But Resembles One
  54. 12:13Projectile Over 500 FPS / 4.2 Foot Pounds
  55. 12:19One-for-One Copy Definition
  56. 12:34Now Considered Replica Firearm / Prohibited Device
  57. 12:38Deferring to Legal Experts (Ian Runkle)
  58. 12:50Scary Stuff and Peer Interpretation
  59. 13:05Legitimate Concern, Not Hype
  60. 13:17Comparison to May 2020 OIC Ban
  61. 13:22Blanket Ban Over 20mm Bore
  62. 13:25Inadvertent Tie-up of Shotguns
  63. 13:46Harsh Punishments in Canada
  64. 13:56Ignorance of the Law is Not Bliss
  65. 14:02Government Can Enforce, Creating Overnight Criminals
  66. 14:04Impact on Kids and Airsoft
  67. 14:13Get Ahead of It: Make Noise
  68. 14:16Contact Your MLAs
  69. 14:21Inadvertent Consequences of Legislation
  70. 14:27Politicians Not Firearms Experts
  71. 14:34Canada's Firearms Law is a Mixed Match
  72. 14:39Make Noise for Exemptions/Amendments
  73. 14:48Better Safe Than Sorry
  74. 14:54Call to Action: Make Noise
  75. 14:57Follow on Instagram @Arm.Gov
  76. 15:03DM Backups and Apologies
  77. 15:16Gun Stuff is a Passion/Side Thing
  78. 15:23Support via Patreon
  79. 15:37Thanks and Stay Tuned for Parts 4 & 5
  80. 15:43Check Out CCFR, Ron Tracy, Ian Runkle

Frequently Asked Questions

Could Bill C-21 in Canada ban airsoft guns?

Yes, there is a significant concern that Canada's Bill C-21 could inadvertently ban many airsoft guns. The legislation proposes changes to definitions of firearms and prohibited devices, which could capture airsoft guns that closely resemble real firearms, especially those designed as one-to-one clones.

What are the current legal thresholds for airsoft guns in Canada?

Currently, airsoft guns in Canada are generally permitted if they shoot below 366 feet per second (FPS) and 5.7 joules of energy. If they exceed 500 FPS or 5.7 joules, they are classified as firearms. Those resembling firearms below these thresholds can be considered prohibited replica devices.

How does Bill C-21 propose to change firearm definitions in Canada?

Bill C-21 aims to expand the definitions of firearms and prohibited devices to include items that directly resemble firearms, even if they don't meet the traditional velocity or energy thresholds for being classified as a firearm. This could bring many airsoft guns into the scope of prohibited devices.

What action can Canadians take regarding Bill C-21 and airsoft?

Concerned Canadians are encouraged to make their voices heard by contacting their Members of Parliament (MLAs). Advocating for airsoft-specific exemptions or amendments to Bill C-21 is crucial to prevent unintended bans and protect the airsoft community.

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